Hawaiian Wax Museum- Captain James Cook Discovers Hawaii

(1779)

This intriguing scene from the Hawaiian Wax Museum shows the meeting between Captain James Cook (1728-1789) and Hawaiian King Kalaniopuu (1729-1782). The two exchanged gifts, of linens, cloaks, sugar, fruits, sabers, etc. But soon the relations with the Hawaiian peoples became strained, and a fight resulted between them, ending in Cook's death. However, this scene highlights the historic nature of the first meetings between the explorer and the inhabitants of Hawaii.

Captain James Cook holding what looks to be the saber that he gave Kalaniopuu.

Kalaniopuu preparing to receive the gift.

A crewman holding a linen shirt, one of the gifts for the king.

Tags: Hawaii Wax Museum Wax Figure Wax Kalaniopuu James Cook

Hawaiian Wax Museum- Birth of Kamehameha I

(1753?-1919)

It is said that there was rain, thunder, and lightning on the night when Kamehameha was born. He ua lokuloku no Ikuwa ke 'li'i (like the heavy rain of Ikuwa is the chief.) Here we see Kamehameha as a baby being taken away. His mother, Kekuʻiapoiwa, lays on the left. At his fathers command, Kamehameha was taken to escape possible death caused by neighboring enemies.

Kekuʻiapoiwa, the mother of Kamehameha.

Keoua, Kamehameha's father, handing off his son to Nae'ole the Chief of Kohala for protection. Nae'ole would become Kamehameha's Kahu (guardian).

Tags: Hawaii Wax Museum Wax Figure Wax Kamehameha

Hawaiian Wax Museum- Early Settlers (500 A.D.)

Today's post shows a scene from the Hawaiian Wax Museum which focuses on the early settlers of the Hawaiian Islands. Here we see a woman gathering food, a child either working or playing, and two men loading a boat with food. The combination of figures and mural, gives the scene a grand scale which adds to the wonder of the museum.

A close up of the woman as she looks concerned about the child.

The child about to pick up a coconut. My guess is he or she is also working.

The men diligently loading the Kaulua.

Tags: Hawaii Wax Museum Wax Figure Wax Early Settlers Kaulua

Hawaiian Wax Museum- Exterior

Today's post is on the exterior of the Hawaiian Wax Museum. If this shot is any indication, then this place must have been really cool. The Polynesian architecture fits completely with the spirit of the island and the museum. Of course this is a posed shot; showing the beautiful hostesses welcoming visitors to the museum, and the happy tourists making their way inside. I figure that one challenge the museum faced was that it competed with the beauty of the island itself. The State of Hawaii has so many attractions that the museum may have not have been able to draw enough people away from the beaches and volcanoes. On a side note, the sign in front of the building shows a scene from the museum featuring Hawaii's early settlers.


A close up of the museum's Hostesses.


No, they're not tourists at all! What would ever give anyone that idea.

The Hawaiian Wax Museum focused its collection on Hawaiian history from the early settlers (around 500 A.D) to annexation by the United States of America (1898).

Tags: Hawaiian Wax Museum Exterior

Hawaiian Wax Museum- Duke Kahanamoku

(1890-1969)

One of the great athletes in Hawaiian history, Duke Kahanamoku greats visitors in the old Hawaiian Wax Museum. Standing in the lobby with a Koa canoe paddle, this figure is an example of Hawaiian hospitality. Behind him is a traditional surf board weighing 114 pounds, and measuring 16 feet tall! Named after the Duke of Edinburgh, who visited the island in 1869, Duke was a Gold Medalist in swimming during the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm. After a brief film career, he became a sheriff, and an ambassador of good will for Hawaii.


The Hawaiian Wax Museum focused its collection on Hawaiian history from the early settlers (around 500 A.D) to annexation by the United States of America (1898).

View more information on Duke Kahanamoku here.

Tags: Hawaii Wax Museum Wax Figure Wax Duke Kahanamoku