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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.
Top 10 Highlights of 2022
January 2023 - 2022 was a time of restoration and innovation. It was our year to rekindle community, advance our mission and to celebrate the centennial of plantation life. Here are the top 10 highlights of 2022 that your support made possible.
New virtual exhibit celebrates plantation era centennial
September 2022 - On September 30, 2022 Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center (Lāna‘i CHC) launched its first ever virtual exhibit as part of its centennial celebration that commemorates the plantation life that began when the island was purchased by pineapple pioneer James Dole in 1922.
Lāna‘i Guide App: Explore Lāna‘i Responsibly
August 2022 –Explore the rich natural and cultural history of Lāna‘i with the Lāna‘i Guide App! HI Now host Kainoa Carlson catches up with Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center’s Executive Director, Shelly Preza, as she shares with us how the app can be used as a resource to discovering what the island has to offer.
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.
Top 10 Highlights of 2022
January 2023 - 2022 was a time of restoration and innovation. It was our year to rekindle community, advance our mission and to celebrate the centennial of plantation life. Here are the top 10 highlights of 2022 that your support made possible.
New virtual exhibit celebrates plantation era centennial
September 2022 - On September 30, 2022 Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center (Lāna‘i CHC) launched its first ever virtual exhibit as part of its centennial celebration that commemorates the plantation life that began when the island was purchased by pineapple pioneer James Dole in 1922.
Lāna‘i Guide App: Explore Lāna‘i Responsibly
August 2022 –Explore the rich natural and cultural history of Lāna‘i with the Lāna‘i Guide App! HI Now host Kainoa Carlson catches up with Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center’s Executive Director, Shelly Preza, as she shares with us how the app can be used as a resource to discovering what the island has to offer.