Haleakalā Ranch Shares History with Maui Libraries

Leeward slopes of Haleakalā near the bridle trail. File photo by Wendy Osher

By Maui Now Staff

Haleakalā Ranch wrapped up its 125th Anniversary commemoration last week by donating its history book to private and public high schools and public libraries within Maui County.

The book, entitled “Haleakalā Ranch,” has been in the works for nine years and was published in the early part of 2014.

Author John Harrisson joined Haleakalā Ranch Corporate Secretary Karyn Arakawa to present the books to Glenda Berry, Makawao Branch Manager for the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System.

Ranch executives say the books will be distributed to public libraries in Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Makawao, Hāna, Lahaina, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi, in addition to the Hawaiʻi Business Research Library in Kīhei.

In addition, books were mailed to all private and public high school libraries on Maui.

“We hope that our donation helps to enhance the library’s already outstanding collection of Hawaiʻi books,” said Haleakalā Ranch president Don Young in a company press release.

“The history of Haleakalā Ranch is such an integral part of Maui’s history, we wanted to make it available to everyone,” he said.

Librarian Glenda Berry welcomed the publication saying books about the history of Upcountry Maui are rare. “This is a major addition to our history of Hawaiʻi section. It is especially prized because of the oral histories it contains. I have read it and it is so well done. The photos are integrated with the text and it really bring the history alive,” she said.

Author John Harrisson also commented saying, “The donation to school libraries is an important step in maintaining an awareness of Maui history and keeping paniolo (cowboy) culture alive,” he said. “It is gratifying to know that so many of the colorful characters and anecdotes will be preserved for generations to come. Many of these students will recognize photos of their ancestors and read about their lives.”

Copies of the book, Haleakalā Ranch, are available for purchase from the Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center and the Makawao History Museum, with sale proceeds benefiting each nonprofit.

Haleakalā Ranch was first incorporated in 1888, and now encompasses some 29,000 acres on Maui.  The ranch has a history dating back five generations.

As one of the island’s largest landowners, the Ranch has worked to preserve both open and natural vistas of the Upcountry area.  In addition to livestock, the ranch also includes a portfolio of leases for agriculture, telecommunications, eco-tourism and alternative energy businesses.