Conducting historical research for your home can seem initially overwhelming, but once you know where to start it can become a fun and enjoyable project. You should start with a clear vision of what you want to know:

  • Who built the house and when?
  • What did the original house look like inside and out?
  • Who owned and lived in the house?
  • What was happening both locally and nationally at the time the house was built?
  • What changes have been made to the house and when were they made?

To find this information you will need to consult a number of different sources. First, find the property’s address and Tax Map Key (TMK) number. The TMK number is located on the Real Property Tax Bill or from the real property assessment division of the County. Using this number you can find the house’s permit history, which may help you to find dates of alterations, names of owners, possibly the name of the architect, and floor plans. You can look up some permits online via your county’s Planning Department website, but you will likely have to visit the Planning Department in person to see the entire permitting history for your home.

The real property tax records should be part of your research as well; they will help you establish a “chain of title” that shows who owned the residence and when transfers of ownership occurred. Records at the State Bureau of Conveyances will also help establish a “chain of title,” as this is where the original deeds are located.

The next step is to find information about the house’s architect, individuals who lived in the house, and the house’s original appearance. The Hawai‘i State Archives has old photographs, old city directories that list people’s names and occupations, maps, and other historical materials that may provide this information.

Hawaii’s public libraries also offer old newspaper and map collections, and reference materials which can be used to better understand the social, economic, and political history of your neighborhood and individuals associated with your home. Other libraries, museums, and historical societies are good places to conduct research as well. The Hawaiian Historical Society, local historical societies, the State Archives, and the State Historic Preservation Division also have site files for some historic properties.

Speaking with former residents and neighbors who may have older photographs of the home or who may be able to provide information regarding changes to the home will be helpful as well.

For more detailed information on conducting research, please consult Historic Hawai‘i Foundation’s “Guide to Nominating Residences to the Hawai‘i Register of Historic Places.” The guide is available without charge in pdf format here.

By Katie Kissling, Former Field Services Program Manager