easy
1–2 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels; no strenuous activity required
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.
General Admission at $30 • Reserve tickets at least 24 hours in advance
General Admission: - $30 per person Kama'aina/senior/student: - $20 per person
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
Getting to the dock 15 minutes early ensures you secure a good spot and have time to settle in before departure.
Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to stay comfortable while enjoying outdoor deck views during the tour.
Light, breathable clothing is recommended, especially during warmer seasons and sunny days.
Ensure a reliable internet connection and a device with audio/video capabilities for seamless virtual tour experiences.
Hawaiian Mission Houses was established in the 19th century and played a vital role in Hawaii's missionary and cultural history.
The tour promotes eco-friendly practices by minimizing environmental impact and supporting local conservation efforts.
Protects your face and neck from sun exposure during the outdoor boat tour.
summer specific
Helps prevent sunburn while enjoying the open deck views.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Adds warmth during cooler morning or evening segments of the tour.
winter specific
Capture scenic vistas and historical landmarks from the boat.