Hawaii's Plantation Village

Photo credit: Meredith P.

Experience the generosity of local culture and the Aloha spirit here as you take a walking tour through Hawaii's plantation era at perhaps the only place on Oahu one can visit to learn about this period of history from the plantation worker perspective (Bishop Museum used to have an exhibit, but not sure if it's still there).

The tour guide was so generous with his time, spending four hours sharing his vast knowledge and passion for history (it was not a busy day, though). The tour was not rote or scripted but fluid and conversational. I learned a lot even though I arrived with a good knowledge base, and think a second visit would be worthwhile. At the end of the tour, we were offered samples of fresh local fruits that can be a challenge to find in the city like guava and lilikoi.

Do not miss the "gift shop", which is currently the section of their temporary visitor check-in office right in front of you when you enter. They have well-made items hand-knitted or sewn by volunteers for very reasonable prices, some of them related to plantation life, and all the money is donated to the Village. You will not find these items anywhere else.

For the best experience, I recommend arriving when they open at 10 am with a flexible schedule, open mind, and Polynesian attitude (relaxed, not in a rush). Eat something before coming, and bring a water bottle. Note the limited hours of 10-2. I drove past once at 2:09 pm and the gates were closed, so don't expect to show up after 2 and be able to jump in on a tour.

They charge a nominal $13-14 for the tour ($8 kama'aina), and you feel honored to support such a dedicated group of volunteers.