HHC News

Embark on a journey of Honokaʻa’s rich heritage with our official e-newsletter, the Heritage Hub!” Delve into the tapestry of our town’s  history while staying informed about the latest happenings at the Honokaʻa Heritage Center.

Take a trip to Historic Honokaʻa through the memories and stories of the people who grew up here.

PBS Hawaiʻi’s Home is Here: The Heart of Honokaʻa features local residents sharing what it was like to grow up in this small Hāmākua town, from plantation camp days and small town traditions to the changes that came after the sugar industry closed. Filled with familiar places, talk story, laughter, and memories, the episode captures the deep connection people continue to feel to Honokaʻa and the Hāmākua Coast.

Whether you grew up here, have family ties to the area, or simply want to better understand the community, this special offers a heartfelt look at the people and stories that continue to shape Honokaʻa today. You can watch this special episode by clicking HERE.

Roots of Resilience: Stories of Hāmākua Sugar shares the memories, experiences, and voices of the people who lived and worked through the rise and closure of the Hāmākua Sugar Company.

Through oral history interviews with former plantation workers, families, and community members, the documentary explores daily life in the camps, the multicultural communities built around sugar, and the lasting impact the plantation era had on the Hāmākua Coast.

From funny stories and local traditions to the hardships and uncertainty that followed the plantation’s closure in 1994, the film captures a deeply personal side of Hāmākua’s history.

More than just a story about sugar, Roots of Resilience is about community, adaptation, and the people who continue to carry these memories forward for future generations.