Events – Past

March 16, 2020--Due to public health-related prohibitions on public gathering, this event has been cancelled. We plan to reschedule it later in the year. Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive updates on this and other programs. Mahalo for your understanding and support. History, Performance & Place Join us for a one-of-a-kind event highlighting historic sites, Downtown history and live performances featuring the lobbies or exteriors of 5 historic buildings. Sites include: C. Brewer, Alexander & Baldwin, Ali‘iōlaniHale, Kawaiaha‘o Church and Mission Houses. Historical performances introduce true stories from the lives of Annie Alexander, John Kaneiakama Papa ‘Ī‘ī & Lucy Thurston portrayed by actors Rasa Fournier, William Ha‘o, and Cecilia Fordham. The walk is followed by a reception with heavy pūpū and drinks. This event is co-sponsored by: Download Flier (PDF) REGISTER HERE WHEN: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Topa Financial Center 745 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu Check-in: Interior Makai side of the Fort Street Tower lobby (near the University of Phoenix office) [map] PARKING: To be added COST: $65

Historic Hawai‘i Foundation joined with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Native Hawaiian Relations to offer a free community seminar on Native Hawaiian Organizations’ involvement in the federal historic preservation consultation to protect historic properties. The presentation materials are now available for download. To take the free, online, on-demand course, see https://www.achp.gov/training/elearning Additional Tools & Presentations The seminar provides training to Native Hawaiian Organizations to aid their involvement & effectiveness in federal historic preservation consultation to protect historic sites and cultural landscapes. Saturday, February 22, 2020 9:00 a.m to 12:30 p.m. YWCA of O‘ahu, 1040 Richards Street, Honolulu THE TRAINING The training will present a new online course from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation on Native Hawaiian Organizations and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.  There will also be a panel presentation. Subject matter experts from OHA and other groups will be featured panelists. Through the training attendees will learn: A general overview of relevant laws and regulations The special legal rights and opportunities for native Hawaiians Lessons learned by experienced practitioners Advice for those involved in preservation activities The goal is to provide skill development and information for Native Hawaiian Organizations to interact, consult, and work with federal agencies on projects and undertakings to identify properties of religious and cultural significance and consult to resolve adverse effects to those properties. WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Native Hawaiian Organizations and members of the native Hawaiian community interested in preservation of historic properties, including properties of religious and cultural significance to NHOs, which may be adversely affected by [...]

Winter 2020, January 30 to March 5 St. Andrews Cathedral, Von Holt Room 229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu All talks Thursdays at 12:00 noon Sponsored by the Historic Preservation Program, Department of American Studies, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment guaranteeing universal women’s suffrage, the 2020 lecture series, Notable Women of Hawai‘i, looks at key women leaders in the history of Hawai‘i. Queen Ka‘ahumanu, January 30 A reading of "Ka‘ahumanu" by Sybil Augusta Carter, a lecture delivered December 6, 1892, before Queen Lili‘uokalani and members of Woman’s Board of Missions. The Kuhina Nui display from the Hawai‘i State Archives will be available for viewing. Presenter: Elizabeth Lentz-Hill, Missionary descendant. Emma Kaili Metcalf Beckley Nakuina, February 6 Emma Kaili Metcalf Beckley Nakuina and the Preservation of Hawaiian Culture. Makuina was a water rights expert and curator of the Hawaiian National Museum. Presenter: Uluwehi Hopkins, Doctoral Candidate, History Department, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Rosalie Enos Lyons Keliinoi, February 13 Rosalie Enos Lyons Keliinoi was the first female legislator for the Territory. She sponsored the Act that preserved Hulihe‘e Palace. Presenter: Dr. Jeff Lyons, historian and great-grandson of Keliinoi. Symbolic Ratification Star, February 20 In 1920 the Ahahui Mamakakaua, Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors Society sent a symbolic ratification star using the techniques used to create lei hulu, or feather lei. The original star is on display at Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument in Washington, D.C. A discussion will take place about its creation and the preservation of feather lei collections. Presenters: Mele Kahalepuna Chun [...]

On December 6th, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation and more than 80 people rang in the season with a Holiday Open House at the gorgeous Mulvehill Residence in lush Nu‘uanu. It was a beautiful evening filled with laughter and joy. Our incredible hosts welcomed us into their stunning and comforting home with open arms. Volunteer docents shared the architectural history of the Mulvehill home and its and rehabilitation; Nu‘uanu history including Native Hawaiian stories of place and archaeology; the Battle of Nu‘uanu and the ‘Auwai system, and the development of the 20th century subdivision known as the Dowsett Tract.  Facts and myths related to the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places was also presented. The home provided a beautiful setting for guests to mingle, converse, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and be merry! It was a magical, memorable evening. Enjoy a photo gallery of the event below. Click on each thumbnail to view in full size. Join us for a joyous Holiday Open House event among the magical, twinkling lights of the historic “Mulvehill Residence” in Nu‘uanu. Built in 1924, this classic home exudes a warm and romantic presence. Docents will share architectural and historical information about the home and its rehabilitation, grounds and surrounding neighborhood, and stories unique to the Mulvehill history over the decades. This special experience will surely leave you enchanted! Heavy pūpū, champagne, and wine will be served. Take a sneak peak of this enchanting fairy-tale home "9 Greatest Honolulu Homes" "Serenity now" [...]

North Shore Chamber of Commerce and Historic Hawai‘i Foundation coordinated a new educational series to help property owners access resources to repair, maintain, rehabilitate and preserve key parts of Hale‘iwa’s history. The two-part series held September 10 and October 30 at Hale‘iwa Gym provided information about methods, techniques and financial incentives to preserve historic buildings in Hale‘iwa. The seminars provided practical, specific information on maintaining and rehabilitating historic structures, helping them to continue to provide benefits to the owners, the historic district and the greater community. The two-hour seminars were free and open to property owners and their representatives [tenants, building managers, design professionals and financial institutions doing business] in Hale‘iwa Special District. Attendance at both seminars was encouraged but not required. Workshop Presentations Click the thumbnails below to download PDF versions of each presentation. Hale‘iwa Zoning and Special District Design Guidelines September 10, 2019 Historic Designation and Tax Incentives for Preservation October 30, 2019 SEMINAR ONE Hale‘iwa Zoning and Special District Design Guidelines September 10, 2019, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Hale‘iwa Gym, 66-434 Kamehameha Hwy This seminar will present: • Overview and District boundary • How the HSD LUO affects you as a property owner • Types of permits and procedures for review • The relationship between the City’s development review and the State’s historic preservation review • Design standards for new construction • Design standards for rehabilitation of existing buildings • Other aspects of the regulations that affect both rehabilitation and new construction projects in Hale‘iwa. Presenters: • Anthony X. Ching and Joette Yago, City & County of Honolulu Department [...]

Join Historic Hawai‘i  Foundation and Oʻahu Cemetery Association for a one of a kind music and history event celebrating Oʻahu Cemetery's 175th Anniversary. A specially created walking tour will feature four stations (with tents and seating for each) featuring historical narration and  live musicians and hula dancers presenting songs, chants and compositions associated with eight remarkable musicians buried at the cemetery: Musicians clockwise from top left: James Makee, Bina Mossman, Ellen Prendergast, R. Alex Anderson, Ululani Jabulka, Charles K.L. Davis, Nathaniel B. Emerson. Johnny Noble (Center). The Madame and The Baritone Opera Tribute: Ululani McQuaid Jabulka – 1895-1970: Noted opera singer and civic leader: Puccini’s Madame Butterfly Charles K. L. Davis – 1925-1991: Tenor/Baritone: Ave Maria, Kamehameha Waltz Performers: Malia Ka'ai-Barrett and TBA The Captain and the Historian: Captain James Makee – 1812-1879: “Makee ‘Ailana” a Hawaiian mele composed to honor the construction of Kapiʻolani Park and attributed to Captain James Makee who was President of The Kapiʻolani Park Association. “Hula O Makee” The ship Makee that grounded on a reef at Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi. Nathaniel Emerson – 1839-1915: Historian of Hawaiian Culture, Language and Antiquities. Sacred Songs of the Hula, Unwritten Literature of Hawaiʻi Wife Sarah Eliza Emerson – 1855-1928; La’au Lapa’au Performers: TBA Exceptional Hawaiian Composer and A Master of Hapa Haole Mele: Bina Mossman – 1893-1990: La‘ela‘e, Niu Haohao, He ‘Ono R. Alex Anderson – 1894-1995: Soft Green Seas, On A Coconut Island, Blue Lei, A Lei of Stars Performers: The Palapū Street Band; Nathan Aipa, George Kamalamalama, Kepa Stern, Mike Enos, Chinky Gray Vocals and Hula: Ka’anohi Aipa The Matriarch of Mele Aloha ‘Aina and Composer Conductor Extraordinaire: Eleanor Prendergast – 1865-1902: “Kaulana Nā Pua” Johnny Noble – 1892-1944: Hula Blues, [...]

In June 2019, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation, in collaboration with the National Park Service, continued its popular statewide educational seminars providing training on historic preservation lessons learned from regional preservation case studies. DOWNLOADS PRESENTATIONS + RESOURCES Case Study: Glenn Mason, Mason; Stevie Whalen, Hawaii Agricultural Research Center, Kunia Plantation Village Project Case Study: Notes - Mahealani Cypher, Koolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, Ahupuaa Boundary Markers Project Case Study:  KT Eger, Friends of Liliuokalani Gardens Case Study: Greg Chun, Awa Kele LLC, Hapaialii Heiau Kona Handout - Project Evaluation Model Case Study: Adam Johnson, National Park Service, Puukohola Heiau National Historic Park, Hawaiian Legacy Program Case Study: Chris Faye, Hui o Laka, Kokee Civilian Conservation Corp Camp Rehabilitation Case Study: Tommy Noyes, Kauai Path, Puna Moku Coastal Heritage Trail Case Study: Jonathan Starr & Linda Clarke, Kaupo Community Assocation; Jim Niess, Maui Architectural Group, Kaupo School & Teacher's Cottage Project Case Study: Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Gavin Miculka, Kuulani Auld,Kona Historical Society & Paul M Donoho Case Study: Mary Orwing, Makawao History Museum Case Study: Victoria Wichman, State Parks, Presley Wann & Emily Cadiz, Hui Maka’ainana O Makana, Haena State Park Loi Kalo Project Case Study: Theo Morrison, Lahaina Restoration Foundation, Pioneer Mill Co. Smoke Stack Case Study: Tonia Moy, Fung Associates, Hobron-Lai Residence Overview of Historic Preservation Grant Funding in Hawaii, Historic Hawaii Foundation Historic Preservation and Land Use Permits - Kathy Sokugawa, City & County of Hawaii, Dept of Planning & Permitting Navigating the County of Hawai‘i’s Land Use Regulatory Framework - Alex Roy, Certified Local Government Coord., County of Hawaii Planning Department Historic Tax Incentives, State Historic Preservation Division The half-day seminars will [...]

More than 80 people gathered on beautiful, sunny, Saturday, May 11 at historic Dillingham Ranch. Guests strolled the property, enjoyed fine cuisine catered by North Shore’s Ke Nui Kitchen and learned more about this exquisite property and its related stories. Volunteer docents shared the history of ranching, the Dillingham Family, the Dollhouse and origins of Daughters of Hawai‘i, Hawaiian legend and archaeology and architecture of the main Lodge House. Chris Dawson, Founder and chairman of Hawaiian Native Corporation (HNC), and president and CEO of the DAWSON companies, an avid, longtime polo player, opened the event with a brief history of polo in Hawai‘i followed by a short exhibition of riders on beautiful polo ponies. Everyone was thrilled to be part of this unexpected and unique experience. It was a day to remember and a true stroll back in time. Did you attend the event? Your feedback is important to us. Click here to take a short survey. Interested to learn more about the property and its history? Click here to learn more about future plans for the property. Read about the archaeology here. Learn more about the architecture here. Enjoy a photo gallery of the event below. Join us for an Exclusive Historic Open House Event Take advantage of a rare opportunity to experience tranquil Dillingham Ranch on the slopes above Mokulē‘ia, a historic property rich with stories from Hawai‘i’s past. From the welcoming lanai of the 1913 Dillingham family home, you’ll feel transported back in time to a simpler landscape and lifestyle as you gaze across the pastures [...]

Democracy by Design   Historic Hawai‘i Foundation was honored to be part of a task force appointed by the State Legislature and Governor David Ige to commemorate and celebrate the milestone 50 year anniversary of the Hawai‘i State Capitol Building. Other members of the task force included the Hawai‘i State Archives, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, DAGS, local architects and planners, legislators and First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige. Senator Brian Taniguchi served as chair. On Saturday, March 16 more than a 130 people gathered in the Capitol auditorium for the Democracy by Design Symposium, featuring six enlightening and inspiring sessions. (Videos of all six sessions are available below. To view the speakers'  individual PowerPoint presentations click the green buttons to your right.) The day-long event was free and open to the public. State Senator Brian Taniguchi and Kiersten Faulkner, Executive Director of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation, welcomed attendees and Faulkner served as moderator throughout the day. Democracy by Design - Part 1 https://youtu.be/lCwU7zPKghc Democracy by Design - Part 2 https://youtu.be/RiOzEhTCYLo Democracy by Design - Part 3 https://youtu.be/1ti-aoDhVBU Democracy by Design was the theme of a full-day symposium exploring the role of design in fostering open government and democratic engagement planned for the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Capitol. ABOUT THE CAPITOL The Capitol was dedicated on March 15, 1969 on the tenth anniversary of the passage of the Statehood bill by Congress. Governor John Burns used his opening address to the legislature to expound on the openness and spirit of Hawai‘i: “The open sea, the open sky, the open doorway, open arms and open hearts—these are the symbols of our Hawaiian heritage…It is by means of this striking architecture of this new [...]