Images of Old Hawaiʻi

by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Chinese Wo Hing Society Temple and Cookhouse

Starting in the 1850s, labor shortages in the Islands were eased by bringing in contract workers from Asia, Europe and North America. The first to arrive were the Chinese (1852.) The sugar industry grew, so did the Chinese population; between 1852 and 1884, the population of Chinese in Hawai’i increased from 364 to 18,254 (almost a quarter of the population of the Kingdom (almost 30% of them were living in Honolulu)). Between 1869 and 1910 over thirty secret societies that have their roots in seventeenth century China were established in the Islands, six on Maui. These secret societies were formed to politically re-establish the deposed Ming dynasty.

These local clubs were mutual aid societies which met social and recreational needs of its members providing funeral services and burial, support in times of crisis, protective services and made contributions to their members. The Wo Hing Society – Wo, meaning “peace and harmony” and Hing, meaning “prosperity” was an important aspect of cultural and social life in Lāhainā for its immigrant Chinese. The society provided a fraternal structure which was a substitute for the absent family. In 1912, using private donations, the society built a 2-story temple on Front Street. It is believed that the present building replaced an earlier structure. In 1983, Lahaina Restoration Foundation took steps to restore this valuable site for Lāhainā and manages the site.

by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Baldwin High School

It’s situated on the sand dunes midway between Wailuku and Kahului on the main highway … it was named and renamed four different times: Wailuku Junior High School (1928) … Wailuku Intermediate (1932) … Wailuku High School (1936) … Baldwin High School (1939.)

In December of 1924 a resolution was introduced by Supervisor R. A. Drummond to establish a new high school in or near Wailuku. While Maui High School was available for students pursuing a secondary school education (back then, it was located in Pā‘ia,) it was felt a high school should be located near the population center of the island. The school’s namesake, Henry Perrine Baldwin (born August 29, 1842 in Lahaina,) was a son of Dwight and Charlotte Fowler Baldwin, early American Protestant missionaries to Hawai‘i.

by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Betsey Stockton Arrives in the Islands

“On the 24th (of April, 1823), we saw and made Hawaii (Owhyhee). At the first sight of the snow-capped mountains, I felt a strange sensation of joy and grief. It soon wore away, and as we sailed slowly past its windward side, we had a full view of all its grandeur. … Two or three canoes, loaded with natives, came to the ship … We informed them that we were missionaries, come to live with them, and do them good. At which an old man exclaimed, in his native dialect, what may be thus translated—‘That is very good, by and by, know God.’”

“This beginning of missionary labours seemed very encouraging; and in a short time our unpleasant feelings were much dissipated, and we conversed with them freely, through the boys, who were our interpreters. We gave them old clothes; and in return they gave us all the fish they had caught, except one large one, which we bought. … The last expression of affection we could have dispensed with very well; but we have to become all things to all men, that we may gain some. They then bid us many arohas, and took their departure.”

by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Maui No Ka Oi

West Maui was considered a ‘window to the world’ because this area has seen the comings and goings of rival chiefs, kings, missionaries, whalers, government officials, the military, sugar and pineapple plantation owners, early labor immigrants, celebrities and travelers for centuries. The stories of West Maui give a bigger perspective of the world, than we would otherwise have, and helps us to expand our view and broaden our understanding of the world.

Probably there is no portion of the Valley Isle, around which gathers so much historic value as West Maui. It was the former capital and favorite residence of kings and chiefs. By whatever means (vehicle, transit, bicycle or on foot,) exploring West Maui, and embracing the scenic beauty, natural features, historic sites, associated cultural traditions and recreational opportunities, will give the traveler a greater appreciation and understanding of Hawai‘i’s past and sense of place in the world.

by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Hardy House

Frederic W Hardy was born of early New England ancestry on January 23, 1859, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the son of George Dana Boardman and Olive (Andrews) Hardy. Mr. Hardy came to the Islands in 1882 on account of health, (he had a severe attack of malaria-typhoid fever.) In September, 1883, he was appointed vice-principal of the Wailuku school and was the first teacher to bear such a title in the kingdom. Hardy became principal of the Makawao school in September, 1888. He was the first teacher and principal of the Makawao School.

In 1897, Hardy added to an existing house to create what is now known as the ‘Hardy House,’ one of the oldest wood frame houses in Makawao. It was built onto an existing one room house (that was then about 10-15 years old.) The new house had a double pitch (Hawaiian) roof; it is reminiscent of those by Charles W Dickey (Hardy was friend of Charles H Dickey, the architect’s son.) Very few wooden houses of that age have survived the termites, harsh tropical climate and temptation to tear down the old to build new.