Stepping Back into Kauai's Past - Digging Through The Museums

What is a poi pounder? Do you know what it is used for? How about an Ipu Hula or a Pahu Hula, or a Papa Hehi? Did you know they all played important roles in ancient Hawaiian ceremonial observances and are still being used today? Answers to these questions as well as other interesting historical facts and information are easily discoverable when you take a step back into Hawaii's past by visiting the museums of Kauai. Scattered in different locations around the Garden Island, each houses permanent collections of ancient Hawaiian artifacts, exhibits, murals and historical models related to Kauai's history.

These historic repositories also maintain chronicled records of the local community, its people, and its custom for the districts where they are housed. You will get to know what Kauai's was like in ancient times before the Europeans arrived. Hear the stories of the early Polynesians and their journey of discovery to the volcanic formation we now call the Hawaiian Islands. Learn about post European Kauai and the introduction of sugar plantation life, Christian missionary influence, and the era following World War II. Rich in art, artifacts, displays, and records Kauai Museums tell the story of Kauai and Hawaii better than anyone else is able.

There are 5 major museums and a host of smaller historical displays located around the island. You will spot them while traveling around the island. The 5 largest are:

Grove Farm Homestead takes you back to the early days of plantation and missionary life. Founded in 1864 by George Wilcox, this 80 acre living museum contains the original missionary family mansion, worker' quarters, and extensive tropical flower gardens. It is located on Nawiliwili Road in Lihue, makai (ocean side) of Kukui Grove Shopping Center. This is the actual site of one of Kauai's oldest original plantations. Reservations are required.

Kauai Historical Society Museum is Kauai's history map. There you will find a guide to the Garden Island's cultural and historic sites both figuratively and literally. It is located in the Old Kauai County Building on Rice St. in downtown Lihue. Just look for the stately white building behind the park.

Kauai Museum, located in two adjacent building at 4428 Rice St. is in downtown Lihu`e. The museum galleries host permanent collections of ancient Hawaiian antiquities from both the pre and post contact era. Dioramas, murals, antediluvian mock ups, and hundreds of displays related to the island's history are on exhibit. Their hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday. A small admission fee is charged.

Koke`e Natural History Museum, located in Koke`e State Park is open year round. It provides its visitors with interpretive programs and arousing demonstrations and exhibitions having to do with Kauai's ecology, geology and climatology. With Waimea Canyon as a back drop, Koke`e Museum is a must see.

Wai`ole Mission House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1837, the Wai`oli Mission Hall and picturesque Wai`oli Hui`ia Church, which was founded in 1834 and is located nearby, offers a stark view of early missionary life on Kauai. Located in Hanalei on the North shore, the grounds and building architecture still live and breathe the spirit of a bygone era.

Kauai's Native Hawaiian roots are well established. Spun together they create a compelling montage. It is one that you want to see. Take a step back into Kauai's past. You will be the wiser for having done so.

Resource: 101 Things to Do on Kauai - Kauai Press