Hana Cultural Center

En route to Hana, you’ll probably learn to adjust your expectations and realize this is a very different side from west Maui. Ka’anapli it ain’t. NPS-​quality, it also ain’t — you won’t find scientifically-​detached descriptions of anything here.
What the Hana Cultural Center is is a community’s history. It is charmingly earnest in the way it faithfully tries to preserve a unique east Maui history/​tradition. While a lot of the displays depict general Hawaiian culture and history, most of it is very Hana-​specific. You almost feel that you’re peering into somebody’s family history — there are stories of how so-​and-​so led one of the last great canoe expeditions, replete with newspaper clippings and detailed stories. There’s a display of feather-​weaving that was lent to the center in 2007, accompanied by a printed placard of how the master weaver obtained his skills. And so on.
A $ 3 suggested donation lets you peek into Hana’s history. It also lets you get a tour of the jailhouse (closed since ’96) and courthouse. The courthouse is where you’ll find an additional story/​narrative of a tsunami that hit in the 1940s.
Perhaps a better name for this is the Center for Hana’s Memories — it’s an enlightening step back into the past and a pleasant change from the commercialism and hustle of west Maui.

This place is adorable. I realize, after my ramble of the gallery… if you are here, you are having the best time ever because you are away from your life in your city and the normalcy that washes over you is suspended for a few moments… and here you are. looking at the history and culture that makes the vibrant and beautiful place that you are so compelling, relaxing, and just PERFECT.
I love learning about the cultures and history of place I visit, or live. It gives me a profound respect and understanding of what is going on with the place I am.
This place is a CANNOT MISS for a visit into Hana. It isn’t the biggest or best… but it is a great place to gain an understanding of why it is such a special place.

Among the artifacts and memorabilia in this small museum is a collection of compelling photographic portraits of this small town’s people. It is also home to a small display of ancient Hawaiian artifacts, stone tools, shells, a collection of antique Chinese and Japanese bottles, and a beautiful example of the traditional Hawaiian quilt. Adjacent is Hana’s original jail and court house which have been refurbished to look much like they did in the 19^th Century.