Lahaina Restoration Foundation shares Lahaina’s rich history with Maui kupuna

Recently, a group from Kaunoa Senior Services visited the double-hulled canoe Mo‘okiha O Pi‘ilani with Hui O Wa‘a Kaulua Capt. Tim Gilliom (left) and their tour leaders from Lahaina Restoration Foundation’s Community Education Committee during a “History With Our Kupuna” tour. PHOTO BY LOUISA SHELTON.
LAHAINA – Lahaina Restoration Foundation (LRF) recently provided Maui senior citizens a free, four-hour tour of Lahaina’s rich history through its program known as “History With Our Kupuna.”
In partnership with Kaunoa Senior Services, LRF’s Community Education Committee chaired by Andy Kutsunai coordinated this third-year program.
Seniors traveled through 15 of Lahaina’s historic sites and museums, mostly on foot led by Kutsunai and committee member Karee Carlucci, and escorted by Kaunoa Senior Services Program Assistant Leslie Hiraga.
At Kamehameha Iki Park and the Moku’ula restoration site, representatives from Hui O Wa’a Kaulua (Timmy Gilliom) and Friends of Moku’ula (Wainani Kealoha) shared their knowledge and discussed current projects.
Other stops included the Waiola Churchyard, Lahaina Hongwanji Mission, Hale Pa’ahao (Old Prison), the Banyan Tree, various Lahaina Harbor front sites and the Baldwin Home Museum.
The tour ended with a typical plantation lunch served at the senior center.
Attendees expressed their appreciation about the amount and depth of information shared. One senior noted, “I’ve lived on Maui my entire life, and this is the first time I have ever been to these historical sites. I’m just overwhelmed by the vast resources in my backyard.”
Another added, “I’m coming back! There’s so much more to learn!” Many said they look forward to sharing this information with their family and friends.
Transportation, refreshments and lunch were provided by Kaunoa Senior Services, and all tour materials and visits were arranged through LRF.
The foundation has been preserving Lahaina’s historic buildings and sites for over 52 years. LRF brings them to life with tours of the Baldwin Home Museum, cultural demonstrations at the Wo Hing Museum, monthly free Hawaiian music concerts and an annual celebration of Lahaina’s Plantation Days.
For more information about the foundation and its mission of preservation of the unique history and cultural heritage of Lahaina, call 661-3262 or go to www.LahainaRestoration.org, Facebook.com/LahainaRestoration or @LahainaRestFnd (Twitter).