Excellent museum with a collection that includes an extensive collection of shells from around the world. There is very good geology information with a mineral collection that they claim is rated in the top 10 of the world. One of the mineral specimens [a manganese silicate called Orlymanite] is the only one anywhere. The cultural exhibits on the second floor are also excellent. You can also for a small fee take a tour of the Mission House next to the museum. It dates from 1839, it is the oldest wood frame building on the island.

My wife and I along with our 15 year old son toured both the mansion and the museum. We were very impressed with both opportunities. The museum had an excellent volcanology exhibit and was great to see after being very disappointed with the interpretive center at Volcanoes National Park which had very little explanation on the volcanoes. The gem collection was also top notch. It also covered the Hawaiian natural environment and cultural history. It was by far the best museum we have been to in Hawaii and one of the best we have been to anywhere. It took us two hours to see both the mansion and museum so I would plan on 2 hours. A little more time if you like to take your time and less if you skip through a museum with little reading.

We did the combined tour of the museum and the Mission House. The museum was good, especially for those with less background on the geology. flora and fauna of the islands. The upper floor of the museum was particularly informative about the history of the island, and the demise and later resurrection of Hawaiian culture. The Mission House tour well exceeded expectations. Reece, the docent, was extremely knowledgeable and gave an excellent tour.

The museum was very informative on many different aspects of Hawaii, from geologic features to history and culture. Well worth the visit - we spent more time than expected because it was all so interesting. Wish it were open on weekends.

Our visit to the Lyman Museum was really interesting. Bruce gave us a tour of the home and was full of interesting information and fun facts. We loved the lava exhibits as well as the minerals. The gift shop had a great book selection as well as so much more. Great stop if you are in Hilo!