Situated in the Waipahu Cultural Garden Park in historic Waipahu on Oahu, Hawaii’s Plantation Village takes you back to the era in which “sugar was King.” Representing a foundational phase in Hawaiian history, Hawaii’s Plantation Village lives on as a reminder of Hawaii’s rich past and diverse roots.
Hawaii’s Plantation Village isn’t just a place to go. It’s a vibrant glimpse into what life was like on Hawaii’s sugar plantations in the century between the approximate years of 1850 and 1950. As you stroll through the gracious grounds, you’ll see restored buildings, community buildings, replicas of plantation structures, and local flora and fauna. You’ll also hear about the many people who came together here from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
One of the things we enjoyed most about our visit to Hawaii’s Plantation Village was our time with our tour guide. Not only was he extremely knowledgeable and informative, but he also shared real-life stories about the people who’d lived and worked there with their families. In fact, many of the tour guides have personal connections to the plantation, such as family members who worked there. This first-hand element adds another layer of interest.
Speaking of families, Hawaii’s Plantation Village is an excellent destination to visit with kids if you’re looking to incorporate an educational component into your vacation. Believe us when we say: history really comes to life at this remarkable landmark. Worried that it will be dry or boring because it’s educational? This is most definitely not the case. Even if you’re not a history buff, there’s plenty of engaging stuff to see, do, and learn here.
It’s possible to spend several hours exploring this landmark and its grounds. If you want to make a full day of it, combine your trip to Hawaii’s Plantation Village with a stop at the Waikele Shopping Outlets located just up the road.
Looking for an extra-special experience? Plan your visit during the annual Obon celebration, where you’ll get to learn about Obun and watch performances by a variety of local dance groups.
Insider Tips:
-Want a guided tour of Hawaii’s Plantation Village? Make sure to call ahead to schedule yours. Keep in mind that tours can take several hours, depending on how chatty your tour guide is. If you do have time constraints, your tour guide may be able to adjust the tour to fit your schedule.
-Looking for a unique souvenir or gift to bring someone back home? Make sure to stop by the gift shop, where you’ll find homemade crafts, ethnic music, cookbooks, toys, and other items crafted by Hawaii Plantation Village’s own crafters. These are not your typical souvenirs, but rather authentic examples of island craftsmanship.
-As Hawaii’s Plantation Village is an open-air museum, it can get hot and humid. Make sure to wear decent walking shoes, and bring along a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water. If the heat starts getting to you, stop by the village office for an umbrella.