History

Enjoy Our New Exhibits

Thursday, April 11th, 2024

Molokai History Project News Release

It’s springtime! The possibilities are endless, and our enthusiasm grows with every beautiful day. Sometimes there is a spark over here and sometimes it’s a spark over there, but it always reminds us more and more folks are learning about us, enjoying what the history project has to offer, and stopping by to learn more about the wonderful and interesting folks who call Molokai home.

The Molokai History Project has now been open for six months, and in that time we have done a huge amount of research into subjects that we’ve exhibited in the museum. …

Talk Story: The Mid Nite Inn

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

Opened in 1935, the Mid Nite Inn was synonymous with Molokai, akule and good times. Last Saturday, Feb. 24, John and Phillip Kikukawa sat down with a packed house at the Molokai History Project to reminisce on three generations of running the Mid Nite Inn. The following is an edited version of the two-hour-plus dialogue from Saturday’s event.

John Kikukawa (JK): “We were born into the restaurant business. We came from parents who were really different. Dad (Art) was a local boy. Mom (Cecily) was a new haole teacher…We lived half a mile away from the restaurant, next to the Seaside Inn…That area was all Molokai Ranch rentals.”…

Museum Opening Honored by Hawaii Senate

Wednesday, October 11th, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor 

The Molokai History Project opened its doors Friday, Oct. 6 with a celebration in Kaunakakai and a special message from Hawaii legislatures. 

At the opening ceremony, State Senator Lynn DeCoite presented the museum with a proclamation on behalf of the Hawaii Senate congratulating and honoring the work done by the Molokai History Project.  

“With its grand opening, the Molokai History Project is set to showcase Molokai’s history with initial exhibits showcasing Hawaiian quilts, paniolo history, Ka Hula Piko, Makahiki, East End Molokai along with the island’s churches and schools,” read the proclamation. 

“The many people, the many hands,” said DeCoite.…

New Museum Grand Opening

Wednesday, October 4th, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor 

A new project dedicated to celebrating Molokai’s history and culture has been underway in Kaunakakai. The Molokai History Project (MHP) will open its doors this Friday, Oct. 6. 

Located at 145 Ala Malama St, the MHP moved quickly in the last couple of months to establish itself. 

Following the passing of Dr. Emmett Aluli last year, “people started feeling the urgency to create a place to gather memories,” said Judy Mertens, one the founding members and organizers of the MHP. 

Through three garage sales, the MHP was able to raise funding. 

“We kind of just did it,” said Mertens.…

Marking the Past

Wednesday, October 4th, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor 

A project that is mapping unmarked graves in Kamalo is bringing names and histories to those buried there. 

The St. Damien Burial Council invited UH researchers to help document gravesites at St. Joseph’s and Our Lady of Seven Sorrows churches at the behest of former pastor Father Brian Guerrini back in 2020. 

Molokai resident Pat Tancayo has worked closely with the project since its inception.

“There’s a lot of history there,” said Tancayo. 

Tancayo was given access to church burial records and has continued to make new discoveries about the cemetery at St. Joseph’s. 

Longtime Kamalo community members told Tancayo stories about where certain people had been buried.…