Coloring book teaches about plantation life

Life during the sugar plantation days — back when sugar was king — is captured via whimsical drawings and games for all ages in “Hawaii’s Plantation Village Coloring Book,” available while supplies last at Hawaii’s Plantation Village in Waipahu.

The 24-page coloring and activity book reflects the mission of Hawaii’s Plantation Village, which is to preserve the history of and educate people, young and old, about Hawaii’s sugar plantation heritage.

The book was a collaboration of volunteers Yoshiko Yamauchi and Lorene Ono, and artist Allen Tsukamoto. Their goal was to showcase the essence of life on the plantation.

“The coloring book features the culture of seven immigrant groups — Chinese, Portuguese, Puerto Rican, Japanese, Okinawan, Korean and Filipino — plus the original Hawaiian plantation workers,” said Ono, publicity volunteer at Hawaii’s Plantation Village. “Chinese New Year, bon dance, poi pounding depicted in the coloring book are some of the precious cultural events that preserves our multi-ethnic island heritage.”

In time for the holidays, the book can be a souvenir for visitors or gift for locals who want a remembrance of those bygone days, she said.

“Generous donations enabled us to print the books so that 100 percent of sales go to continuing our programs,” Ono said.