The Wo Hing Society Hall, located at 858 Front Street in the Lahaina Historic District in Lahaina, Hawaii, was built around 1912. It served as a social and fraternal hall for the Wo Hing Society, catering to the growing Chinese population in Lahaina, most of whom were working in the sugarcane industry.
In 1983, the Lahaina Restoration Foundation collaborated with the Wo Hing Society to restore the building to its original state. Following the restoration and construction in 1984, the museum was opened to the public under the name Wo Hing Museum. It was one of only two existing Chinese Society Halls on Maui.
The site was divided into a main building with two floors and a separate cookhouse. The first floor of the main building displayed a collection of Chinese artifacts and memorabilia from Lahaina around the start of the 20th century. The second floor housed the only public Taoist temple on Maui. The cookhouse was a separate structure, built as a precaution to prevent fire damage to the main Wo Hing Temple.
History & Anthropology Historic house Religion Religious building
848 Front St., Lahaina
No exhibitions in Wo Hing Temple Museum have been found.
Wo Hing Temple Museum has 1 rating.
The Wo Hing Temple Museum in Lahaina, Hawaii, offers visitors a glimpse into the history of Chinese immigrants in Maui. Located in a restored temple building on Front Street, this small museum provides an interesting look at the cultural and social contributions of Chinese settlers to the area.
The museum features exhibits on Chinese history in Hawaii, including artifacts, photographs, and informative displays. Many visitors appreciate the old cookhouse on the property, which houses a collection of cooking implements and offers insight into daily life for early Chinese immigrants. The temple itself, with its traditional architecture and decorations, is considered a highlight by many.
A notable feature is the display of some of Thomas Edison's earliest films of Hawaii, which adds a unique historical perspective. However, some visitors find the film room a bit dated and in need of improvement.
While the museum is compact, it generally receives positive feedback for its educational value and the preservation of an important aspect of Lahaina's history. Some visitors mention that the experience can be brief, typically lasting around 30 minutes to an hour.
The staff are often described as friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the visit with additional information and context. However, a few reviewers note that the museum could benefit from more interactive exhibits or updated displays to engage a wider audience.
Despite its small size, many visitors find the admission price reasonable, especially considering its role in preserving local history. The museum's central location in Lahaina makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the town.
Overall, the Wo Hing Temple Museum provides an informative, if brief, exploration of Chinese culture and history in Maui. It's generally well-regarded by those interested in local history and culture, though some feel it could use some updates to improve the visitor experience.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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