Lyman Museum and Mission House

Behind the rather reserved walls of the Lyman House Memorial Museum is a fascinating collection of galleries that span the natural and cultural history of the islands. On the ground level there is an eye-popping mineral and seashell collection, recreations of the various natural habitats on the islands, and a tour through a simulated lava tube.

Upstairs the focus turns toward the cultural aspect of the islands. You can wander through displays featuring ancient Hawaiian weapons, tools, cookware, and games. Other showcases describe the care taken in creating the massive feather capes and leis used to adorn the Hawaiian royalty. Homage is also paid to the various other cultures, such as the Japanese, Filipinos, Chinese, and Koreans, that have shaped the ethnic makeup of the islands.