Abstract
The history of Hawaiʻi reflects recollections of colonialism, immigration, accommodation, identity, and multiculturalism influenced by the various ethnic groups that arrived in the Hawaiʻian islands. This thesis examines three main discourses of Hawaiʻi historiography (haole, Kānaka Maoli, and local) at Hawaiʻi's Plantation Village in Waipahu, Oʻahu. Each discourse overlaps in its interpretation of events and adds to the overall history of Hawaiʻi. However, local narrative, as presented at the museum, reflects further on various concerns and issues present in Hawaiʻi's social relationships. This thesis includes a historical background of Hawaiʻi's sugar plantation era, the three discourses of Hawaiʻi's history, an examination of Hawaiʻi's Plantation Village in their interpretation of historical events, and a final report on interviews that were conducted with twelve participating volunteers and staff members at the museum. These interviews reflect on their memories of the sugar plantations, their experience growing up in local Hawaiʻi, the role of the museum in the local community, and their efforts in preserving the legacy of Hawaiʻi's sugar plantation communities.