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Lana‘i Culture & Heritage Center
PRESERVING & PROTECTING THE PAST
Aloha mai
Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center in Hawai‘i is a community that preserves and celebrates the island’s heritage and its ever-evolving culture. We share the historical narrative of pre-western contact to eras of ranching, plantation and tourism. Our goal is to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the island’s unique cultural landscape and history. Our vibrant collection of programs bring the community together to celebrate a thriving culture, educate youth and families, restore the land and preserve historic places.
Museum Open
Monday – Friday | 11 am – 3 pm
Museum Open | Monday – Friday | 11 am – 3 pm
A few ways we made an impact in 2024
Preserve the Past
Lāna’i’s rich history stretches back over a millennium, beginning with the arrival of Polynesian voyagers. For centuries, Native Hawaiians carefully stewarded the island, developing a unique culture and way of life. This era of indigenous management lasted until the late 18th century when Western contact initiated a period of profound transformation.
In the 1850s, ranching emerged as the first major Western economic endeavor on Lāna’i, persisting for about 100 years. The 70-year agricultural boom of pineapple reshaped not only the land but also the social fabric of the island, attracting workers from all over the world, creating a vibrant melting pot of cultures, and fundamentally altering the traditional way of life.
Empowering Culture
In transient times and outmigration of those raised on Lāna‘i, we champion education for students, and empower islanders and visitors to celebrate a story that continues to unfold. Beyond the museum, our mission embraces ‘āina-based curriculum and cultural workshops. Our events strengthen the bond between people and community, the past and the present. We offer stewardship opportunities that support harmony with the land. In the past 50 years of tourism and transition, we are an island of enduring identity – always bringing the past forward in our journey of sustainability and conservation.
Preserve the Past
Lāna’i’s rich history stretches back over a millennium, beginning with the arrival of Polynesian voyagers. For centuries, Native Hawaiians carefully stewarded the island, developing a unique culture and way of life. This era of indigenous management lasted until the late 18th century when Western contact initiated a period of profound transformation.
In the 1850s, ranching emerged as the first major Western economic endeavor on Lāna’i, persisting for about 100 years. The 70-year agricultural boom of pineapple reshaped not only the land but also the social fabric of the island, attracting workers from all over the world, creating a vibrant melting pot of cultures, and fundamentally altering the traditional way of life.
Empowering Culture
In transient times and outmigration of those raised on Lāna‘i, we champion education for students, and empower islanders and visitors to celebrate a story that continues to unfold. Beyond the museum, our mission embraces ‘āina-based curriculum and cultural workshops. Our events strengthen the bond between people and community, the past and the present. We offer stewardship opportunities that support harmony with the land. In the past 50 years of tourism and transition, we are an island of enduring identity – always bringing the past forward in our journey of sustainability and conservation.
News & Stories
In every moment, we create history, leave a legacy and share memories. Lāna‘i’s living culture is a collection of experiences that we share now and carry forward to the future.
Aloha ʻĀina: Lāna‘i Keiki Grow, Learn, and Thrive
June 2024 – During the Spring 2024 semester, almost 100 Lāna‘i elementary students ranging from Kindergarten through 5th grade participated in on-campus aloha ʻāina workshops.
Hiʻi: Preserving an Ancient Agricultural Site on Lāna‘i
March 2024 – Lāna‘i Culture and Heritage Center led a group of volunteers to an ancient site of an agricultural community on Saturday, March 16. Hiʻi is located about two miles from Koele.
Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center Golf Tournament 2024
February 2024 – Together, we raised nearly $40,000 to support our mission to celebrate and preserve Lāna'i's culture and diverse heritage. Congratulations to our first place winners!
News & Stories
In every moment, we create history, leave a legacy and share memories. Lāna‘i’s living culture is a collection of experiences that we share now and carry forward to the future.
Aloha ʻĀina: Lāna‘i Keiki Grow, Learn, and Thrive
June 2024 – During the Spring 2024 semester, almost 100 Lāna‘i elementary students ranging from Kindergarten through 5th grade participated in on-campus aloha ʻāina workshops.
Hiʻi: Preserving an Ancient Agricultural Site on Lāna‘i
March 2024 – Lāna‘i Culture and Heritage Center led a group of volunteers to an ancient site of an agricultural community on Saturday, March 16. Hiʻi is located about two miles from Koele.
Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center Golf Tournament 2024
February 2024 – Together, we raised nearly $40,000 to support our mission to celebrate and preserve Lāna'i's culture and diverse heritage. Congratulations to our first place winners!