Adventure Collective
null - Honolulu

In-Person or Virtual History Buff Tour

Honolulueasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; no strenuous activity required

Overview

Discover the rich history of Hawaii through a captivating boat tour in Honolulu. Whether in person or virtually, this experience offers an engaging dive into the island's cultural past with stunning ocean views and insightful storytelling.

Honolulu, Hawaii

In-Person or Virtual History Buff Tour

General Admission at $30 • Reserve tickets at least 24 hours in advance

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Adventure Photos

In-Person or Virtual History Buff Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Tour the site with Director of Education and history buff, Mike Smola


Rates

General Admission: - $30 per person Kama'aina/senior/student: - $20 per person


Duration and Schedule

  • Limited Tour Times
  • Limited group up to 10 people
  • 60 minute guided tour
  • Reserve tickets at least 24 hours in advance
  • Walk-ins allowed based on availability

About

Tour the site with Curator of Programs and history buff, Mike Smola to both, learn and discuss the ins and outs of 19th-century history.

In-Person tour is limited to a maximum of 10 people.


Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives (HMH), an active site for Hawaii’s history since 1820, is a National Historic Landmark (listed in 1965) and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (last re-accredited in 2010). HMH graces a one-acre site in the Historic Capital district in downtown Honolulu. HMH preserves Hawai‘i’s oldest Western-style house, the 1821 Mission House, as well as the 1831 Chamberlain House, the 1841 Bedroom Annex, a cemetery, a collections' storage vault, a gift shop, and multipurpose space. The library, which holds both English and Hawaiian archival material, welcomes researchers on site as well as from around the globe through the digital collection. A coral-and-grass performance arena was added in 2011, hosting theater and mele (music) performances throughout the year, and a reconstructed hale pili, built using cultural practitioner leadership and designed with sources from journals in the HMH archives, was added in 2021. HMH offers school field trips, tours, historical theater performances and has been awarded over 15 Po‘okela Awards for Excellence in theatrical performance, writing, and direction. The HMH historical archive holds over 80,000 digital pieces and is home to one of the largest collections of Hawaiian language books in the world.

Support provided by Hawai‘i Tourism through the Kūkulu Ola Program

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early for the Best Views

Getting to the dock 15 minutes early ensures you secure a good spot and have time to settle in before departure.

Bring Sun Protection

Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to stay comfortable while enjoying outdoor deck views during the tour.

Dress Comfortably for the Weather

Light, breathable clothing is recommended, especially during warmer seasons and sunny days.

Prepare for Virtual Participation

Ensure a reliable internet connection and a device with audio/video capabilities for seamless virtual tour experiences.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Hawaiian sea turtles
  • Spinner dolphins

History

Hawaiian Mission Houses was established in the 19th century and played a vital role in Hawaii's missionary and cultural history.

Conservation

The tour promotes eco-friendly practices by minimizing environmental impact and supporting local conservation efforts.

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Adventure Hotspots in Honolulu

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sun Hat

Essential

Protects your face and neck from sun exposure during the outdoor boat tour.

summer specific

Sunscreen

Essential

Helps prevent sunburn while enjoying the open deck views.

spring|summer|fall|winter specific

Light Jacket or Sweater

Adds warmth during cooler morning or evening segments of the tour.

winter specific

Camera or Smartphone

Essential

Capture scenic vistas and historical landmarks from the boat.