Ma’alaea Story of Hawai’i Museum Grand Opening Friday

Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

A new Story of Hawa’ii Museum celebrates its grand opening this Friday at the Ma’alaea Harbor Shops on Maui.

The museum is presents the story of Hawai’i through historic maps, charts, documents, and artifacts. The display is set up in chronological order and includes rare prints, maps, and authentic antique pieces, some dating back hundreds of years.

“We are pleased to establish our presence as a community resource,” says Bryant Neal (Editor’s note: see our previous story about Neal and Story of Hawaii Museum), proprietor and co-curator of the museum.

The museum opening, set for 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 17, features live music, presentations, and refreshments. The event is free and open to the public.

As part of the opening festivities, the museum launches a regular series entitled, Hawaiian History Evenings with Maui musician Mele Fong.  Topics are based on significant historical events that occurred in the month, and include the birth of the Hawaiian Kingdom and Hawai’i Statehood.

The grand opening program also includes discussion with award-winning journalist and author Jill Engledow.  Performances by harpist Tatyana Shapiro-Leiste and the University of Hawai’i Maui College Institute of Hawaiian Music will also be featured.

Beginning in September, “Hawaiian History Evenings” will be held at the museum on the first Friday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m.

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children under twelve, and includes a DVD about the mapping of Hawaii. Docent-led tours are $10 per person.