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Lana‘i Culture & Heritage Center

Honoring the Past, Enriching the Future OUR PROGRAMS
Red dirt and rocks as you can see the grey clouds in the background and in the sky. Men, women and children are all in a line to pass down something. They are between water in Lanai. Blue water and waves along red rocks. Black and white photos of a historic dive, possibly showcasing divers in action.
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
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students participated in Aloha ‘Āina programs
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people volunteer at events
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ungulates removed by hunters

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.

Black and white photo of two pineapple pickers in the field. The workers are wearing hats and labor clothes, each holding a freshly picked pineapple, with rows of pineapples and the plantation landscape visible in the background.
Photo of two musicians singing and playing guitar, both wearing lei. They are captured in a joyful moment.

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.

Black and white photo of two pineapple pickers in the field. The workers are wearing hats and labor clothes, each holding a freshly picked pineapple, with rows of pineapples and the plantation landscape visible in the background.

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.

Photo of two musicians singing and playing guitar, both wearing lei. They are captured in a joyful moment.

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.

Thriving land. Thriving people. Thriving community.

OUR VISION
Ola ka ‘āina, ola ke kānaka, ola ke kaiāulu

Events

Celebrate traditions, culture, history and values of Lāna‘i. Check back one month prior to the event date to confirm as dates or times may change.

E ʻIke Hou - Event Page

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

Front of Lanai Culture & Heritage Center.

Evening at the Museum

November 14 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Lāna‘i Culture and Heritage Center's Friday night at the museum brings the community together to meet our team and learn more about the island's culture and heritage. Dates are subject to change. Check one month prior to confirm.

Kupulau Festival 2025

Kupulau Festival 2026

April 25, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

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

Get updates about events and programs

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.

  • January blog post of the highlights of 2022.

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.

  • September blog post.

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.

  • Lānaʻi Guide App - HI now news.

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.

  • January blog post of the highlights of 2022.

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.

  • September blog post.

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.

  • Lānaʻi Guide App - HI now news.

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.

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