Maui Sugar Mill

In Puunene on Maui stands the last commercial sugar mill in Hawai‘i. Sadly, Alexander & Baldwin announced in 2016 that farming sugar would end by the end of that year. Thus a century-long era has ended — since commercial sugar operations have already shut down on the other islands. For that reason, this photo takes on special meaning as a memory of the way things used to be in all of Hawai‘i.

Photographer's note: This is more than just a sepia-toned version of a modern photograph. I have worked diligently to remove any traces of contemporary civilization — by eliminating cars, power lines, newer buildings, etc. The goal was to craft a photo that would be very similar to one taken more than 100 years ago. I love the look and I hope you do too.