Kaua‘i Modern Events to Share Mid-Century Modern Architecture within a Historical and Social Context

This October, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation is partnering with the Hawai‘i chapter of Docomomo US to produce a multi-faceted study of Modern architecture on Kaua‘i.  Architectural historian Don Hibbard and noted author Pat Griffin will provide insight on the architectural features, historical background and social context of Modernist buildings and places around Kaua‘i, beautifully photographed by David Franzen.

Project takeaways will include a full-color booklet, guided walking tour in Līhu‘e, as well as school presentations and community gatherings in both Līhu‘e and Honolulu.  Funded in part by a grant from the Hawai‘i Council of the Humanities, the project aims to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Modern architecture statewide among the general public and all age groups from youth to kūpuna.

The booklet will be available in mid-September with tours and public presentations to be held in early October.

To encourage appreciation of these notable historic places, the booklet will be distributed to all local public libraries, private school libraries, government leaders and policy makers.  To purchase a copy, please contact Historic Hawai‘i Foundation in mid-September at 523-2900 or email member@historichawaii.org.

Related events:

Līhu‘e Modern Architecture Presentation & Talk Story

  • Friday, October 6
  • 5:00- 7:00 PM
  • Līhu‘e Civic Center, Moikeha Conference Room 2A/2B
  • 4444 Rice Street,
  • Interactive discussion will look at Līhu‘e’s past and reflect on the historic events and social changes that influenced its built environment.
  • Free and open to the public. Registration required. Click here to reserve your space.

 

Līhu‘e Walking Tour

  • Saturday, October 7
  • Tour 3:00-5:00 pm
  • Pau Hana 5:00-7:00 pm
  • Meet in front of the Līhu‘e Civic Center, 4444 Rice Street, Līhu‘e
  • Pau hana at Ha Coffee Bar, 4180 Rice Street
  • The tour will highlight the Modern characteristics of eight buildings and share stories and anecdotes about them.  Following the tour, guests are invited to enjoy drinks and pūpū at Ha Coffee Bar on Rice Street.
  • Tickets required. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

 

Honolulu Modern Architecture Presentation & Talk Story

  • Wednesday, October 11
  • 5:00- 7:00 PM
  • Ward Village Courtyard at the IBM Building
  • 1240 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu
  • Interactive discussion will look at Modern architecture’s development in the Islands and the historic events and social changes that influenced its outcome.
  • Free and open to the public. Registration required. Click here to reserve your space.
  • Parking: Free parking is available across the street in the Ward Village Shops parking garage or in the Ward Centre Parking garage. Premium Valet for $7 is available at the Ward Centre parking garage from Sunday – Thursday, 10:00am – 9:00pm and Friday & Saturday from 10:00am – Midnight. Click here for directions.

Want to purchase the booklet? Click here to prepay & reserve your copy.

This program is supported by a grant from the Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities.