Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Plantation Museum
For a look at a period of Lahaina's history that didn't have to do with whalers, missionar-
ies, or Hawaiian royalty, idle on over to the Wharf Cinema Center and climb the stairs to
the third story for a glimpse inside the informative
Plantation Museum
(9am-6pm daily,
free). Although it isn't much larger than a closet, there are dozens of old photos showing
life during plantation times as well as a video detailing harvesting sugarcane. The Pioneer
Mill was the social and economic engine of the West Side for the better part of 100 years,
and the plantation days are just as much a part of Lahaina's heritage as harpoons, grog, and
Bibles. A visit here only takes a couple of minutes, but you'll be glad you stopped in.
Wo Hing Museum
The
Wo Hing Museum
(858 Front St., 10am-4pm daily, $7) is a small Chinese museum
sandwiched between the modern commercial ventures of Front Street. Built in 1912 as a
social and religious hall for Chinese workers, it's been placed on the National Register of
Historic Places. Downstairs are displays, and upstairs is the temple altar. In the cookhouse
next door, you can see film clips of Hawai'i taken by Thomas Edison in 1898 and 1906.
On the Chinese New Year, the Wo Hing Museum is the center of the activities that play
out on Front Street. The entrance fee is also good for entrance to the Baldwin House.
Maria Lanakila Church
If you're wandering central Lahaina around the top of the hour, there's a good chance
you'll hear
Maria Lanakila Church
(712 Waine'e St.,
www.marialanakila.org
) before
you see it. Stoically occupying the corner of Waine'e and Dickenson Streets, Maria Lana-
kila is the oldest Catholic church on the island, established in 1846. The current structure
has been around since 1873, and the doors to the church are open to the public.
Hale Pa'ahao
When Luakini crosses Prison Street, turn left and walk a few yards to
Hale Pa'ahao
(10am-4pm daily, free), better known as Lahaina's old prison. This is one of the more his-
torically informative sights in Lahaina. Now the peaceful courtyard inside the prison walls
is a place of serenity and calm where benches rest beneath the shade of a mango tree, but
there was once a time when this compound housed dozens of sailors and Hawaiians who
had violated the laws set forth by the royalty and their missionary advisors. To get an idea
of an offense that would land you in the Lahaina slammer, read the list from the 1850s
posted on the wall of one of the wooden cells. The top three offenses by island felons were
drunkenness, assault, and adultery— just as you would expect of a port town! Though the
