Hawaii's Plantation Village

This review is based on the bon dance event put on by the Hawaii Plantation Village. As soon as I got my food I already felt dread. I knew right away this was not the same Somen Salad made by the volunteers last year (last year's one was super ono, plus they only made a limited amount). After the first bite I knew that it wasn't the same, the flavors and textures were completely different. Gave up on the Somen and moved on to the Beef Stew only to be disappointed some more. The stew had no flavor at all. Later on I asked one of the longtime volunteers and she confirmed that the food was bought from somewhere else and explained that many of the long time volunteers that usually prepare the food was not able to cook this year. That is also why there was no Tsukemono (pickled vegetables) available for purchase either. Also the Waffledogs were not good either. Don't think they let it cool down enough when they wrapped it causing it to be on the soggy side when I unwrapped it from the foil (if you do buy from them make sure its the owner preparing them and not the volunteers supplied by HPV).

Located off the Old Waipahu Rd, 1/4 mile after Waipahu Depot Rd and the old sugar mill. A hidden gem in the center of Waipahu to take you back to the old plantation days. You'll find a welcome center and museum at the bottom of the hill. Surrounded by taro patches are the bandstand and plantation style homes representing all the cultures that were brought to Oahu to work on the sugar plantations.

The first Bon Dance of the season for 2023 was held here at the Hawaii Plantation village. It doesn't have a lot of parking so there were designated parking spaces at the tech academy and a nearby school. A shuttle came by every five minutes to bring people either way.The set up was nice. They had lanterns lit up on the little stream ditch, food tents set up in the parking lot, the bon dance in the grass area, the museum was open for viewing, and had some items for sale as well.I preferred more food choices with rice. The only thing with rice was huli huli chicken. Other choices of food were things like chili dog, waffles dog, baked goods, andagi. Minus one star for the food choices. But overall, the event was fantastic and I'd go again,

Great tour of plantation life from the beginning well into the life and challenges of the people that came to work and live in Hawaii

Amazing museum pieces to explore. There is a lot to learn from every culture which contributed to what Hawaii is now. There are guides who are knowledgeable and make the tours worth going to. They teach you about games, food, music, make-up, etc.

We missed the hours but were told it's an excellent history tour! We did grab some pics! Next time we will plan better!

TL:DR Take the tour with uncle Ken. It was a fascinating, one of a kind, tour. This is a wonderful experience, with perhaps what might be called a priceless amount of learning and knowledge provided. I remember going as a kid, and just walking through the houses, and it was really cool on its own just to see the different style of houses. But, now taking the guided tour with uncle Ken. Boy howdy. Just a priceless experience: one of the best museum experiences I've had. Uncle Ken is just a wealth of knowledge and passion. I'm a huge history buff, especially a Hawaiian history buff, and the history of plantations is the history of Hawaii post ancient Hawaii and uncle Ken knows his stuff. I started taking notes because he was providing so much fascinating information. Uncle Ken walks you through the houses that are chronologically situated, from original grass and twig huts through to the first Chinese style accommodations through to the Japanese, filipino, etc. all the while he is weaving the tale of Hawaii off all the cultures brought into the plantations, and even hawaiis impact on the rest of the world. Just a fascinating, fascinating story and uncle Ken's passion is contagious. And the tour is long. An hour and a half to two hours depending on if you ask follow up questions. I could have gone for 3 hours, 5 hours, it was just all so fascinating. It was also just a completely relaxed, hawaiian style experience--part of this probably has to do with the fact no one else was there waiting for next tour, which is a shame, this place should be booked solid. But for us it meant no rush. It was very intimate and just one big talk story almost. Oh and even the history of the plants and stuff-- uncle Ken covers that a lot and that too is fascinating-- like how Hawaiian gourd instruments are made from this fruit but with these dried seeds in the them etc. I will say, we had to leave half way through because we had uss Arizona reservations. My cousins continued on and I asked them to fill in as best they could how long the rest of the tour was and what it covered etc. It was pretty tragic for me honestly to have to leave and then find out when we got to the uss arizona that people were having no problem getting on the ferry through standby without reservations. Like I may never get to finish the plantation tour, and that kind of devastates me. Anyway. Obviously my recommendation is to go. I just can't talk up the experience enough.

A MUST visit if you want to understanding the rich history, culture and makeup of the people of Hawaii, not just for tourists, but especially for locals who live in Hawaii! Be sure to arrange ahead of time for a tour and if you are lucky enough (ask for him!) to get Kenneth Kaneshige you will treated to and come away with a wondrous understanding with personal insights of Hawaii. The grounds are immaculate and have been taken care of a retired couple for over 30 years since their retirement as well as a cadre of volunteers who support in the care and maintenance of the grounds and facilities. There were 34 ethnic cultures brought in to work the plantations after 1835 but eight homes and cultures are featured because these 8 ethnicities make up the culture of Hawaii today. You are transported 100 years from the Hawaiian plantation hale (house) thru the 1940ish Filipino home, learning about the main eight homes featured in the village: Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese, Puerto Rican, Japanese, Okinawa, Korean, and Filipino. Opened in 1992 and ever evolving, there is now a beautiful facility you enter to register which features the Plantation Store: unique hand made crafts lovingly created by the volunteers and to the left as you enter, an educational exhibit of artifacts from the people who worked and lived in theplantations. Mahalo nui to all the dedicated volunteers who keep the Hawaii Plantation Village alive!

Very informative and interesting. The docents are well versed in the history and cultures of the times. The property is very well cared for and it's always a great way to spend a couple hours.

Very interesting and eye opening! Learned a lot of the lives of our amazing and brave grandparents and great grandparents! Sign up for the informative guided tour but be prepared for a long journey. Ours lasted over 3 hours and that was pushing it. We didn't get a chance to really look at all the photos and displays so we'll probably go on our own next time. But either way, this is a very special place to visit! Don't miss out!