Hana Cultural Center and Museum
Published On: Oct 26, 2006

Are you planning a trip to Maui, Hawaii, and are interested in the cultural aspect of our island state? Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, you may be interested in visiting the Hana Cultural Center and Museum in Maui.

The Hana Cultural Center and Museum in Maui, Hawaii has a little something for everyone who enjoys absorbing and understanding the culture of a place that they visit. There are many interesting sites that will keep visitors to the center occupied for at least an afternoon.

The Hana Cultural Center and Museum in Maui is home to a collection of artifacts and documents as well as ethno-botanical gardens.

The museum was founded in 1971 by Babes Hanchett in the old Hana Courthouse. The Hana Cultural Center and Museum began as a gathering place for cultural activities as well as a place to hold the Hana artifacts so beloved by this region of Maui.

Once the Hana Cultural Center and Museum in Maui outgrew its courthouse space, it began work on a new museum building in 1982. The new building was finished in 1983 and was built by Colia Eade.

Three years later, the Hana Cultural Center and Museum began a new expansion with the idea of building the Hawaiian Living Complex and an archival wing was built. Kauhale O Hana was another addition that has added to the quality of the Hana Cultural Center and Museum in Maui.

Kauhale O Hana is one of the most impressive sectors of the Hana Cultural Center and Museum. It encompasses four hales. Hales are basically buildings set up for specific purposes in the Hana culture.

The hales at Kauhale O Hana at the Hana Cultural Center and Museum in Hawaii include residential, gathering, cooking, and canoe hales. All of these buildings are built in the customary Hana tradition and incorporate historical fauna with both medicinal and food purposes.

Although small in stature, the old courthouse and jail at the Hana Cultural Center and Museum are interesting from a historical standpoint. Even those these buildings may appear outdated, court is still heald here bimonthly.

The Hale Waiwai O Hana, or House of Treasures, is a fascinating section of the Hana Cultural Center and Museum that contains many ancient Hana artifacts. Such items in the collection include books, photographs and bottles.

Some other interesting items in the Hale Waiwai O Hana house include beautiful handmade quilts with their own special design. Poi boards also were an important artifact from the Hana culture and were used in preparing the taro root for cooking.

There are also wooden busts of famous Hana men, brooms, fish hooks, coconut graters, stone lamps, and artifacts from a traditional Hawaiian game for visitors' enjoyment while they are at the Hana Museum and Cultural Center.

The Hana Cultural Center and Museum in Maui, Hawaii has an impressive collection of Hana artifacts that are sure to impress history buffs and tourists alike. Be sure to stop by and see this center on your next trip to Maui.

Hana Cultural Center and Museum
P.O. Box 27
Hana
Maui, Hawaii 96713

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