Old Waialua Sugar Mill, Waialua, Hawaii

Old Waialua Sugar Mill, Waialua, Hawaii

Being a new resident of Hawaii, I'm no expert on the history of the archipelago. But, I'm learning. And what I'm learning is fascinating.

Old Waialua Sugar Mill, Waialua, Hawaii, now an artisan soap factory

For example, you might know that one of the main crops to come out of Hawaii was refined sugar. I say "was" because the last industrial sugar refinery closed in 2016. 

Inside the Old Waialua Sugar Mill, Waialua, Hawaii

Now, many of these old sugar mills sit empty and rotting away, succumbing to nature.

Grinding wheels used in the manufacture of sugar at the Old Waialua Sugar Mill, Waialua, Hawaii

But, the Old Waialua Sugar Mill on the north shore of Oahu has been repurposed from it's old industrial use to become a tourist attraction with food and shops.

Spam is incredibly popular in Hawaii

The mill closed in 1996, but now you can get fresh local fruit and veggies at the Saturday farmers market, pick up souvenirs (like Spam t-shirts), get a new surf board or check out the soap making shop, all on site.

Surf board in need of repair? No problem.

They also have turned some of the land into a coffee plantation. Samples of the coffee are on site and I can tell you, the joe is fantastic.

Sign in front of the surf board shop

In addition, they grow cacao on site and make their own chocolate!

Shave Ice (never Shaved)

Shave Ice (not Shaved Ice, please) is big in Hawaii, but I don't often partake because most places make it with artificial flavors and sweeten with corn syrup. But, at the old sugar mill, you can get the real thing, made with real fruit!

Hang loose

As you can see from the pictures, the Old Waialua Sugar Mill can be a little kitschy, but that's part of its charm. I mean, if you're coming all the way to Hawaii, why not get a solar powered dashboard hula girl or a real life carved tiki idol (made in China).

Solar powered, too!

So, grab a shave ice, take the tour and immerse yourself in the fun.

Tiki statues so realistic, they'd scare Greg Brady.

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