With a heavy heart filled with so much regret and sorrow, I would like to post a 4-star review on Wo Hing Society Hall, being one of the most surprising hidden gems in Lahaina.
It felt like just yesterday when I visited this place in February 2023. It was a very small museum, but it was filled with interesting relics and antiquities. Among others, a jade belt, and a scroll of declarations called “The Fundamentals of National Reconstruction”, signed off by Dr. Sun Yat-Sin.
I was especially taken to see a few Sanxingdui relics, including one of its signature bronze masks that shocked the archaeological world when the site was first discovered. I never expected to see them outside China. I was really happy listening to their owner, a senior collector and enthusiast of Chinese ancient civilization, as he shared his knowledge about the stories behind all those ancient treasures.
It was fascinating to see a kitchen/meeting hall next to it. They looked similar to those set up during the 19th century's Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia too. I remember seeing my grandparents using similar cookware when I was little.
I wish I had more time at this museum, but our conversation was unfortunately disrupted by my young daughter’s meltdown due to high temperature and humidity.
Sadly, everything in this museum is now destroyed and burned down into ashes in the fire last month. I don’t even know whether all the volunteers there survive the fire at this point. I feel so regretful that I will never see the museum again.
So far, I have not found the names of anyone tending to any Lahaina museums/temples on the victim list. They genuinely loved serving and volunteering in these museums. I can only keep them and their families in my prayers...
I hope sharing of my photos means something here.