Kahuku Sugar Mill

The Kahuku Sugar Mill has a storied history and significant
existence. Dating back to the late 1800’s, Hawaiian locals,
mainland investors, and foreign immigrants began to develop
the North Shore land into an agricultural powerhouse. They
transformed what once was a desolate and abandoned
field of lush vegetation into a successful and thriving sugar
mill. Following the Civil War, Kahuku began to flourish.
The sugar mill was built; a newly developed train system
was integrated into the exportation process, allowing for
quicker delivery; and immigrants were assimilating to the
traditional Hawaiian culture.
The Kahuku Sugar Mill proved to be a true catalyst for
growth. Within a few years, the population had increased
exponentially. A new hospital was constructed and by the
mid 1900’s, the people of Kahuku had pioneered the
concrete stove, built the first children’s nursery and
high school, and created the first golf course on the
island, which still exists today!
On November 25, 1971 the Kahuku Sugar Mill ground its
last cane. The site became a tourist attraction. The locals
continued to embrace their Sugar Mill with pride and were
able to preserve the rich history and traditional beauty of
the ancient land through a museum until September 19,
2004 when the larger mill building had to be torn down.
Today, we look to bring back the mill! Through detailed
architectural design, community members and visitors will
see what looks to be an old sugar mill. Placards, gears and
tools left from the old mill will be predominately displayed
with storyboards; telling of the people and culture of this
time once lived.