Walk Back Through Time: Spotting Kauai Museums

If you want to discover the different events and legends that occured in the past 2000 years of Kauai’s existence, there are still many proofs and hints available to this day. Kauai museums hold several architectural treasures, artifacts and other evidences of the various important happenings in Hawaiian past as well as showcase how ancient villagers and tribes used to live in this vast tropical paradise.

Agricultural History

Kauai actually has a very rampant agricultural lifestyle. Early Polynesian explorers brought many unique plants and herbs that are still existent today. Several farmers and workers used to tend plantations and fields with products such as corn, sugarcane, coconut, rice and a variety of fruits and vegetables. The Faye Museum at Kaumualili Highway, Waimea is a single-room location at Waimea Plantation Cottages that contain exhibits and pictures of H.P. Faye, a pioneer sugar planter at West Kauai.

The Norwegian immigrant arrived in 1880 and began a small plantation at Mana which established Kakaha Sugar and Kokee Ditch Systems. Two more generations followed and continued to manage the plantation. You get to see the intricate drainage canals that serve the big swamps of Mana. Admission is free.

Grove Farm Museum at Lihue is that oldest intact sugar plantation in Hawaii. It was originally acquired by George Wilcox in 1864, the son of missionary educators. You will see some original structures and furnishings that were used from 1864 to 1978. Guided tours are available by reservation plus a $10 requested donation for adults and a $5 donation for children ages 5 to 12 years old.

Hoopulapula Haraguchi Mill is locatd at Hanalei at the north shore of Kauai. The Kauai museum is the lone rice mill left in Hawaii found inside a National Wildlife Refuge at Hanalei Valley. The place is usually not open to the public although you can occasionally have the opportunity to know more about Hawaii’s agriculture and cultural lifestyle dating back 130 years ago. You can also witness some rare wildlife species like native waterbirds and the various ways to grow and use taro, a Polynesian crop.

Other Fascinating Museums

Kauai Children’s Discovery Museum is located at the Kauai Village Shopping Center in Kapa’a and is the ideal educational experience for kids and the entire family. This place offers kids and parents to enjoy various activities and stories. The lessons are very hands-on and particularly focus on letting children understand Kauai’s unique and interesting background.

Kokee Natural History Museum is located at Kokee State Park at Kekaha and is also recommended for big groups and families. The museum promotes and sparks interest about the island’s natural history, wonders as well as the entire Hawaiian archipelago. Seminars, workshops and events are held occasionally. Shops are available as well.

Waioli Mission House Museum is located at Hanalei on the north shore of the island. The Kauai museum used to be a missionary house built in 1837 and restored in 1921. You will find historic furnishings, native plants and trees and traditional Hawaiian horticulture in the old structure.

Guided tours are available with no admission fees required. West Kauai Technology & Visitor Center is at Kaumualili Highway, Waimea provides a modern approach to educating tourists about the many facets of the island and its people. Multimedia presentations, guided walking tours and other state-of-the-art facilities are available.