Plantation Life
on Lāna‘i

This virtual collection is part of the ongoing digitization of the archival collections and features photographs that have never been on view in the center’s museum. Listen to stories of Dean Del Rosario (whose father is the photographer of many of these photos), Albert Morita and Diane Preza, who grew up in the plantation.

During the plantation era, recreational sports and clubs thrived amongst children and adults. There were many opportunities to participate in fun activities for all members of the community, and the following photographs showcase a few of these sports and clubs.

The Yankees were one of many community little league teams. Many organizations sponsored the teams, including the Young Buddhists Association, the Catholic Church and the Lions Club.

Boy Scouts were an active club in the plantation. Here is Troop 66 on an outing on Lāna‘i Hale in Maunalei Valley.

There were Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts in the plantation era. Aurelio Del Rosario led the Sea Scouts, a group of boys who learned seamanship and sea safety while being out on the ocean.

Girls were not to be forgotten – there was also an active girl scout troop on Lāna‘i. Girl scouts participated in a myriad of activities in the outdoors and in the community, and the club continued for many years.

The building in the center of Dole Park served as a bowling alley for many years. In fact, it’s still called the “bowling alley” even though its purpose has long since change. The building once offered four bowling lanes and was a central hub for community fun. Many community members formed teams and engaged in friendly competition.

Hunting has persisted as a favorite activity of Lāna‘i people. As avid hunters, the club’s members utilized pistols, rifles and shotguns. Shooting competitions were held throughout the year including a turkey shoot at Thanksgiving.

Many community activities were held outdoors that welcomed participation of all. While many sports teams focused on men during the plantation era, women also joined in on the athletic such as these Lāna‘i women enjoying volleyball in the public park.

Lāna‘i folks have always been deeply connected to the ‘āina. The land and sea provided both sustenance and recreation for Lāna‘i people, who understood they had responsibility to care for this place.

All who have grown up on Lāna‘i have memories of swimming at Kaumālapa‘u Harbor with friends and family. While the breakwater and stairs have evolved over time, the harbor will always be a beloved place for Lāna‘i ʻohana.

Lāna‘i people are ocean people. For many generations, local families have relied on the health and abundance of the sea to provide food for their ʻohana and community.

From left: Jimmy Low (left), Stacy Olsen (middle), Mario “Pinky” Dahang (right) with an ulua.

Mr. Ito (known at “Ito”) was an employee of the Hawaiian Pineapple Company. In his free time, he developed and cared for a beautiful garden across from his home on Queen’s Street. He started small and gradually expanded the garden to include terraces and a variety of colorful flowers for all to enjoy.

The Lāna‘i field trials showcased the skills of hunting dogs. Live game birds were placed in ventilated boxes and hidden on the landscape. Hunting dogs would locate and point to them, follow the instructions of their owners and gain points from the judges.

Kama‘āina of Lāna‘i from left: Lloyd Cockett (left), Sol Kaopuiki (middle) and Ernest Richardson (right).

While this may look like an event in Dole Park, this photo was actually taken at the old baseball field where Hale Kupuna now resides. Community activities like this tug-o-war game would draw the participation of many residents who would come for the fun.

Ranching was the island’s longest-run economic industry. Kōʻele served as the headquarters of the Lāna‘i Ranch and the hub of the island community long before Lāna‘i City existed. Though the ranch formally closed in 1951, Kōʻele families continued the paniolo tradition of horsemanship.

Within the past century, hunting has become a favorite activity of many Lāna‘i folks. Lāna‘i hunters often hunt to provide food for their families and friends and enjoy the Lāna‘i outdoors. Removal of these invasive ungulates (like axis deer and mouflon sheep) from our landscape is also a form of stewardship. Hunters from left: Richard Oshiro (left), “Joey” Morita (middle left), “CO” Oshiro (middle right) and Albert Morita (right).

Lāna‘i City played host to many community celebrations over the years. While specific ethnic groups organized culture-specific celebrations such as Rizal Day and the annual Bon Dance, the community also came together for many parades and parties for all.

The ILWU Union Hall was an important gathering place throughout the plantation days. It served as a meeting place and as a soup kitchen during the 200-day strike in 1951. Celebrations were often held here and Filipino dancers are pictured during a community festival.

The “Old Gym” or “County Gym” was the only one in town during the plantation era. While many sports were enjoyed there, the space was also utilized for performances and celebrations such as hula.

Many talented Lāna‘i musicians excelled in instruments such as the guitar, bass and ‘ukulele. Hawaiian music was a staple at parties and community celebrations. Local musicians from left: Clarence Fujimoto (left), Robert Amaral (middle) and Sam Shin (right).

Obon is an annual Buddhist event celebrated by Lāna‘i’s Japanese community to honor ancestors. This photo shows the bon dance on the field across from the current Hongwanji, where it is still celebrated.

May Day celebrations during the plantation days included festive parades with floats and a May Day court. The photo of the float was captured on Lāna‘i Avenue. The rooftop of the theater can be seen in the background.

A gathering of employees who worked at the Labor Yard, what is known as today’s Fleet Yard. Here they enjoy a pau hana gathering. Shop workers were extremely innovative, often fabricating tools or pieces to improve the efficiency of the machinery.

Fourth of July celebrations included a lively parade with many floats and organizations participating. All of Lanai would come out to enjoy the festivities with their families.