Plantation

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Sugar cane in Waipahu 

I finally got the inside scoop on Waipahu’s living history museum.  Surrounded by urbanization and homeless, the Hawaii Plantation Village is a time capsule.  It gives a glimpse of the way life was not too long ago.

My guide was Robert Castro, who grew up on the Oahu Sugar Company plantation.  He volunteers at the museum and with the Portuguese History Society.

Plantations have an overall positive history, in listening to people.  They were drivers of emigration and opportunity for countless migrants.  They were part of the foundation for Hawaii’s unique and amazing approach to diversity. They had their down side, I’m sure.  But the people I know speak fondly of those days.

I think I can
Sugar smokestack is now iconic in Waipahu history 

Perhaps the most useful illustration of Waipahu history.

Circa 1980’s Waipahu replete with different ethnic enclaves

Arakawa’s store was legendary, run by Okinawan immigrants.  Their family were former members of my church.


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