Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum in Puunene, Maui, offers a deep dive into the island's historic sugar industry. Housed in a restored plantation manager's home, the museum features six themed rooms, interactive exhibits, and scale models of sugar mill machinery. Located next to Hawaii's largest sugar factory, it provides visitors with a unique perspective on plantation life, Maui's economic history, and the diverse communities shaped by the sugar trade.
Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, Maui
The Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum on Maui celebrates the historic sugar trade that kept up Hawaii's economy for most of the 19th century. A&B, as it is known to locals, contains a museum and several artifacts detailing the history of the trade, the local geography and the evolving culture of Maui. At over 1,800 acres, A&B is now the largest landowner on the island and brings in a large share of tourism and trade revenue.
The museum itself is located in the manager's house, a small restored structure located next to the local post office. Here you'll find relics and pictures of the old plantation, including mills, bells and scale models of large machinery. Some of the models are still functional - you can even watch a narrative demo of how it works, complete with lighting and sound effects.
Six rooms make up the main museum: the Geography Room, Water Room, Human Resources Room, Plantation Room, Fieldwork Room and Mill Room. Most tours start at the Plantation Room, which offers a large exhibit of the local livelihood. Some of the highlights are the old household equipment, religious artifacts and a scale model of the camp house used by the workers.
The A&B Sugar Museum is located in Puunene, a town known for its thriving sugar trade. It is about a 10-minute drive from the Kahului Airport and is right next to the largest Hawaiian sugar factory in existence.
Key Features of Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
- Historic setting: Located in a restored plantation superintendent's residence built in 1902.
- Interactive exhibits: Working scale models and narrated demonstrations explain sugar mill operations.
- Six themed rooms: Including the Geography, Water, Fieldwork, and Mill Rooms, each with curated artifacts.
- Located in Puunene: Adjacent to the former largest working sugar factory in Hawaii.
- Accessible location: Just a 10-minute drive from Kahului Airport with ample parking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum?
It's a historical museum in Puunene, Maui, dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Hawaii's sugar industry and plantation life.
Where is it located?
The museum is located at 3957 Hansen Road, Puunene, about 10 minutes from Kahului Airport.
How many exhibit rooms are there?
There are six exhibit rooms: Geography, Water, Human Resources, Plantation, Fieldwork, and Mill Room.
Is there an admission fee?
Yes, the museum charges a small admission fee to support its preservation and educational efforts.