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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.
Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center presents E ‘Ike Hou iā Lāna‘i 2024, a summer cultural immersion camp for students. The summer program E ʻIke Hou iā Lāna‘i is open for enrollment every summer. 2025 program is in development and will be announced when enrollment opens in April 2025. Dates are subject to change. Check one
Join us for Kupulau Festival, a vibrant celebration of Lāna‘i's rich natural and cultural landscape, held annually on the last Saturday of April at the Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center. This free, public event takes place on April 25. Mahalo to KS Kaiāulu and National Fish & Wildlife Foundation for their support. Attendees can learn
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.
First annual golf tournament on February 10
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!
Japanese exhibit on display through spring
January 2024 — Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center celebrates 2024 with a new exhibit of more than 30 artifacts and 25 photos from its vast archive. Honoring the legacy of Lāna‘i’s Japanese community, this exclusive exhibition features a first-hand glimpse of pieces from the island’s Japanese families.
Hawaiian artifacts preservation project
November 2023 - Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center has launched E Mālama i ke Koehana Waiwai o Lāna‘i (to care for the valuable artifacts of Lāna‘i), an ambitious two and half-year project to preserve and honor the native Hawaiian artifacts in Lāna‘i CHC’s care.
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.
First annual golf tournament on February 10
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!
Japanese exhibit on display through spring
January 2024 — Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center celebrates 2024 with a new exhibit of more than 30 artifacts and 25 photos from its vast archive. Honoring the legacy of Lāna‘i’s Japanese community, this exclusive exhibition features a first-hand glimpse of pieces from the island’s Japanese families.
Hawaiian artifacts preservation project
November 2023 - Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center has launched E Mālama i ke Koehana Waiwai o Lāna‘i (to care for the valuable artifacts of Lāna‘i), an ambitious two and half-year project to preserve and honor the native Hawaiian artifacts in Lāna‘i CHC’s care.