Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum Puunene
Explore Maui's sugar cane history, from cultivation to labor, through fascinating exhibits and industrial artifacts.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum Puunene
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Maui's sugar cane history, from cultivation to labor, through fascinating exhibits and industrial artifacts.
"Very informative. Great exhibits. Takes about 35-45 minutes to visit all exhibits."
Allocate 35-45 Minutes
Most visitors spend about 45 mins exploring. Perfect for a quick, insightful stop! :stopwatch:
Engage with Staff
The ladies at the front desk are friendly and informative. Ask them questions! :woman_teacher:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Industrial Machinery Exhibits
Marvel at fascinating pre-computerization industrial machinery, gears, and wheels that powered Maui's sugar industry.

Laborer History & Community
Learn about the exploitation of laborers and the vibrant communities they formed, a crucial part of Hawaii's development.

Outdoor Display Area
Enjoy a lovely green outdoor space with picnic benches and large gears, offering a unique, artistic ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand Maui's Sweet History
Plan Your Visit Duration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate 35-45 Minutes
Most visitors spend about 45 mins exploring. Perfect for a quick, insightful stop! :stopwatch:
Engage with Staff
The ladies at the front desk are friendly and informative. Ask them questions! :woman_teacher:
Explore Outdoor Displays
Don't miss the charming outdoor area with giant wheels and gears – great for photos! :camerawithflash:
Gift Shop Treasures
Check out the nice gift shop for unique souvenirs. :gift:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate 35-45 Minutes
Most visitors spend about 45 mins exploring. Perfect for a quick, insightful stop! :stopwatch:
Engage with Staff
The ladies at the front desk are friendly and informative. Ask them questions! :woman_teacher:
Explore Outdoor Displays
Don't miss the charming outdoor area with giant wheels and gears – great for photos! :camerawithflash:
Gift Shop Treasures
Check out the nice gift shop for unique souvenirs. :gift:
Learn About Water Sources
Discover answers about Maui's dry side water sources and their connection to sugar farming. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum to be a highly informative and engaging experience, offering a deep dive into Maui's sugar cane history and its cultural impact. Many appreciate the detailed exhibits on industrial machinery and the poignant stories of laborers. While some note the factory itself is not accessible, the museum provides a valuable historical perspective.
"It was great to read about the history that so clearly formed the culture on Maui. Knowing the history and hearing the toll it took for the people was amazing. Interactive and fun for my teens."
Cary Hamilton
"The museum is small with informative displays depicting the history of the sugar can factory. There is no lines and not crowded. The outside displays could need some landscaping with walkways and information signs. I was hoping to tour the actual factory. But it looks like it's in the processed of being demolished? Because there were piles of debris around the factory. Overall highly recommend a visit."
VM Saclot
"Very informative. Very sweet lady who checked us in. Nice gift shop"
Sarah Rader
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Puunene, Maui. It's accessible by car and is often a stop for those exploring central Maui. Parking is generally available on-site.
Public transportation options on Maui can be limited, especially to more rural areas. Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum.
The museum is centrally located, making it easy to combine with visits to nearby towns like Kahului or Wailuku, or as part of a scenic drive through the island's interior.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum typically operates during standard daytime hours, but it's always best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current operating schedule.
Admission fees are generally reasonable. Visitors have mentioned the cost is well worth the informative experience.
Advance booking is usually not required, as the museum is often not crowded. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival.
Information on discounts for seniors, students, or groups is not widely publicized, but it's worth inquiring at the front desk when you visit.
Unfortunately, the actual sugar factory is not open for tours and appears to be in the process of demolition, with debris visible around the site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find informative displays detailing the history of sugar cane production, the challenges faced, and the lives of the laborers who worked in the industry.
Yes, the museum is considered good for both kids and adults. The interactive elements and historical context can be engaging for teens.
Most visitors spend between 35 to 45 minutes exploring the exhibits, but you could spend up to two hours if you delve deeper into the details.
Yes, visitors have noted that the restrooms are very clean and well-maintained.
The outdoor area features a pleasant green space with picnic benches and large, artistic displays of industrial gears and wheels from the sugar mill.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not have a restaurant, but there are picnic benches in the outdoor area if you wish to bring your own food.
You'll find various dining options in nearby Kahului and Wailuku, offering a range of cuisines from local Hawaiian food to international dishes.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to consume food and drinks outside the exhibit areas to preserve the artifacts.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
The outdoor area with the large gears and wheels offers unique photographic opportunities. The historical machinery inside also makes for interesting shots.
The collection of industrial machinery, including large gears and wheels, is visually striking and makes for great photos, especially in the outdoor setting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks to enjoy at the outdoor picnic benches. While the museum covers serious topics like labor, the presentation is generally accessible. It’s a chance for kids to see how a major industry operated and understand its impact on the island's development.
🤓 History Buffs & Curious Minds
Take your time to absorb the information about how sugar shaped Maui's economy and culture. The outdoor display of large gears and wheels provides a unique artistic and historical perspective. It’s a place where you can truly understand the island's past and its foundational industries.
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
While the interior exhibits are informative, the outdoor space is where photographers can truly let their creativity flow. The contrast between the industrial remnants and the natural Hawaiian landscape can be quite compelling. It’s a less conventional, but highly rewarding, subject for those seeking distinctive imagery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sugar Cane Legacy on Maui
Beyond the machinery, the museum sheds light on the human element of the sugar industry. It details the often harsh realities faced by the diverse groups of laborers who came from around the world to work the fields and mills. Understanding their stories, the communities they formed, and the exploitation they endured is a critical part of grasping Maui's cultural tapestry. The museum provides answers to questions about the island's development, including its water sources, which were vital for sugar cultivation.
While the museum itself is a compact but informative experience, it's important to note that the actual sugar factory is no longer operational and appears to be in a state of demolition. However, the outdoor area provides a unique visual experience with large gears and wheels displayed like sculptures, offering a pleasant space to reflect on the island's past.
A Visit for All Ages
Parents often appreciate that the museum provides a valuable educational experience that goes beyond typical tourist attractions. It offers insights into Hawaiian history, economics, and social structures that are crucial for understanding the island's present. The museum's manageable size means it won't overwhelm younger attention spans, and the clean restrooms and friendly staff add to a comfortable visit.
For those looking for a more relaxed pace, the museum's outdoor area with its artistic display of industrial parts and picnic benches offers a tranquil spot to unwind. It’s a place where you can absorb the historical context in a peaceful setting, making it a well-rounded stop for any itinerary.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit