New WWII Exhibit Opens in Lahaina Museum

A new exhibit commemorating the 77th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor is now open at the Story of Maui Museum. The free, public exhibit called “The Road to Pearl Harbor,” will be open until Dec. 10 from noon to 6 p.m. daily in unit F-2 at the Outlets of Maui in Lāhainā.

This exhibit of vintage maps, prints, and military documents shows events leading to the war, battle strategies, and the warʻs aftermath.

The exhibit also tells the story of the 18,000 member 4th Marine Division, which trained on Maui between combat deployments to the Central Pacific. Visitors will have the opportunity to see photos of jungle training in Ha’ikū, amphibious assault training at Makena and Maʻalaea, military airfields at Puʻunēnē, and the famous “Giggle Hill,” where young Marines courted Maui girls.

The exhibit also includes photos of the holdings at The Camp Maui Museum. These holdings are located on the actual site of Camp Maui in Ha’ikū, where the Hoyte family has assembled a display of WWII transport trucks, jeeps, and a working P51 Mustang replica aircraft. The Camp Maui Museum also has a collection of WWII US Marine Corps equipment, uniforms, and memorabilia.

The original maps and artifacts on display at the Story of Maui Museum Exhibit are from Bryant Neal’s private collection. Neal’s research of Japanese war records has produced various maps, photos, artifacts, and other materials from Pearl Harbor and WWII from the Japanese Imperial Army’s perspective. Select originals and reproduction maps will be available for purchase.

The Story of Hawai’i Museum will be curating this self-guided exhibit with support from Richard Mickelsen, the Navy League, the Maui County Veterans Council, the County of Maui, and North Shore Zipline Camp Maui Tours.  

Anyone interested in finding additional information about the museum or arranging a school tour or a special showing for large groups can contact 808-283-3576.