Plantation Life Cafe

This isn't a very well known tourist spot but is a super way to learn about some of Hawaii's agricultural development. Families with small children may not wish to choose this, depending upon their kids' interests. A guided walking tour is available. If you have the time, it is helpful to read the background information provided in the museum prior to walking the grounds. It is amazing to learn about the history of the sugar industry in Hawaii and gives you insight into the multicultural population that forms the basis for the present Hawaiian state as native Hawaiians suffered elimination from various diseases brought to their islands by overseas explorers, immigration of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Puerto Rican, Filipino and even Portuguese people supported the sugar industry during its heyday. Prejudice was rampant as the industry strove to survive. This fascinating, informal tour takes a little over an hour but is worth it to appreciate the island history. Be aware that this site is only open on weekdays with limited hours (10AM 2PM, if I recall).

Let’s begin with…you need to be interested in Hawaii’s agricultural history, I.e. sugar plantation and how it influenced immigration by the Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean and Puerto Rican people in order to enjoy this tour. It is run by a nonprofit so not polished, not rehearsed and not choreographed just plain history about hardworking people, the discrimination they faced, their hard lives and their culture. Take was our guide today knowledgeable, well paced and so very patient with the group of 9 peppering him with questions. Informal, interesting and low key.

My friends and I were the only ones to visit the plantation today and the staff was so happy to see us! Lance gave us a wonderful tour and was very knowledgeable, adding anecdotes of his personal experience. He was so personable and really demonstrated the spirit of Aloha.talking story with him was a highlight of my trip! Because of Covid they have very few visitors. This is a safe, outdoor, place to witness realistic replicas of the plantation dwellings. I learned so much and really recommend the tour to anyone who wants to learn more about Hawaii’s diverse history— great for kids too!

Fred was our docent. The gents was fantastic is many different ways. Folks, in places that rely on the quality of the docent, that makes or breaks the visit. Read Hawaii by Michener and then go. If not interested in history, do not go

Excellent tour! Very informative and interesting! The docent was very knowledgeable Great insight into the immigrants that came here to work on the sugar cane plantations and also to see the living conditions.