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The 8 Best History Museums in Maui, Hawaii (HI)
The Hawaiian island of Maui is a destination for true nature lovers. The ethereal bamboo forest and churning waterfalls in Haleakala National Park can be explored via the Waimoku Falls Trail. Stretch out on warm, golden sands or hit the surf for an unforgettable windsurfing or snorkeling session. Driving the scenic road to Hana along the island’s northeastern shore will be among the most spectacular journeys of your life. Time stands still at the Hawaiian village of Keanae, definitely worth a visit.
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1. Lahaina Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By psudino - Weehawken, United States
This museum is quite small but does an excellent job displaying the history and culture of this area. It is located in the same building as the visitor center, old courthouse (part of the museum) in the plaza with the immense banyan tree. The exhibits were well kept and the signage was to the point. You can get a good feel for the history of the area in about 20 minutes.
2. Baldwin Home Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 273 reviews
The Baldwin Home was built in 1834 and served as the home of a practicing physician, Rev. Dwight Baldwin who is credited for saving the people of Maui, Molokai and Lanai from the scourge of smallpox during the terrible epidemic of 1853. The home itself, its household furniture, aged photographs, artifacts, displays and library present a fascinating picture of the life in Lahaina in the 19th century as lived by a missionary and medical doctor. Admission Fee of $7 allows entry to both Baldwin Home and Wo Hing Museums. Senior, Military, and Children discounts available. Candlelit Tours take place every Friday on the half-hour from dusk to 8:00pm. Purchase a "Passport to the Past" for $10 and get admission to four of Maui’s popular museums! (Baldwin Home, Wo Hing, A&B Sugar and Bailey House)
Reviewed By StargazerMaui
Very interesting tour... taking a step back in time. Always fun to learn more about Maui earlier days! Reasonable
3. Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 262 reviews
In light of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases on Maui, the Sugar Museum will be closed to the public for the week of January 11-17. While we are sad to close our doors, our first priority is protecting the safety of our volunteers, staff, and visitors. We will keep you updated on our plans for reopening. Mahalo for all of your support!
Reviewed By JavierTravelerSpain - Singapore, Singapore
The museum gives you a comprehensive view of very interesting topics: -How the sugar cane industry used to be in Maui and the former importance of sugar in Hawaiian economy -How was the process since planting sugar cane to harvesting and refining -The sugar plantation life. Which were the stories of the migrant workers who moved to Hawaii to work in the plantations and how was the community the created. The museum rooms recreate very well different sceneries, and it has original artifacts, including large machinery and vehicles from the last plantation operators, which are impressively big! The museum staff was very kind and the entrance is really cheap. Recommended visit if you want to see other side of Maui and its past.
4. Story of Hawaii Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 16 reviews
5. Wo Hing Temple Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 179 reviews
The earliest Chinese to arrive on Maui came on trading or whaling ships. It was these men who helped to build tunnels and irrigation systems through the mountains. Chinese immigrants formed the Wo Hing Society to nurture the ex-pat community, providing social contacts, support in times of crisis, and housing for retired workers. It also supported the revolutionary activities of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, renowned as the Father of Modern China, and first provisional president of the Republic of China. In addition, the cookhouse is used as a showcase of this time as well as a small theater, screening films of life in the islands that were made by Thomas Edison between 1898-1906. Admission Fee of $7 allows entry to both Wo Hing and Baldwin Home Museums. Senior, Military, and Children discounts available. Purchase a "Passport to the Past" for $10 and get admission to four of Maui’s popular museums! (Baldwin Home, Wo Hing, A&B Sugar and Bailey House)
Reviewed By 900meghana - Burnaby, Canada
We stopped by this museum with our young children and thought it was very interesting. The knowledgeable woman who was working gave us a great tour and answered all of my kids’ many questions. We saw some fascinating artwork and learned more about the history of Lahaina. Definitely worth a stop, especially for the price ($7 for an adult which includes a visit to the Baldwin House and our kids were free).
6. Hana Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 33 reviews
An eclectic collection of local history.
7. Hale Pa'i Printing Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 8 reviews
When the first missionaries arrived in Lahaina in 1823, they stressed to the ali‘i of Hawai‘i the importance of education and literacy for their people, and a seed was planted. By 1831, Lahainaluna Seminary was established, becoming the first secondary school west of the Rockies. Lahainaluna survives today as Lahaina’s public high school. On its campus is Hale Pa‘i, the House of Printing. Students were taught how to set type, operate the press, create copper engravings and bind books. Textbooks and teaching aids were created and continually improved. The original press printed the first newspaper published west of the Rocky Mountains on February 14, 1834. It was a four-page weekly called “Ka Lama Hawaii.”
