9 Under-the-Radar Museums in Hawaii

Located in Hilo, on the island of Hawaii (or, “Big Island”) the Lyman Museum and Mission House is home to exhibits about the life of Hawaiian people, from Polynesian settlement through the present. Exhibits explain how early Hawaiians lived, as well as their spiritual beliefs, and detail the influences that were brought from afar by whalers, traders, missionaries, and immigrants. The museum’s exhibits also focus on the natural history of the islands and include a recreated lava tube and displays of native Hawaiian birds, sea shells, and minerals.

Don’t miss: The Lyman Mission House, a preserved 19th-century missionary's home and the oldest standing wood structure on the Island of Hawaii.

In the late 19th century, Englishman Henry Nicholas Greenwell built a general store in upcountry Kona, filling it with everything from coffee to crochet yarn to meet the needs of the large immigrant community in this rural area. Today, as Kona’s oldest surviving shop, listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places, it has been restored and restocked by the Kona Historical Society with historically accurate reproductions of goods that customers would have bought nearly 150 years ago. Extraordinary details, including the labels on tin cans and the period costumes worn by interpreters, create the feeling of having stepped back in time.

Don’t miss: On the third Thursday of the month, the Kona Historical Society practices the traditional art of baking Portuguese bread in a large wood-fired stone oven outside the museum. Freshly baked loaves are then sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Laupahoehoe Train Museum tells the stories of the island of Hawaii’s railways, particularly that of the Hilo Railroad, which ran along the island’s Hamakua Coast from 1899 until 1946. The museum, which is housed in an old station master’s office, has exhibits on the building of the railroad, its destruction by a tsunami, and the people who worked on it and depended on it.

Don’t miss: Take a stroll around the museum grounds, which are planted with tropical fruit trees and ornamentals.

In Wailuku, on Maui, Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House tells the story of Maui’s history through exhibits that range from artifacts from Hawaii’s pre-contact era, including fine kapa (paper used as clothing and bedding) and lei hulu (feather lei); furniture that is believed to have belonged to Queen Liliʻuokalani, and items from missionary families. Built in the 19th century, the building has served as a school, a private residence, and a sugar plantation office.

Don’t miss: The collection also includes one of Duke Kahanamoku's surfboards, hung above a canoe that is more than 100 years old.

Housed in the Old Lahaina Courthouse, which dates back to 1859, the Lahaina Heritage Museum offers a look at the rich and colorful history of the Maui town, from pre-contact Hawaii to the monarchy era, missionary period, plantation era, and early years as a tourism destination. Lahaina’s history as a whaling town is a prominent focus and there are also exhibits about the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, as Lahaina’s calm waters are the whales’ birthing and breeding grounds.

Don’t miss: Kitschy 1950s souvenirs including hula dolls represent Hawaii’s early years of tourism.

In the middle of Waimea Canyon and Kōke‘e State Parks on Kauai, this museum spotlights the parks’ natural history through exhibits about land and sea; native and introduced birds; and the traditional uses of Hawaiian forest trees. The Koke’e Natural History Museum doubles as a visitor center where travelers can also get information about hiking trails in the parks.

Don’t miss: Make time for the museum shop, which sells an extensive selection of Hawaiian books and locally made arts and crafts, including Ni‘ihau shell jewelry.

Housed in a lava rock structure in Lihue, the Kauaʻi Museum introduces visitors to the geological formation of the Hawaiian Islands, early Native Hawaiian life, Captain Cook’s arrival on Kauai, and the Hawaiian monarchy. The focus is on the history of Kauai and Ni’ihau, and highlights include a collection of ancient poi pounders found on the islands and colorful portraits of Kauai chiefs.

Don’t miss: The museum’s collection of artifacts and treasures recovered from the Ha‘aheo o Hawaiʻi (Pride of Hawaiʻi), a 19th-century ship that belonged to King Kamehameha II.

Owned and operated by the United States Army, and housed in a 1911 coastal defense battery in Waikiki, the US Army Museum chronicles the military history of Hawaii. Visitors can view historic tanks, weapons, and uniforms, and learn about Hawaii’s important role in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.

Don’t miss: The Gallery of Heroes, which honors Hawaiians who earned the nation’s two highest awards for valor.

Opening hours are very limited at the Honolulu Fire Department Museum, but it's well worth a visit, especially if traveling with children. Adjacent to Kaka‘ako Fire Station No. 9, the museum offers guided tours led by firefighters who highlight the history of the Honolulu Fire Department and give kid-focused fire safety demonstrations.

Don’t miss: During opening hours, the fire department hosts free CPR trainings next door in the Honolulu Fire Department Headquarters.