Online exhibit honors Lānaʻi's history and enriches the future

A new web exhibit takes visitors on a virtual journey throughout the island of Lānaʻi, starting with the once-bustling ranching community of Kōʻele. "From Mauka to Makai: Changing Landscapes on Lānaʻi" uses oral histories and historic photos to tell stories about the impact of cattle, pineapple, and tourism.

The Lānaʻi Culture and Heritage Center debuted the free exhibit last month. The Conversation sat down with the center’s Executive Director Shelly Preza, who can trace her family's lineage on the island back decades.

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Keōmoku Child Horsemen

Courtesy of the Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center

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Historic Dole Park

Courtesy of the Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center

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Hulopo'e Keiki Pond

Courtesy of the Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center

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Lanai City

Courtesy of the Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center

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Manele

Courtesy of the Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center, Del Rosario Collection

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Manele

Courtesy of the Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center, Del Rosario Collection

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Kaumalapau Harbor

Courtesy of the Lānaʻi Culture and Heritage Center

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Lānaʻi landscape

Courtesy of the Lānaʻi Culture and Heritage Center

The center continues to expand its archive and welcomes historic or family photographs. Click here to view the virtual exhibit. Click here for the free Lānaʻi Guide app.

This interview aired on The Conversation on Jan. 10, 2023. The Conversation airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on HPR-1.