This isn't a very well-known tourist spot but is a super way to learn about some of Hawaii's agricultural development. Families with small children may not wish to choose this, depending upon their kids' interests. A guided walking tour is available. If you have the time, it is helpful to read the background information provided in the museum prior to walking the grounds. It is amazing to learn about the history of the sugar industry in Hawaii and gives you insight into the multicultural population that forms the basis for the present Hawaiian state - as native Hawaiians suffered elimination from various diseases brought to their islands by overseas explorers, immigration of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Puerto Rican, Filipino and even Portuguese people supported the sugar industry during its heyday. Prejudice was rampant as the industry strove to survive. This fascinating, informal tour takes a little over an hour but is worth it to appreciate the island history. Be aware that this site is only open on weekdays with limited hours (10AM-2PM, if I recall).
CJ112015
Let’s begin with…you need to be interested in Hawaii’s agricultural history, I.e. sugar plantation and how it influenced immigration by the Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean and Puerto Rican people in order to enjoy this tour. It is run by a nonprofit so not polished, not rehearsed and not choreographed - just plain history about hardworking people, the discrimination they faced, their hard lives and their culture. Take was our guide today- knowledgeable, well paced and so very patient with the group of 9 peppering him with questions. Informal, interesting and low-key.
sophopotamus
My friends and I were the only ones to visit the plantation today and the staff was so happy to see us! Lance gave us a wonderful tour and was very knowledgeable, adding anecdotes of his personal experience. He was so personable and really demonstrated the spirit of Aloha.talking story with him was a highlight of my trip! Because of Covid they have very few visitors. This is a safe, outdoor, place to witness realistic replicas of the plantation dwellings. I learned so much and really recommend the tour to anyone who wants to learn more about Hawaii’s diverse history— great for kids too!
DBKuper
Fred was our docent. The gents was fantastic is many different ways. Folks, in places that rely on the quality of the docent, that makes or breaks the visit. Read Hawaii by Michener and then go. If not interested in history, do not go
BoardingPass728479
Excellent tour! Very informative and interesting! The docent was very knowledgeable Great insight into the immigrants that came here to work on the sugar cane plantations and also to see the living conditions.
JimB321
Our 90 minute tour turned into 3 great hours of learning about the foreign immigration into Hawaii, and reasons for it. Our guide grew up in the sugar cane communities and had countless stories to share. The varied architecture of the building representing the varied cultural groups was both fascinating and beautiful. Highly recommended to any visitor to Hawaii!
aileenandpeterf
Anyone who enjoys learning about history or local culture would enjoy this place. It consists of buildings from the plantation era of Hawaiian history. You may take a guided tour or carry a self guiding packet with you. The buildings have all been moved to this location allowing a concentrated experience of the immigrants who came to Hawaii in this era. The buildings are furnished with appropriate furniture and articles of daily living as well as religious objects from the various religions of the people who lived on the plantations. There are many interesting plants and trees as well. Inside the visitor's center, was an exhibit about the the mistreatment of Japanese Americans during World War 2. It is a lesson for us today. Visitors will learn a lot from touring this museum but it will be a pain free, no test experience. It's the best way to learn history.
Nena Martin
Not many people know what is in there. All different little shops, dance studio, tattoo parlor, piercing, food..snack shop.etc..etc..check it out. Some thing for everyone. Old Arakawas bldg in waipahu.
Wendell Miguel
they have boots that are available for lease or rent at waipahu plantation marketplace
Sanoe GarSugi
We just had our Hula Studio’s fundraiser this past weekend (2/11) and it was wonderful! Big enough space for what we needed it for and the staff was great to work with! I recommend this location for your future event! Mahalo nui! -Akala Dance Studio
We just had our Hula Studio's fundraiser this past weekend (2/11) and it was wonderful! Big enough space for what we needed it for and the staff was great to work with! I recommend this location for your future event! Mahalo nui! -Akala Dance Studio
Mayet Gasmen Trinidad
I love going there ... Cheaper n easy parking ! Clean bathroom too and friendly people... I would recommend friends to go there it's a cheaper ... Fresh vegetables too
Kelly Lamug
Love this place. Very close to home and I can stop by anytime for fresh produce or seafood. I recommend this place to all my friends.
This isn't a very well-known tourist spot but is a super way to learn about some of Hawaii's agricultural development. Families with small children may not wish to choose this, depending upon their kids' interests. A guided walking tour is available. If you have the time, it is helpful to read the background information provided in the museum prior to walking the grounds. It is amazing to learn about the history of the sugar industry in Hawaii and gives you insight into the multicultural population that forms the basis for the present Hawaiian state - as native Hawaiians suffered elimination from various diseases brought to their islands by overseas explorers, immigration of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Puerto Rican, Filipino and even Portuguese people supported the sugar industry during its heyday. Prejudice was rampant as the industry strove to survive. This fascinating, informal tour takes a little over an hour but is worth it to appreciate the island history. Be aware that this site is only open on weekdays with limited hours (10AM-2PM, if I recall).
Let’s begin with…you need to be interested in Hawaii’s agricultural history, I.e. sugar plantation and how it influenced immigration by the Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean and Puerto Rican people in order to enjoy this tour. It is run by a nonprofit so not polished, not rehearsed and not choreographed - just plain history about hardworking people, the discrimination they faced, their hard lives and their culture. Take was our guide today- knowledgeable, well paced and so very patient with the group of 9 peppering him with questions. Informal, interesting and low-key.
My friends and I were the only ones to visit the plantation today and the staff was so happy to see us! Lance gave us a wonderful tour and was very knowledgeable, adding anecdotes of his personal experience. He was so personable and really demonstrated the spirit of Aloha.talking story with him was a highlight of my trip! Because of Covid they have very few visitors. This is a safe, outdoor, place to witness realistic replicas of the plantation dwellings. I learned so much and really recommend the tour to anyone who wants to learn more about Hawaii’s diverse history— great for kids too!
Fred was our docent. The gents was fantastic is many different ways. Folks, in places that rely on the quality of the docent, that makes or breaks the visit. Read Hawaii by Michener and then go. If not interested in history, do not go
Excellent tour! Very informative and interesting! The docent was very knowledgeable Great insight into the immigrants that came here to work on the sugar cane plantations and also to see the living conditions.
Our 90 minute tour turned into 3 great hours of learning about the foreign immigration into Hawaii, and reasons for it. Our guide grew up in the sugar cane communities and had countless stories to share. The varied architecture of the building representing the varied cultural groups was both fascinating and beautiful. Highly recommended to any visitor to Hawaii!
Anyone who enjoys learning about history or local culture would enjoy this place. It consists of buildings from the plantation era of Hawaiian history. You may take a guided tour or carry a self guiding packet with you. The buildings have all been moved to this location allowing a concentrated experience of the immigrants who came to Hawaii in this era. The buildings are furnished with appropriate furniture and articles of daily living as well as religious objects from the various religions of the people who lived on the plantations. There are many interesting plants and trees as well. Inside the visitor's center, was an exhibit about the the mistreatment of Japanese Americans during World War 2. It is a lesson for us today. Visitors will learn a lot from touring this museum but it will be a pain free, no test experience. It's the best way to learn history.
Not many people know what is in there. All different little shops, dance studio, tattoo parlor, piercing, food..snack shop.etc..etc..check it out. Some thing for everyone. Old Arakawas bldg in waipahu.
they have boots that are available for lease or rent at waipahu plantation marketplace
We just had our Hula Studio’s fundraiser this past weekend (2/11) and it was wonderful! Big enough space for what we needed it for and the staff was great to work with! I recommend this location for your future event! Mahalo nui! -Akala Dance Studio
Restaurantji Recommends
We just had our Hula Studio's fundraiser this past weekend (2/11) and it was wonderful! Big enough space for what we needed it for and the staff was great to work with! I recommend this location for your future event! Mahalo nui! -Akala Dance Studio
I love going there ... Cheaper n easy parking ! Clean bathroom too and friendly people... I would recommend friends to go there it's a cheaper ... Fresh vegetables too
Love this place. Very close to home and I can stop by anytime for fresh produce or seafood. I recommend this place to all my friends.