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Grove Farm Museum Lihue Hawaii

4.7
·102 reviews·Lihue, United States

Step back in time at Grove Farm Museum, a preserved sugar plantation homestead offering a unique glimpse into Kauai's rich history and beautiful garde...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal tour

CrowdLow
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Japanese garden and tea house

Grove Farm Museum Lihue Hawaii

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal tour

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at Grove Farm Museum, a preserved sugar plantation homestead offering a unique glimpse into Kauai's rich history and beautiful gardens.

4.7
(102 reviews)

"A fascinating journey into Kauai's past with delicious homemade cookies and mint tea!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📞 Call to Book Your Tour

Tours have limited capacity. Booking in advance is essential to guarantee your spot!

🍪 Don't Miss the Cookies!

The ice box cookies and mint tea are a highlight for many visitors. Delicious!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Historic Homestead

The Historic Homestead

Main House

Step back in time exploring the beautifully maintained family home and farm buildings.

Original Kitchen Experience

Original Kitchen Experience

Original Kitchen

Taste delicious ice box cookies and refreshing mint tea, made fresh in the historic kitchen.

Lush Plantation Gardens

Lush Plantation Gardens

Grounds

Wander through serene gardens showcasing the beauty of Kauai's agricultural past.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Grove Farm tours are popular and have limited spots. Call ahead to secure your reservation, especially if you're visiting during peak season or want a specific guide. This ensures you don't miss out on this historical gem.

Embrace the History and Gardens

This isn't just a museum; it's a preserved sugar plantation homestead. Allow time to soak in the history of island life and wander through the beautiful gardens. The experience is a blend of heritage and natural beauty.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Crowd
Low
When
Anytime with advance booking
Why
Tours are limited, book ahead!
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Grade crossing at the Grove Farm Plantation Museum. The plantation has four steam locomotives in their collection from the days when the land used to be the Koloa Plantation. The museum has a monthly “fire up” to provide an authentic sugar plantation steam train experience. ——————————————— #jj_theyards #train_nerds #train_chasers #trb_express #rail_barons #artofrailroad #north_american_rail_pictu...
hilldogwoo
204 likes • 0 views

📞 Call to Book Your Tour

Tours have limited capacity. Booking in advance is essential to guarantee your spot! Reddit

🍪 Don't Miss the Cookies!

The ice box cookies and mint tea are a highlight for many visitors. Delicious! Reddit

A shot of "Paulo". This 30" gauge Hohenzollern 2-4-0 is the oldest operating locomotive in Hawaii, and runs on Kauai. #808 #Kauai #GroveFarms #NarrowGauge #SteamLocomotive #Trains #SugarCane
the_trains_of_hawaii
101 likes • 0 views

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the grounds and historic buildings, so comfy shoes are a must. Reddit

🗣️ Engage with Guides

Each guide offers a unique perspective on the history. Ask questions and enjoy their stories! Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📞 Call to Book Your Tour

Tours have limited capacity. Booking in advance is essential to guarantee your spot! Reddit

🍪 Don't Miss the Cookies!

The ice box cookies and mint tea are a highlight for many visitors. Delicious! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the grounds and historic buildings, so comfy shoes are a must. Reddit

🗣️ Engage with Guides

Each guide offers a unique perspective on the history. Ask questions and enjoy their stories! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(102 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Grove Farm Museum for its beautifully preserved historical homestead and lush gardens, offering a fascinating glimpse into Kauai's sugar plantation past. The knowledgeable and friendly guides, along with the delightful tasting of homemade cookies and mint tea, are frequently highlighted as memorable aspects of the experience. While tours are limited and require advance booking, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

"We love coming here each time we are on Kauai. The first time we visited was in 1990. We like taking a tour with different guides as each one tells the history in a unique way. Come visit and enjoy delicious cookies in the original kitchen. This is part history and part garden all in one location. Make reservations in advance."

Sonia Beard

"This such a beautiful place to visit. My Uncle Billy worked here before his passing and it is just beautiful. Please take the tour where, at the end, you will get to taste the mint tea and the ice box cookies which are to die for. We went here just to but 4 bags of these wonderful goodies. The people that work there are ALL made of gold and are the nicest people you will ever meet. If you take the tour, you will be learning from the best and my Aunt Mary Beth may just be the one showing this beautiful place off to you. If it's her, say hi from us over in Oregon."

jim blower

"After visiting Kauai for many years, we heard about Grove Farm last week and promptly called to setup a tour. Tours are for very limited numbers of people so book ahead.
Loved the tour of the old Sugar Cane farm. Fascinating view of the family business, farming and life on Kauai in those days. The beautiful family house and other farm buildings have been beautifully maintained and the tour guide has wonderful knowledge. We also toured the original kitchen and received delicious cookies and mint tea freshly made there for us. A wonderful tour not to miss"

Chris Davies

What People Like

Beautifully preserved history
Knowledgeable and friendly guides
Delicious cookies and mint tea

What People Dislike

Limited tour availability

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Grove Farm Museum is located in Lihue, Kauai. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors use GPS navigation to find the address. Parking is available on-site for visitors attending tours. Reddit

Public transport options to Grove Farm Museum might be limited. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services is generally recommended for easier access to the museum and surrounding areas. Reddit

Using a GPS device or a reliable navigation app on your smartphone is the most straightforward way to find Grove Farm Museum. Search for 'Grove Farm Museum Lihue Hawaii' for precise directions. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, advance reservations are highly recommended and often required for Grove Farm Museum tours. Tours have limited capacity, so booking ahead ensures your spot. Reddit+1

Information on ticket prices is best obtained by calling the museum directly or checking their official website. Advance booking is usually necessary. Reddit

Grove Farm Museum operates tours on specific days and times. It's crucial to call the museum to confirm their current tour schedule and book your preferred slot. Reddit

No, walk-in visits are generally not permitted. Grove Farm Museum operates primarily through guided tours that require advance booking. Reddit

Information regarding discounts for seniors, children, or groups is best confirmed by contacting Grove Farm Museum directly when you make your reservation. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Expect a guided tour of a preserved sugar plantation homestead, including the historic family house, farm buildings, and beautiful grounds. You'll learn about Kauai's plantation history and enjoy fresh cookies and mint tea. Reddit+1

The typical duration for a Grove Farm Museum tour is around 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing ample time to explore the grounds and learn about the history. Reddit

Yes, Grove Farm Museum can be enjoyable for children, especially those interested in history and nature. The grounds offer space to explore, and the cookie tasting is a hit. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended as you'll be exploring the grounds and historic buildings. Lightweight, breathable clothing is also advisable due to the tropical climate. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted on the grounds, but there might be restrictions inside certain buildings. It's always best to check with your tour guide for specific guidelines. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there isn't a full-service restaurant, Grove Farm Museum offers complimentary ice box cookies and mint tea as part of the tour experience, often made in the original kitchen. Reddit+1

Many visitors rave about the delicious ice box cookies and have expressed a desire to purchase them. It's worth asking if they are available for purchase after the tour. Reddit

Lihue offers various dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants. You can find places to eat before or after your Grove Farm Museum visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The historic buildings, lush gardens, and scenic plantation landscapes offer numerous picturesque photo opportunities. The original kitchen and the main house are particularly photogenic. Reddit

Photography rules inside the historic buildings can vary. It's best to ask your tour guide for permission before taking pictures inside the house or other structures. Reddit

Morning light often provides beautiful, soft illumination for the gardens and buildings. Late afternoon can also offer lovely golden hour light. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Grove Farm Museum offers a unique historical adventure for families. The guided tours provide an engaging way to learn about Kauai's past, and the guides are often adept at keeping younger visitors interested. The chance to taste freshly baked cookies and mint tea in the original kitchen is a definite crowd-pleaser for kids! Reddit The spacious grounds also offer a pleasant environment for children to explore, making it a good option for a family outing that combines education with a bit of fun. Remember to book your tour in advance, as spots are limited. Reddit

❤️ Couples and History Buffs

For couples and those with a deep interest in history, Grove Farm Museum is a must-visit. The beautifully preserved homestead offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of plantation families, providing a rich narrative of Kauai's heritage. Wandering through the historic buildings and serene gardens together creates a romantic and educational experience. Reddit The knowledgeable guides enhance the visit with captivating stories, making it a truly immersive journey into the past. Don't forget to savor the homemade cookies and mint tea – a sweet touch to a memorable outing. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Solo travelers will find Grove Farm Museum to be a rewarding and peaceful experience. The guided tours offer a great opportunity to connect with knowledgeable locals and fellow visitors, fostering a sense of community. You can fully immerse yourself in the historical narratives and the tranquil beauty of the grounds at your own pace. Reddit The chance to enjoy the delicious cookies and mint tea adds a delightful personal treat to the visit. It's a perfect destination for reflection and learning about Kauai's unique past. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Rich History of Grove Farm

Grove Farm Museum is a remarkable testament to Kauai's sugar plantation era. Established in 1864 by William Hyde Rice, it was one of the island's most successful sugar plantations. The museum preserves the original homestead, offering a tangible connection to the lives of the families who worked and lived on the land. Visitors can explore the beautifully maintained family house, which showcases period furnishings and artifacts, providing a glimpse into the domestic life of plantation managers. The tour also includes visits to various farm buildings, such as the blacksmith shop and the original kitchen, each telling a part of the plantation's story. Reddit+1

The preservation efforts at Grove Farm are exceptional, ensuring that the historical integrity of the site is maintained. The guided tours are a cornerstone of the visitor experience, led by knowledgeable guides who share fascinating anecdotes and historical context. These tours are not just about dates and facts; they bring the history to life, making it relatable and engaging for all ages. The dedication of the staff and volunteers is evident in the immaculate condition of the grounds and buildings, creating an immersive historical journey. Reddit

Beyond its historical significance, Grove Farm is also a place of natural beauty. The lush gardens surrounding the homestead are meticulously cared for, featuring a variety of tropical plants and flowers. This blend of history and horticulture creates a serene and picturesque environment. Many visitors are particularly delighted by the opportunity to taste freshly made ice box cookies and mint tea in the original kitchen, a sweet and memorable part of the experience that connects them directly to the past. Reddit

Experiencing Grove Farm: What to Expect

Visiting Grove Farm Museum is a unique experience that goes beyond a typical museum visit. The guided tours are the primary way to explore the property, and they are designed to be intimate and informative. Due to limited tour sizes, booking in advance is crucial to avoid disappointment. Reddit The tours typically last about 1.5 to 2 hours, covering the main house, outbuildings, and the surrounding gardens. Guides are passionate about the history and often share personal stories and insights that make the experience richer. Reddit

A highlight for many visitors is the stop at the original kitchen, where you can often sample the famous ice box cookies and refreshing mint tea. This culinary experience is a delightful way to connect with the past and is frequently mentioned as a favorite part of the visit. Reddit The grounds themselves are a pleasure to explore, offering a peaceful escape with beautiful landscaping and historical structures scattered throughout. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking on varied terrain. Reddit

While the focus is historical, the natural beauty of the gardens adds another layer to the visit. It's a place where you can learn about Kauai's agricultural heritage while enjoying a tranquil environment. The staff are consistently praised for their warmth and knowledge, contributing significantly to the positive visitor experience. Reddit

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