Hawaii Historical Homes

The 19th century arrival of missionaries and their knowledge of building homes gave Hawaii an entirely new way to define shelter. Many of these Hawaii historical homes are available to visit today offering free or admission for a nominal fee. Here are the most historically significant of the major Hawaiian Islands.

Wai‘oli Mission House Museum
Along Kuhio Highway
Hanalei HI 96766
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 9am-3pm
Phone: (808) 245-3202
Lat: 22.200765
Lon: -159.502975
Located at the foot of the 245 foot high waterfall laden Kamoo Koleaka mountain peak in Hanalei Valley on the Garden Island of Kauai, the Waioli Mission House has been sitting for over 175 years. Originally built in 1837 by Abner Wilcohandicap and loving restored in 1921 by his grand-daughter, this home and grounds still retains much of the character and charm of when it was originally built. Today a museum, visitors are welcome to join one of the guided tours to enjoy the furnishings, gardens and more.

Bailey House Museum
2375A Main Street
Wailuku HI 96793
Phone: (808) 244-3326
Hours: 10am-4pm Mo-Sa, closed Sunday
Admission: $7 per adult discounts for students, seniors and children
Lat: 20.885771
Lon: -156.50708
Located in the heart of Wailuku, this small but significant mission house museum offers a look back into the days when missionaries came in droves to save islanders from their heathen ways. Along with guided tours of the home, the museum offers special exhibits, a valuable research archive along with special events throughout the year.

Shipman House
131 Kaiulani Street
Hilo HI  96720
Phone: (808) 934-8002
Hours: call ahead for arrangements
Lat: 19.724893
Lon: -155.093700
Located tucked away in a corner of sleepy Hilo Town known to locals as Reed’s Island, on the Big Island of Hawaii, this home was designed and built in 1899 by Honolulu architect Henry Livingston Kerr, who designed and built many stately home in the Manoa and Nu’uanu area on Oahu. The house is considered to be the finest example of a Queen Anne Victorian on the Big Island and only one of just a couple intact Victorians left in Hawaii. This home is operated today as a bed and breakfast by descendants of the original owner. Guests are welcome to visit, but are advised to call ahead to make arrangements.

Washington Place
320 South Beretania Street
Honolulu HI 96813
Phone: (808) 586-0248
Hours: advance arrangements required
Lat: 21.308618
Lon: -157.856865
The gleaming Greek revival mansion can be found in the heart of historic Honolulu wedged between Saint Andrews Cathedral and more modern government buildings under a bevy of beautiful mature and unique trees. Built, designed and constructed by Isaac Hart for trader John Dominis in1841.The home was built for the son of the trader and his future bride the last reigning monarch of Hawaii Queen Liliuokalani. In later years the house served as the official residence f the Governor of Hawaii until 2008. Today it is being maintained by the Washington Place Foundation dedicated to preservation of the history of Hawaii.

John C. Derrick

Published by: John C. Derrick

Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.

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