Bigger Space for Molokai History Project

Photo by Jack Kiyonaga

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

The Molokai History Project (MHP) has a new location from which to steward many of Molokai’s historic treasures. On May 9, MHP packed up their collection and moved up the street to a larger space across from Friendly Market Center.

The museum was founded in October 2023 with the mission of “preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the island.”

Originally, MHP was housed in a one room office space in the Storehouse building next to the Credit Union.

“We had totally outgrown [it],” explained Judy Mertens, executive director of MHP. “There was not space to hang one more picture.”

The new location in the building next to Pascua Store offers two main halls along with four rooms to display exhibits. In just 18 months, MHP has amassed a collection of approximately 1,000 artifacts from Molokai’s past ranging from ancient opium vials from Kalaupapa to the sign from the Mid Nite Inn to spear guns.

The collection has been donated from various members of the Molokai community and is currently separated into several categories: Places of Molokai, Faces of Molokai, Paniolo, Hawaiian Culture and Farming, Fishing and Hunting. The museum plans on rotating displays every couple of months.

As a central repository of memories, artifacts and photos, the museum functions as a place where Molokai people can celebrate and honor their various histories, explained Mertens. Often on school visits to the museum, students will find their relatives’ faces and stories on the walls.

MHP hosts student groups from across Molokai, as well as community Talk Story events every two months on a variety of historical topics germane to Molokai.

The new space offers room for the museum to continue to grow. With a nice porch and reliable breeze, this location in the heart of Kaunakakai feels like an appropriate home for the critical work done by the museum.

Stop by MHP for a visit Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or sign up to be a greeter.