NHERC Heritage Center


Honokaʻa will make a lot more sense if you visit this museum. Sponsored by the Northern Hawaiʻi Education and Research Center, the collection comprises numerous historical photographs documenting the plantation era and its demise. It's a peek into the region's collective grandmother's attic. Each picture speaks a thousand words.

From the main intersection downtown, follow Plumeria St uphill, then turn left on Lehua St.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Katsu Goto Memorial

0.39 MILES

Katsu Goto was a Japanese cane-field worker who eventually opened a general store in Honoka‘a. Goto was hanged by local sugar bosses and accomplices in…

2. Long Ears Coffee

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Try unique three- to 10-year-old 'aged' Hamakua coffee at this family farm. Wendell and Irmanetta Branco process their own and other Hamakua farms' beans,…

3. Kalopa State Recreation Area

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Secluded like a storybook forest, this 100-acre state park offers camping, cabins and various gentle trails. Set amid native trees at 2000ft, it's a quiet…

4. Waipiʻo Valley Lookout

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Located at the end of Hwy 240, this lookout offers a jaw-dropping view of Waipi‘o's emerald amphitheater, black-sand beach and pounding surf. Feast your…

5. Imiola Congregational Church

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Waimea's first Christian church originated as a grass hut in 1830 and was built entirely of koa in 1857. Here lies the grave of missionary Lorenzo Lyons,…

6. Ke Ola Mau Loa Church

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A much-photographed, historic Hawaiian church with an eye-catching green steeple. There are no set times when the church is open, although Sunday mornings…

7. Church Row

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Home to Christians, Buddhists and Mormons, Church Row is a living history of religious life on the island. There are several noteworthy, if humble,…

8. Paniolo Heritage Center

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The Paniolo Preservation Society is developing this museum at Pukalani Stables, where Parker Ranch once bred horses. The exhibits are a little chaotic,…