Lanai Culture & Heritage Center Logo
Lanai Culture & Heritage Center Logo
Stories2025-04-22T08:44:03-10:00

News & Stories

Find out how Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center partners with keiki, kupuna and community. Find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and watch videos on YouTube.

  • 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.

Get updates about events and programs

Avada Galerie

Old Dole Administration Building
730 Lāna‘i Avenue Suite 118
P.O. Box 631500
Lāna‘i City, Hawai‘i 96763

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday
11 am to 3 pm

Stay in touch

Email Us
808-565-7177

More about us

E ko Lānaʻi! The 13th annual E ʻIke Hou iā Lānaʻi Summer Cultural Literacy Program is in full swing! This year’s theme, Hanohano Lānaʻi, focuses on helping students build the knowledge and skills to honor our island’s rich history and community legacy. We started off by inviting some of our beloved kūpuna to talk story with students, sharing what it means to be “from Lānaʻi” and what makes this place truly special. Mahalo ā nui to Uncle Albert Halapē Morita, Aunty Pam Alconcel, Aunty Jonona Kaopuiki Alconcel, Uncle Melvin Catiel, and Uncle Brad Oshiro for generously sharing your memories and manaʻo with us. Follow along with our journey this summer—and drop a comment below: You know you’re from Lānaʻi when you know… 👇 #HanohanoLānaʻi #EOlaLānaʻi #legacy #honor
Our connection to the ocean runs deep with generations that rely on the sea for sustenance. Teaching Lāna'i children to fish and dive strengthens our bond to tradition. ⁠ ⁠ In the first photo (left to right): Jimmy Low, Stacy Olsen and Mario 'Pinky' Dahang with an ulua. You remember these beautiful people?⁠
It’s National Little League Week. Check out this newspaper clipping of the “Lanai Midget League Champions” of 1957. The Yankees were one of many little league teams that brought the Lānaʻi community together. Supported by diverse organizations committed to community including Young Buddhists Association, the Catholic Church and Lions Club, these teams reflected the collective effort of vastly different organizations that came together for a common purpose of nurturing local youth and building connections of children of all different backgrounds through sports.
Check out this photo of a mini bus that was part of Hawaiian Pineapple Company’s operations in Lāna'i City. 🍍From 1922 to 1992, James D. Dole transformed Lāna'i into the world's biggest pineapple plantation. It’s been over 100 years since our pineapple days began. History could easily be lost without photos like this one and our expanding recorded recollections of elder kama'āina and kūpuna – all keeping the stories alive for generations. ⁠ ⁠ Mahalo for your support of what we do. Tap our bio link to make a donation if you believe in us.⁠
During the plantation era, the "Old Gym" or "County Gym" was more than a sports center—it was a gathering place. From basketball games to graduation ceremonies, this space holds so many memories of togetherness—a cornerstone of community life, where traditions, sports, and celebrations took place.
Our work to restore the landscape includes education about what’s invasive and why certain species are problematic. Find out why eucalyptus trees harm native forests. This is why we care. 🌳
E ko Lānaʻi! The 13th annual E ʻIke Hou iā Lānaʻi Summer Cultural Literacy Program is in full swing! This year’s theme, Hanohano Lānaʻi, focuses on helping students build the knowledge and skills to honor our island’s rich history and community legacy. We started off by inviting some of our beloved kūpuna to talk story with students, sharing what it means to be “from Lānaʻi” and what makes this place truly special. Mahalo ā nui to Uncle Albert Halapē Morita, Aunty Pam Alconcel, Aunty Jonona Kaopuiki Alconcel, Uncle Melvin Catiel, and Uncle Brad Oshiro for generously sharing your memories and manaʻo with us. Follow along with our journey this summer—and drop a comment below: You know you’re from Lānaʻi when you know… 👇 #HanohanoLānaʻi #EOlaLānaʻi #legacy #honor
Our connection to the ocean runs deep with generations that rely on the sea for sustenance. Teaching Lāna'i children to fish and dive strengthens our bond to tradition. ⁠ ⁠ In the first photo (left to right): Jimmy Low, Stacy Olsen and Mario 'Pinky' Dahang with an ulua. You remember these beautiful people?⁠
It’s National Little League Week. Check out this newspaper clipping of the “Lanai Midget League Champions” of 1957. The Yankees were one of many little league teams that brought the Lānaʻi community together. Supported by diverse organizations committed to community including Young Buddhists Association, the Catholic Church and Lions Club, these teams reflected the collective effort of vastly different organizations that came together for a common purpose of nurturing local youth and building connections of children of all different backgrounds through sports.
Check out this photo of a mini bus that was part of Hawaiian Pineapple Company’s operations in Lāna'i City. 🍍From 1922 to 1992, James D. Dole transformed Lāna'i into the world's biggest pineapple plantation. It’s been over 100 years since our pineapple days began. History could easily be lost without photos like this one and our expanding recorded recollections of elder kama'āina and kūpuna – all keeping the stories alive for generations. ⁠ ⁠ Mahalo for your support of what we do. Tap our bio link to make a donation if you believe in us.⁠
During the plantation era, the "Old Gym" or "County Gym" was more than a sports center—it was a gathering place. From basketball games to graduation ceremonies, this space holds so many memories of togetherness—a cornerstone of community life, where traditions, sports, and celebrations took place.
Our work to restore the landscape includes education about what’s invasive and why certain species are problematic. Find out why eucalyptus trees harm native forests. This is why we care. 🌳
Island volunteers were featured on KITV news last weekend. Mahalo to all who made our Memorial Weekend events memorable! We hope that all of you can join us next year for this annual event.
Mahalo nui loa to more than 100 volunteers who came together this Memorial Weekend. Check out some of our friends who joined us for the cemetery clean up and placed more than 1,000 fresh bouquets graveside. Each was lovingly made by volunteers last Friday. Many hands, full hearts.

© 2025 Lāna‘i Culture and Heritage Center | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | About Accessibility | Site created by Transcendence Pacific

Subscribe
to Our
E-News

Get updates about events and programs.

Go to Top