Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum

The sugar cane industry has left itself deeply imprinted on the canvas of Maui's history, as is seen in the island's many plantation towns. Although not as significant in modern Maui as it has been in the past, the sugar cane industry still exists in Hawaii and the historic plantation town of Puunene is home to the largest working sugar factory in the state. Located right next to the busy factory is the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, which features a fascinating collection of information and artifacts telling of the history of the sugar industry in Maui.

HIGHLIGHTS:
The 1,800 square foot museum examines the establishment and growth of the industry on the island, as well as the significant influence that it had on the development of Maui's water resource and the rich, multicultural diversity that it brought to Hawaii's population. The museum also displays day-to-day life in a historic sugar plantation town, and explores the inner workings of a sugar mill with both its six inside exhibits and its outdoor display of large plantation equipment.

The museum is home to a Geography Room, Water Room, Human Resources Room, Plantation Room, Field Work Room, and Mill Room. The collection of plantation equipment on display outdoors includes a trench digger, an outdoor Portuguese oven from the 1920s, a "bull gear," a cane hauler, vintage Caterpillar tractors, and a cane grab.

A gift shop features a range of Hawaiian-inspired books, music, and DVD's, as well as specialty sugars, coffee, and other souvenirs.

Cost:
$7 adults, $5 seniors, $2 children (6-12)

Hours:
Daily, 9:30am - 4pm

Phone:
808-871-8058

Website:
www.sugarmuseum.com

Address:
2957 Hansen Rd, Puunene, HI 96732

Directions: 
From Lahaina/Kaanapali, turn right onto Honoapiilani Hwy/HI 30 (toward Kihei/Kahului). Turn right onto N. Kihei Rd, and follow it for 3.5 miles. Turn left onto Mokulele Hwy/HI-31/HI-311. Turn right onto Hansen Rd. The museum will be on the left.