Experience Hawaii’s History, Heritage and Culture Inside and Out(side)!

In addition to water, Hawaii is surrounded by history, heritage and culture. Each island has its own unique past that has played a pivotal role in its distinctive identity. The stories and histories of the respective islands can be found in a variety of museums, cultural sites and landmarks that clients can experience both indoors and outdoors. Clients traveling to these sites come away not only with a better understanding of the islands, but a connection to them that ultimately enhances their travel experience. Here are a few recommendations for your clients:

Kauai
Located in the middle of Waimea and Kokee State Parks, Hui o Laka, Kokee Natural History Museum offers clients with a collection of natural history exhibits including endemic and introduced animals that live in Kokee, as well as wood samples from forest trees only found in Hawaii. Behind the museum, clients will find an 800-foot nature trail to show a segment of what a native forest looks like. Kauai-bound travelers interested in the island’s history can experience Kauai Museum. Visitors will learn about the geological formation of the Hawaiian Islands, early Native Hawaiian life, Captain Cook’s arrival on Kauai’s shores in Waimea and the Hawaiian Monarchy. Plus, clients can view galleries showcasing the work of multi-cultural artists, sculptors and craftsmen.

Oahu
Clients visiting Oahu should consider checking out the Battleship Missouri Memorial, a historic museum with a variety of tours that tell the tales of the ships’ storied past from the events of Pearl Harbor and WWII, to the Korean War and the Gulf War. For lessons on early Hawaiian aquaculture practices, direct clients to Kualoa Ranch and its ancient Hawaiian fishpond and Aloha Aina Tour where they’ll learn the rich stories and traditions of one of Oahu’s most well-preserved fishponds.

Maui
On Maui, clients can visit the Lahaina Restoration Foundation (LRF), an organization committed to restoring, preserving and protecting the physical, historical and cultural legacies of Lahaina. LRF has restored and preserved more than a dozen landmarks and historic structures in Lahaina including the Lahaina Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in the Pacific dating back to 1840. Clients interested in a comprehensive look into Lahaina’s past from pre-contact Hawaii through the Monarchy era to early tourism can visit the Lahaina Heritage Museum in the Old Lahaina Courthouse.

Island of Hawaii

Astronomy enthusiasts should set aside time to explore the Imiloa Astronomy Center on the Island of Hawaii and its interactive exhibits exploring the connections between modern astronomy on the island’s Maunakea volcano and early Hawaiian studies of the cosmos. For a java-fueled learning experience, stop by the Kona Coffee Living History Farm – a working coffee estate first homesteaded in 1900 – and explore its historic buildings stocked with authentic era artifacts and antiques.