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Wo Hing Temple Museum
Wo Hing Temple Museum
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About
The earliest Chinese to arrive on Maui came on trading or whaling ships. It was these men who helped to build tunnels and irrigation systems through the mountains. Chinese immigrants formed the Wo Hing Society to nurture the ex-pat community, providing social contacts, support in times of crisis, and housing for retired workers. It also supported the revolutionary activities of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, renowned as the Father of Modern China, and first provisional president of the Republic of China. In addition, the cookhouse is used as a showcase of this time as well as a small theater, screening films of life in the islands that were made by Thomas Edison between 1898-1906. Admission Fee of $7 allows entry to both Wo Hing and Baldwin Home Museums. Senior, Military, and Children discounts available. Purchase a "Passport to the Past" for $10 and get admission to four of Maui’s popular museums! (Baldwin Home, Wo Hing, A&B Sugar and Bailey House)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
188 reviews
Excellent
66
Very good
69
Average
42
Poor
8
Terrible
3
Sylvia Lai
Sunnyvale, CA192 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
With a heavy heart filled with so much regret and sorrow, I would like to post a 4-star review on Wo Hing Society Hall, being one of the most surprising hidden gems in Lahaina.
It felt like just yesterday when I visited this place in February 2023. It was a very small museum, but it was filled with interesting relics and antiquities. Among others, a jade belt, and a scroll of declarations called “The Fundamentals of National Reconstruction”, signed off by Dr. Sun Yat-Sin.
I was especially taken to see a few Sanxingdui relics, including one of its signature bronze masks that shocked the archaeological world when the site was first discovered. I never expected to see them outside China. I was really happy listening to their owner, a senior collector and enthusiast of Chinese ancient civilization, as he shared his knowledge about the stories behind all those ancient treasures.
It was fascinating to see a kitchen/meeting hall next to it. They looked similar to those set up during the 19th century's Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia too. I remember seeing my grandparents using similar cookware when I was little.
I wish I had more time at this museum, but our conversation was unfortunately disrupted by my young daughter’s meltdown due to high temperature and humidity.
Sadly, everything in this museum is now destroyed and burned down into ashes in the fire last month. I don’t even know whether all the volunteers there survive the fire at this point. I feel so regretful that I will never see the museum again.
So far, I have not found the names of anyone tending to any Lahaina museums/temples on the victim list. They genuinely loved serving and volunteering in these museums. I can only keep them and their families in my prayers...
I hope sharing of my photos means something here.
It felt like just yesterday when I visited this place in February 2023. It was a very small museum, but it was filled with interesting relics and antiquities. Among others, a jade belt, and a scroll of declarations called “The Fundamentals of National Reconstruction”, signed off by Dr. Sun Yat-Sin.
I was especially taken to see a few Sanxingdui relics, including one of its signature bronze masks that shocked the archaeological world when the site was first discovered. I never expected to see them outside China. I was really happy listening to their owner, a senior collector and enthusiast of Chinese ancient civilization, as he shared his knowledge about the stories behind all those ancient treasures.
It was fascinating to see a kitchen/meeting hall next to it. They looked similar to those set up during the 19th century's Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia too. I remember seeing my grandparents using similar cookware when I was little.
I wish I had more time at this museum, but our conversation was unfortunately disrupted by my young daughter’s meltdown due to high temperature and humidity.
Sadly, everything in this museum is now destroyed and burned down into ashes in the fire last month. I don’t even know whether all the volunteers there survive the fire at this point. I feel so regretful that I will never see the museum again.
So far, I have not found the names of anyone tending to any Lahaina museums/temples on the victim list. They genuinely loved serving and volunteering in these museums. I can only keep them and their families in my prayers...
I hope sharing of my photos means something here.
Written 7 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James
16 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
A piece of history that describes the intersection between Chinese, Hawaiian, and American lives. I understand there is geopolitical and cultural conflict in today's environment. However, this museum focuses on common ground that I feel most can relate despite one's cultural or social backgrounds. Humans are just humans, and there is more in common than differences if we are willing to be empathetic.
The curator Dr. Yip is very friendly and knowledgeable. The price of admission is $8 per adult, but you get a PhD that gives you a tour. A small building but it it is packed with history. People are willing to spend hundreds to look at pineapples, so $8 for a doctor to give a personal tour of Chinese Hawaiian American history is worth it.
I would highly recommend this place if you are in this area.
The curator Dr. Yip is very friendly and knowledgeable. The price of admission is $8 per adult, but you get a PhD that gives you a tour. A small building but it it is packed with history. People are willing to spend hundreds to look at pineapples, so $8 for a doctor to give a personal tour of Chinese Hawaiian American history is worth it.
I would highly recommend this place if you are in this area.
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SW_in_Hawaii
Waipahu, HI3 contributions
Dec 2022
This is a must see destination. Except for native Hawaiians or American Indians, all of us can relate to the immigrant story either directly or from stories of our ancestors.
This was much more interesting than we expected. Even though we came back the next day, there wasn’t enough time in our schedule to thoroughly look at the artifacts, etc after seeing the 1 hour film. I’ll be back next time I am in Maui.
Dr. Busaba Yip, cultural director and docent at the Wo Hing Museum, Society Hall and Cookhouse, was very friendly and knowledgeable. (She's even in the film.)
This was much more interesting than we expected. Even though we came back the next day, there wasn’t enough time in our schedule to thoroughly look at the artifacts, etc after seeing the 1 hour film. I’ll be back next time I am in Maui.
Dr. Busaba Yip, cultural director and docent at the Wo Hing Museum, Society Hall and Cookhouse, was very friendly and knowledgeable. (She's even in the film.)
Written 25 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sbryayey
Davis, CA9 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
This small, but truly amazing, museum documents the long history of Chinese immigrant life on Maui, as well as the island's role in modern international geopolitics as an incubator of Sun Yat-Sen & his group of idealistic Chinese revolutionary reformers (in the early 1900s, prior to the current Communist regime). We were treated to an informative & fascinating partial tour by Dr. Busaba Yip, PhD, the museum's cultural director. The museum houses an impressive collection of ancient Chinese antiquities. Don't miss this wonderful "East Meets West" cultural treasure!
Written 24 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PBPG
Yorkshire, UK6,007 contributions
Sep 2022
The first hall dated to the late 1800s, but was replaced in the early 20th century with the current two-story building on Front Street. Upstairs is a temple with an altar for religious ceremonies. Downstairs was the social hall, which serves as museum space and a gift shop. Engraved on the calligraphy boards around the temple are characters for Wo, meaning “peace and harmony” and Hing, which means “prosperity.”
Next to the walkway in the front yard is a bronze bust and marble pedestal monument to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, courtesy of The Sun Yat-sen Foundation for Peace and Education. From 1879 to 1910, he made six trips to Maui and spent more than seven years in the islands preparing for the 1911 Chinese revolution. Good building to look round, but unfortunately not open when we got there!
Next to the walkway in the front yard is a bronze bust and marble pedestal monument to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, courtesy of The Sun Yat-sen Foundation for Peace and Education. From 1879 to 1910, he made six trips to Maui and spent more than seven years in the islands preparing for the 1911 Chinese revolution. Good building to look round, but unfortunately not open when we got there!
Written 20 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rita B
1 contribution
May 2022 • Family
Recently went to this museum. When we arrived we asked to use the restroom and was told they don’t have one. Daughter has a physical disability. The lady was rude! Wouldn’t a museum be required to have a public restroom?
Written 21 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark S
Corrales, NM3,637 contributions
Mar 2022
Our good friend Dennis Ryan is the Docent and major contributor here and we went in to see his new exhibits for the Year of the Tiger. Fascinating!! Amazing artifacts dating back thousands of years! Dennis knows SO much and is terrific telling even the humorous aspects of history. The Wo Hing would not even be functional without him as much of their funding has been redirected. Thanks to Dennis and go visit the Wo Hing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Written 11 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TS ZAG
Kihei, HI1 contribution
Mar 2022
We live in Kihei and don’t get to Lahaina often, but took our son and grandson age 14 to experience Lahaina as they recently relocated here from the mainland. Our grandson insisted upon going into the Wo Hing Museum, and we had the honor of Dennis Ryan personally taking us through the artifacts and educating us on their origin and meaning. It was fascinating! What a hidden treasure this place is. We didn’t have time to see the cook house or the Edison movie so we will be back soon! If he can hold the attention of a 14 year old boy for an hour, he’s pretty interesting! Thank you so much for the best day ever!
Written 26 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
treborz1
Foster City Ca345 contributions
Sep 2021
Found this museum to be quite interesting, with its local history from a Chinese perspective. Well worth a stop.
Written 12 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rae
100 contributions
Dec 2019
A bit of history about the old life style in Hawaii for Asian people. Interesting bits of info on the social life and the development of the island. A small number of exhibits to see. Great old black and white movie filmed by Thomas Edison which I watched twice!
Written 18 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GetOutAndTravel4
Pinehurst, NC108 contributions
Hi,
We're going to Maui in March and my husband is interested in learning more about the old irrigation systems built to supply the sugar cane plantations. Does this museum cover that at all?
Thanks!
Michelle J
Tucson, AZ125 contributions
Not that I remember, but there was a lot of information in the museum and I might have missed that fact. The court house museum might address that question.
Agulha
Long Island, NY34 contributions
Are you hosting a Chinese New Year celebration this year in Febraury 2015?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wo Hing Temple Museum
- Wo Hing Temple Museum is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Wo Hing Temple Museum:
- (0.14 km) Hotel Lahaina
- (0.12 km) Kahana Sunset B2 - Oceanfront/Ocean View - Upgraded and Spacious - Steps to Sand
- (0.49 km) Best Western Pioneer Inn
- (0.29 km) Come Play on Maui. Kaanapali Royal P101 2 bd 2 ba Walk to Whaler's Village
- (0.33 km) Aloha! Beautifully updated 2BD. Close to beach, shop & restaurant.
- Restaurants near Wo Hing Temple Museum:
- (0.03 km) Thai Chef Restaurant Maui
- (0.04 km) Sale Pepe
- (0.04 km) VigiLatte Artisan Coffee
- (0.05 km) Lahaina Sushi Ko
- (0.15 km) Cafe Cafe Maui