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Hawaiʻi Theatre

The Hawaii Theatre is celebrating its 90th anniversary.  It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its excellent architectural and interior design, craftsmanship, and detailing.

The theater is a rare example of eclectic architecture that was relatively common to this area of Honolulu prior to World War II.

The theater, historically, had two primary functions. During its early years it was both a live center for the performing arts and a motion picture theater, its dual uses gradually shifted, and in later years it functioned solely as a motion picture theater.

In March, 1920, the Honolulu architectural firm of Emory and Webb was commissioned to do the design plans. On June 9, 1921, a construction contract was awarded to Pacific Engineering Company, another Hawaiian company.

Official opening of the theater was held on September 6, 1922, and was attended by Governor Wallace R. Farrington and members of the Territorial government, and members of social circles.

It is the oldest theater still remaining in Honolulu and the State of Hawaiʻi that was originally planned, built and used as a legitimate theater and concert hall.

Great pride was expressed that “the finest theater in Honolulu…is a home product.”

“Honolulu is to be congratulated on what is being done for the entertainment of its residents and visitors. It has now a most attractive and well conducted amusement place in Aloha Park and its new Hawaii Theater is as if one of the best and most attractive from the white light district of New York had been carried bodily across the continent and out into the Pacific to the Paradise of the Pacific.”  (Maui News, October 3, 1922)

The theater was built at a cost of a half million dollars and was ranked with the most modern theaters in America for that period.

It was equipped with air conditioning, indirect lighting, a fire/emergency exit system, wicker chairs in the balcony and a seating capacity for 1,726 persons, and was the largest and the first modern theater in the Territory of Hawaiʻi.

The Hawaii Theatre is situated at the southwest corner of the intersection of South Pauahi and Bethel Streets in Downtown Honolulu and abuts the Chinatown Historical District.

The Hawaii Theatre opened as a showplace for vaudeville, silent films, plays, musicals, and Hawaiian entertainments. It slowly evolved into a plush movie palace until it fell on hard times in the 1970s, when Waikīkī became the entertainment destination for locals and tourists alike.

In the 1980s, concerned citizens banded together around the mission to preserve and restore the Hawaii Theatre and formed the Hawaii Theatre Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that owns and operates the historic Hawaii Theatre.

The Hawaii Theatre hosts approximately 100,000 patrons annually showcasing the finest in local, national, and international entertainments.

Each year the Hawaii Theatre Educational Programming Project reaches thousands of Hawaii’s children through programming geared specifically for student matinee performances. The Hawaii Theatre Center SHOWTIME! Student matinee series has drawn thousands of students to the historic theatre to experience the wonders of performance.

In 2005 the League of Historic America Theatres named it the “Outstanding Historic Theatre in America”; in 2006 the National Trust for Historic Preservation gave Hawaii Theatre its highest “Honor Award” for national preservation; and in 2006 the Hawaii Better Business Bureau presented its “Torch Award for Business Ethics” to the Hawaii Theatre Center, the first small nonprofit to receive that award.

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by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Day 117 – February 16, 1820

February 16, 1820 – The hold has been opened and many articles put up by our friends for the mission examined. ‘Tis pleasant to have such testimonials of love to Christ and the heathen. Other testimonies of his love we desire to acknowledge and record, as comfortable health, a good measure of peace within and without and general properity. – Few changes of special note since doubling the Cape. (Thaddeus Journal)

Feb. 16th. This day our little comforts have been many. It was a pleasant morning. About the rising of the sun, the signal was given, on deck, immediately over our heads, for us to leave our berths, for free air above. The full-spread sails spoke our way prosperous, while the pleasant sun over the smooth waters, seemed to smile upon us. All were in motion. To use a seaman’s phrase, they had “broken out”,—that is, were drawing on deck, from the hold, a part of the various lading put in at the Wharf at Boston. This brought up a variety of things belonging to individuals and the Mission in general which none had seen before. Among them was a cask directed to Mr. B—, containing sundry articles, as a bundle for Sister R—, Dr. H—, etc. packed in Hartford. But what in that most interested me was a large bag of comfortable things from Bennington, put up with maternal feeling, and maternal kindness. Then Mr. B— could tell me of Mother and of home. Sweet names, and precious J There was dried beef, dried fruits of several kinds, something for medicine particularly desired on the voyage, etc. One trunk and box game heaped upon another, when the word was, “for the Mission, from Hopkins’ Academy that sound, I was over the lumber with as much life as i^ to meet a friend. My beloved Sophia presented herself, as it were, before me. The box was soon opened. The first thing taken hold of was a gown which I had seen her wear sufficiently to make her almost appear in it again. The little community all partook in my pleasure while none would lift up an article to be aired, but leave it for my hands; admiring the singular providence which had caused me, upon these distant waters of the Pacific, to be the one who should unpack what the hands of a dear sister and her pupils had, so recently, laid down for the dear Missionaries at Brainard. Their admiration was encreased when I told them of the remark made when they were put up.—After giving them the air we nailed the box up. And now, may the same gracious hand which inclined the hearts of my sister and her scholars, to provide these garments, incline the hearts of the wretched heathen to commit to us their now equally wretched children, to be clad in them; and, 0, may the day be at hand, when, from that distant land, those hearts which have been thus opened, shall be cheered with the glad tidings that the object of their benevolence are employing their tender voices in lisping the praises of Jesus, to whom the heathen are given for an inheritance. (Sybil Bingham)

Feb’y. 16th. We are now opposite the island of Juan Fernandes remarkable for having been the residence Robinson Crusoe. This has been a very busy and interesting day, have been employed in examining our trunks and boxes put up for the Mission. Opening a keg directed to Brother B., I discovered a bundle with a letter directed to me. I put out my hand to receive as it were fresh intelligence from my dear native land, after an absence of more than 16 weeks. On breaking the seal my heart was filled, with a grateful-sense of renewed obligations to friends, and to God as the author of all good, for this expression of kindness from dear sisters in Christ. Nothing short of an assimilation of feelings can make you realize my dear sisters, how closely you are entwined around my heart. Tears involuntarily burst from my eyes, when I saw your dear names, at the thought that I am to see you no more on earth. But if we are indeed the children of God our separation will be short, and our meeting endless and happy. May this consideration cheer our hearts while on the way and make us more watchful, prayerful, and useful in the world. The kindness of friends has already contributed much to my happiness, and I hope it will also promote my future usefulness among the heathen. I am confident after all you have done, you will not cease to present your devout supplications, in behalf of a far distant sister, who is now tossing upon the tumultuous ocean, with the prospect of becoming a stranger in a strange land, where all is moral darkness and desolation,
“But Jesus shall reign where e’er the sun,
Does his successive journies run,
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore
Till moons shall wax and wane no more”.
May this precious promise encourage and animate us, and God be glorified in the salvation of the heathen, which he will accomplish in his own time, and with the use of means of his own appointment. (Nancy Ruggles)

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Hale Ali‘i

When the seat of government was being established in Lāhainā in the 1830s, Hale Piula (iron roofed house,) a large two-story stone building, was built for Kamehameha III to serve as his royal palace.

But, by 1843, the decision was made to permanently place a palace in Honolulu; Hale Piula was then used as a courthouse, until it was destroyed by wind in 1858 – its stones were used to rebuild a courthouse on Wharf Street.

In Honolulu, Kekūanāo‘a (father of two kings, Kamehameha IV and V) was building a house for his daughter (Princess Victoria Kamāmalu.)

The original one story coral block and wooden building called Hanailoia was built in July 1844 on the grounds of the present ‘Iolani Palace.

But, in 1845 Kamehameha III took possession of it as his Palace; from then on, Honolulu remained the official seat of government in Hawai‘i.

At the time when Kekūanāo‘a erected the old Palace, the grounds were not so spacious as they are at present.  On the western corner was Kekūanaō‘a’s house, which he had named Hali‘imaile.

Kekauluohi, a premier, erected her house in the vicinity.  When John Young was premier, he built and lived in Kīna‘u Hale.  Also, on the premises was Pohukaina.

The site of the Palace was once a section of the important heiau (temple,) Ka‘ahaimauli; other heiau were also in the vicinity of the Palace, including Kanela‘au and Mana.

The Palace was used mainly of official events and the structure had mainly offices and reception areas, since smaller buildings on the grounds served as residences for the rulers and their court; it was only one-third the floor area of the present Palace.

Kamehameha III built a home next door (on the western side of the present grounds, near the Kīna‘u gate, opening onto Richards Street;) he called the house “Hoihoikea,” (two authors spell it this way – it may have been spelled Hoihoiea) in honor of his restoration after the Paulet Affair of 1843. (Taylor and Judd)

(In 1843, Paulet had raised the British flag and issued a proclamation annexing Hawai‘i to the British Crown.  This event became known as the Paulet Affair.  Queen Victoria sent Rear Admiral Richard Thomas to restore the Hawaiian Kingdom.  That day is now referred to as Ka La Hoʻihoʻi Ea, Sovereignty Restoration Day.)

“Hoihoikea” was a large, old-fashioned, livable cottage erected on the grounds a little to the west and mauka side of the old Palace.  This served as home to Kamehameha III, Kamehameha IV and Kamehameha V: the Palace being used principally for state purposes. (Taylor)

The palace building was named Hale Ali‘i meaning (House of the Chiefs.)

During the reign of Kamehameha V, cabinet councils were frequently held there.  This was where the council called the Constitutional Convention, the result of which was the abolition of the constitution of 1852 and the creation of a new one.

Hale Ali‘i was renamed ‘Iolani in 1863, at the request of King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa.)  The name “‘Iolani” was chosen by King Kamehameha V to honor his deceased brother, the former king, Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani.)

“‘Io” is the Hawaiian hawk, a bird that flies higher than all the rest, and “lani” denotes heavenly, royal or exalted.

The Palace served as the official state structure for five Kings: Kamehameha III, Kamehameha IV, Kamehameha V, Lunalilo and the first part of Kalākaua’s reign.

Theodore Heuck, who had earlier designed the new Mausoleum, designed a building called ‘Iolani Barracks, completed in 1871, to house the royal guards. Over time the various other houses on the grounds were removed and replaced with grass lawns.

Although the old palace was demolished in 1874, the name ʻIolani Palace was retained for the building that stands today.

The construction of the present ‘Iolani Palace began in 1879 and in 1882 ‘Iolani Palace was completed and furnished.

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Day 118 – February 17, 1820

February 17, 1820 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Feb. 17th.
Being confident that the most trifling or minute circumstance which interests us., will meet the feelings of maternal affection, I intend to give full scope to my pen in mentioning little particulars, which to others will probably appear insipid, and uninteresting. Were I by the side of my dear mother, I would tell her that we had new bread for tea this evening for the first time since we came on board. In addition to the enjoyment which we received in partaking of what seemed to us a rarity, it brought to mind, those tables we have been accustomed to surround in the dear family circle, and produced a familiar conversation upon the subject. Our entertainment ever has been, and still is good and comfortable; though very different from what we have teen accustomed to on land. May we hope that the time is coming when we shall be permitted to meet all the ransomed of the Lord and partake of that new wine, and living bread which Jesus has prepared for those who love him. – The mission family have not enjoyed as good health as they now do since they left America. Mr. R. observed last evening, that he has not felt like himself before since he came on board. The health which he now enjoys demands our gratitude and praise. May the afflictive hand of God, ever be laid gently upon us, and we be supported under it. Entered the trade winds this morning. The consideration that we are shortly to land on the heathen shores, covered with sin and pollution would be overwhelming, and cause us after all the advances we have made towards them, to think back, and exclaim, “who is sufficient for these things”, were it not that our help, is in the name of the Lord who made Heaven and earth.
“When through fiery trials thy path-way shall lie,
My grace all-sufficient shall be thy supply;
The flames shall not hurt thee, I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine”.
No fearing or doubting, with Christ on our side,
We hope to die shouting, the Lord will provide”. (Nancy Ruggles)

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National Tropical Botanical Garden

The National Tropical Botanical Garden (originally the Pacific Tropical Botanical Garden) is the only tropical botanical garden with a charter from the United States Congress as a not-for-profit institution, dedicated to tropical plant research, conservation and education.

National Tropical Botanical Garden and its gardens are located in the only tropical climate zones in the United States. While other major gardens can grow tropical plants in greenhouses “under glass,” NTBG’s nearly 2,000 acres of gardens and preserves afford a natural open-air environment in which these species flourish.

Four of NTBG’s gardens are in the Hawaiian Islands; the fifth is on the US mainland in Florida.  The Hawai‘i gardens include, McBryde and Allerton Gardens in Lāwa‘i, South Shore of Kaua‘i; Limahuli Garden and Preserve on the North Shore of Kaua‘i and Kahanu Garden on the Hāna Coast of Maui.  The Kampong is located on Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove, Florida.

McBryde Garden has become a veritable botanical ark of tropical flora; it is situated in the upper valley of Lāwa‘i.   In 1970, the original 171-acres in the upper Lāwa‘i Valley was purchased, forming the NTBG’s first garden.

Originally called Lāwa‘i Garden, in 2000 it was renamed the McBryde Garden (named after Duncan McBryde and his McBryde Sugar Co, prior owners of the site.)

It is home to the largest ex situ collection of native Hawaiian flora in existence, extensive plantings of palms, flowering trees, rubiaceae, heliconias, orchids and many other plants that have been wild-collected from the tropical regions of the world.

NTBG’s Conservation Program is based at this site and the Garden contains a state-of-the-art horticulture and micro-propagation facility.

The Allerton Garden was a summer home for Queen Emma, now known as the historic Allerton Estate located near Poʻipū just past Spouting Horn – it’s situated between the Pacific Ocean and the McBryde Garden in the Lāwa‘i Valley (Lāwa‘i Kai.)

A naturally stunning location, the Lāwaʻi Valley’s tropical splendor was nurtured by its famous owners.  Queen Emma added her personal touch with the purple bougainvillea along the cliff walls.  In 1937, the Allerton’s purchased the property and continued the vision of a stately garden paradise.

The NTBG is headquartered at Lāwaʻi Kai.  NTBG’s gardens and preserves are safe havens for at-risk plant species that might otherwise disappear forever. There are two gardens at Lāwaʻi Kai, McBryde and Allerton Gardens.  NTBG has the largest collection of endangered plant species in the world.

Research and education programs have been expanded over time; NTBG’s Breadfruit Institute was formed. In more recent years the institution has strengthened its commitment to native plant conservation and habitat restoration. While NTBG had long been conducting ethno-botanical research, new emphasis was placed on perpetuating traditional knowledge.

Limahuli Garden and Preserve is set in a verdant tropical valley on the north shore of the Hawaiian Island of Kaua‘i. The Garden is back-dropped by the majestic Makana Mountain and overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

The name “Limahuli,” which means “turning hands,” which describes the agricultural activities of early Hawaiians in the Valley.  Lava-rock terraces for growing taro (lo‘i kalo) were built there 700-1,000 years ago.

The goal for Limahuli Garden and Preserve is the ecological and cultural restoration of Limahuli Valley, using the ahupua‘a system of resource management as a template for this work – a convergence of past and present, where native plants as well as ancient and contemporary Hawaiian culture are being actively preserved, nurtured and perpetuated.

Kahanu Garden is situated on the Hāna coast at Honomā‘ele.  For many generations the ahupua‘a of Honomā‘ele was an important agricultural area, a thriving community that prospered under the guidance of their ali‘i (chiefs).

Oral legends and chants recall that by the latter part of the 16th century the renowned ali‘i Pi‘ilani united the entire island of Maui under one rule with Hāna Bay as one of the royal centers of the kingdom.

Kahanu Garden today honors the past – cultivating and preserving both Hawaiian native plants and special varieties or cultivars of the ethnobotanic plants of Hawai‘i and the greater Pacific.

The Kampong, in Florida, contains an array of tropical fruit cultivars and flowering trees.  The garden is named for the Malay or Javanese word for a village or cluster of houses.

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