With the vast majority of Hawaii’s population residing on Oahu, you would think it would be the epicenter of all-things-cultural in Hawaii. But, the neighbor islands are teeming with local art, sculpture, artifacts, and collections—much of which you can see on display at one of the many neighbor island museums.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular neighbor island museums (and museum-like cultural attractions). The list is courtesy of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau:
Big Island:
- Sugar has dominated the economy of the Hawaiian islands from the in 1800s up to ~the 1970s, when tourism took over. The last sugarcane plantation in Hawaiʻi closed in 2016. As such, sugar plantations have shaped life on Hawaiʻi for over a century.
The mission and purpose of the museum is to collect, preserve and exhibit Hawaii Island sugar plantation artifacts, and small business (Mom & Pops stores) memorabilia for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations. They aim to be a history as well as an educational center to show how the sugar industry helped develop a very different lifestyle in Hawaii.
- Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park: Along the lava rock coastline of south Kona, Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is a 180-acre national historic park featuring restored temples, fierce kii (wooden images of gods), and royal grounds. Head north along the Kohala Coast to Puukohola Heiau National Historical Site and see the largest restored heiau (temple) in Hawaii. Between 1790 and 1791, King Kamehameha I ordered the construction of this heiau. He dedicated it to the war god Ku to help him unite the Hawaiian Kingdom.
- Imiloa Astronomy Center: Hilo’s newest world-class attraction, the Imiloa Astronomy Center is housed beneath three striking titanium cones representing the three largest mountains on Hawaii Island. It features fun Interactive exhibits and an IMAX-style theater.
Maui:
- The Whalers Village Museum: Located in the Whalers Village shopping center fronting beautiful Kaanapali Beach, the Whalers Village Museum features artifacts and exhibits centered on the whaling era from 1825-1860.
- Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum: The sugar industry also played a major role in Maui’s history. Visit the Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum to see the workings of a sugar mill and learn how sugar helped shape the multi-ethnic population of Hawaii.
Kauai:
- Kauai Museum: the Kauai Museum in Lihue features amazing collections from the artisans of Kauai county. Visitors can learn about the geology of Hawaii, early Native Hawaiian life, and Captain Cook’s arrival on Kauai’s shores in Waimea.
- Grove Farm Homestead Museum: Also in Lihue, the Grove Farm Homestead Museum is a 100-acre, historic site that showcases life during Kauai’s plantation era more than a century ago.
- Kokee Natural History Museum: On the West Side, just beyond breathtaking Waimea Canyon, you’ll find the Kokee Natural History Museum. This is the place to go to get an overview of the hiking trails, rare plants, and endemic animals found in Kokee State Park and Waimea Canyon.
If you’re planning a trip to the neighbor islands, you can still indulge your interest in arts and culture. In fact, the neighbor island museums offer a unique perspective into each island’s history. And, that’s a rare treasure to bring home!
