The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum encompasses six exhibit
rooms plus outdoor displays of plantation equipment.
The Geography Room
Explains how Maui's geography and weather patterns influenced the
development of the sugar industry and presents information about
the extensive irrigation system and network of deep wells developed
by the plantations.
The Water Room
Shows how water was arduously brought from the island's windward
slopes to the sunny central isthmus, and highlights the bravery
of the men who accomplished this tremendous feat.
The Human Resources Room
Displays historical information about some of the pioneers who established
Maui's modern sugar industry. Also includes artifacts, photos and
documents (including labor contracts written in Hawaiian, Japanese
and Chinese) showing the arrival of immigrant plantation workers
from around the world.
The Plantation Room
Includes photos and fascinating exhibits showing the rich,
multi-ethnic nature of plantation communities and plantation
life, such as religious items, household artifacts and a scale
model of a worker's camp house.
Maps
of the Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. (HC&S) and
Maui Agricultural Co. (MACo) plantation camps are on display,
along with a registry form for former camp residents or their
families to fill out. See Plantation Camp Registry
A
video presentation created by award-winning filmmaker Edgy
Lee shows how cane is processed into sugar.
The Field Work Room
Depicts plantation workers in the fields and includes displays
of surveying equipment, a cane knife, and typical items used
by field workers such as a "kau kau tin" (lunch pail).
A mannequin shows a Japanese woman's complete field work outfit.
The Mill Room
Offers several interactive displays including a 1915 locomotive
bell, a "Cuban" sugar mill and an impressive working
scale model of cane-crushing machinery. A narrative with special
lighting and sound effects accompanies the operation of the
model.
Outdoor Exhibits
Visitors can get a close-up look at some of the intriguing
equipment and items used by sugar plantations and plantation
workers, such as a Cleveland Model J36 trench digger, an outdoor
Portuguese oven built in the 1920s, a "bull gear"
approximately 11' in diameter, a cane hauler, vintage Caterpillar
tractors, and a cane grab large enough for a child to walk
under without stooping.
One
thing you likely won't see at the Sugar Museum is its most
prized artifact. The historic steam locomotive known as the
"Claus Spreckels." The Claus was in the service
of Kahului Railroad for 47 years, from 1882 to 1929, hauling
sugar, other cargo and passengers.
The
authentic, restored locomotive is so valuable that it cannot
be placed on permanent display until protective housing is
built for it. But the Claus does make appearances on special
occasions.
