The Story of Hawaii Museum combines history, geography, cartography and historical artifacts of the Hawaiian Islands to create a stimulating educational experience. The museum provides a vivid visual orientation to Hawaii and the many peoples and nations who have helped to shape her heritage. located at the Queen Kaahumanu Center at 275 Kaahumanu Avenue in Kahului
The displays range from the daring voyages of Polynesian navigators to the maps of the islands made by early Western explorers. There are also exhibits relating to the Hawaiian monarchy, Territorial days, Hawaii’s role in World War II, and the coming of statehood. Other sections include the era of steamship travel in the early 20th century, with a selection of nostalgic memorabilia from Matson Cruise Line.
One of the most exciting displays is a selection of maps, prints, photos, documents and artifacts related to Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7. 1941. This section includes information not only about Oahu but also takes a broader view of WWII in the Pacific as it looked from both the American and Japanese perspective. It includes many original items that are rarely seen.
Founded in 2012 The Story of Hawaii Museum is located at the Queen Kaahumanu Center at 275 Kaahumanu Avenue in Kahului, Maui. In addition to its free informative exhibits, it also includes a gift shop featuring a wide range of maps and prints related to Hawaiian history as well as a variety of “Made in Hawai”i gift items including handmade jewelry and wood carving and art objects.
LEARN THE REAL STORY OF HAWAII AND OWN A PART OF HER PAST!
Bryant Neal
Curator Historian Pearl Harbor Expert
Bryant Neal is a prominent Maui-based arts leader, map historian, and cultural community builder. Over more than four decades, he has dedicated his career to preserving the history of the Hawaiian Islands, expanding youth arts education, and fostering a vibrant local jazz scene.
Originally from Arkansas, Neal graduated from Hendrix College in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts.
In 1982, he relocated to Maui and quickly integrated into the island's arts scene. He spent over two decades as a partner and vice president of Lahaina Printsellers, Ltd., where he developed a deep passion and expertise in vintage cartography and historical prints.
Map Historian & The Story of Hawaii Museum
Neal is widely recognized for his presentation series, "Telling Hawaiʻi's Story," which utilizes his extensive personal collection of rare, vintage maps, documents, and artifacts to chronicle the history of the islands in chronological sequence.
Founder and Curator: In 2013, he founded The Story of Hawaii Museum Exhibit and Gallery.
Interactive Education: The traveling and physical exhibitions blend history and geography into an interactive educational experience. The accompanying gallery offers antique originals and high-quality reproductions of historic maps, nostalgia, and Matson Cruise Lines memorabilia.
Arts Education for Children Group (AECG)
Inspired by a desire to ensure his daughter Olivia had access to a comprehensive arts curriculum, Neal founded the 501(c)(3) non-profit Arts Education for Children Group in 1997.
Mission: The organization provides fine arts, music, and dance programs as baseline curriculum for after-school, holiday, and summer schedules.
Community Events: Under his leadership as executive director, AECG has grown to produce major community events, including musician workshops, the Maui Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival, and the annual July 4th Concert in the Park at the Lahaina Library lawn.
Jazz Maui
Operating under the umbrella of AECG, Neal founded Jazz Maui to support local musicians and enrich the island's live music landscape.
Professional Bridges: Jazz Maui provides professional performance venues and clinics for local residents, music students, and aspiring young musicians.
Network Building: The program bridges the gap between student musicians and seasoned industry professionals, cultivating performance opportunities and workshops year-round.
Maui Arts League Leadership
Neal serves as the Vice President of the Maui Arts League, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing fine arts to the community. Appointed to the position after years of serving as the assistant art director, he is highly regarded by the board as an active "doer" and community leader. He has been instrumental in preserving local visual arts culture, notably contributing to projects like the publication of the book “Remembering Lahaina”.
Broad Cultural Contributions
Beyond his core organizations, Neal is a versatile civic contributor:
He serves as a curator and docent at the Camp Maui Museum in Haʻikū, honoring the 4th Marine Division of World War II.
He sits on the board of the South Maui Learning ʻOhana.
Drawing on his theater background, he is well-known for his annual dramatic recitations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s "I Have a Dream" speech during regional MLK Day and Black History Month events.
