Honokaʻa Heritage Center

Honokaʻa Heritage Center The Honokaʻa Heritage Center in the historic Botelho Building in Honokaʻa Hawaiʻi is now open.
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Tsutomu “Racehorse” Onomura, a respected developer and building contractor, left a lasting legacy in Honokaʻa Town throu...
06/16/2026

Tsutomu “Racehorse” Onomura, a respected developer and building contractor, left a lasting legacy in Honokaʻa Town through his vision for thoughtful growth and preservation of the community’s historic character. Among his many contributions were the construction of the Waipiʻo Bar at the Hotel Honokaʻa Club, Herb’s Restaurant, and the building that now houses Andrade Auto Parts.

Born in Paʻauilo, Racehorse built a successful career in general contracting, partnering with George Vierra at M. Yamane Contractor, and later Onomura Enterprises. Dedicated to maintaining the charm of Honokaʻa’s historic business district, he focused on developing new buildings that blended harmoniously with the architectural style of the old town.

Beyond his work in construction, Racehorse was deeply involved in the community. He was an active member of the Hamakua Lions Club and served as president of the Hamakua Businessmen’s Association. His other notable projects included the Moana Apartments, Kika Washerette, and the Country Apartments, all of which contributed to the growth and vitality of Honokaʻa.

Photo: Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald

The Honokaʻa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple and the Buddhist Women’s Association are holding their annual Garage Sale & Sile...
06/14/2026

The Honokaʻa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple and the Buddhist Women’s Association are holding their annual Garage Sale & Silent Auction today, starting from 10am to 2pm.

This is their biggest fundraising event of the year for them, where they will be also having a plant, bake and collectibles sales, too. Be sure to get there early to find bargains, one-of-a-kind items, and deals!

Their temple is located at 45-516 Lehua St. in Honokaʻa. Be sure to bring your friends along, too!

Waipiʻo Valley, with its abundance of resources, became the seat of power for Hawaiʻi Island. Starting from around A.D. ...
06/12/2026

Waipiʻo Valley, with its abundance of resources, became the seat of power for Hawaiʻi Island. Starting from around A.D. 1460, nine successive aliʻi ʻai moku (district high chiefs) from the Pili line ruled from the valley.

Two of the most noted aliʻi from Waipiʻo were Līloa and his son ʻUmi. Līloa's first son, Hākau, succeeded him but proved to be a cruel leader. ʻUmi, who was Līloa's son by a woman of lesser rank, and his supporters slew Hākau and his men sacrificing them on the heiau or Honuaʻula.

ʻUmi was known as a just ruler who farmed and fished alongside his people. He created several new loʻi for growing kalo.

Did you know that the translation of "Paniolo Kepanī" means Japanese cowboys?After Japanese workers had completed their ...
06/10/2026

Did you know that the translation of "Paniolo Kepanī" means Japanese cowboys?

After Japanese workers had completed their three year plantation contracts, many opted to stay in Hawaiʻi. Some opened retail businesses, started small farms, or worked in ranching. Many Japanese immigrants became noted paniolo and ranchers and their legacy continues today.

Jiro Yamaguchi, a well known Japanese paniolo, is pictured.

Photo by: Paniolo Preservation Society

Born on April 9, 1891, in Kula, Maui, Frank Futoshi Arakawa became one of Hawaiʻi Island’s most influential architects a...
06/08/2026

Born on April 9, 1891, in Kula, Maui, Frank Futoshi Arakawa became one of Hawaiʻi Island’s most influential architects and engineers. At the age of five, his family moved to Hilo, where his parents opened a small general merchandise store.

Frank graduated as part of Hilo High School’s very first graduating class before continuing his studies at Stanford University, earning a degree in civil engineering. He later returned home to Hilo, where he began a remarkable career shaping the island’s architectural landscape.

From 1915 to 1942, Frank served as Hawaiʻi County’s deputy engineer and architect. Through both his county work and private practice, he designed many of the Big Island’s most recognizable educational, commercial, and civic buildings, including the Manago Hotel in Kona, the Hilo Fire Station, Hilo High School, to name a few. Notably, he was the architect of Honokaʻa High School, and Honokaʻa Union Church.

During World War II, Frank was interned because of his Japanese ancestry. After his release, he never returned to live in Hawaiʻi.

Today, his legacy lives on through the historic buildings that continue to serve communities across the island.

Photo by: Arakawa Family Collection

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church will be hosting their annual Holy Ghost Feast & Bazaar tomorrow morning! There will ...
06/06/2026

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church will be hosting their annual Holy Ghost Feast & Bazaar tomorrow morning! There will be food booths, entertainment, their charola auction, and many other activities for all ages to enjoy.

Please stop on by and support their parish as this is their big celebration and fundraiser of the year!

Were you aware that Honokaʻa High School published comprehensive handbooks for its students in the 1950s, outlining expe...
06/04/2026

Were you aware that Honokaʻa High School published comprehensive handbooks for its students in the 1950s, outlining expectations for behavior, dress codes, social etiquette, and conduct?

These guidelines played a significant role in maintaining a structured environment. during school hours.

Did your high school have a similar handbook during your time? Share your experiences!

Many Portuguese families had their own outdoor ovens, known as a forno. Most of the ovens were made of stone and cement ...
06/02/2026

Many Portuguese families had their own outdoor ovens, known as a forno. Most of the ovens were made of stone and cement in the shape of an igloo and stood around five feet high with a conical top.

An average oven could bake 12 loaves at a time. A favorite thing to bake was pao doce - sweet bread. The oven was heated by a wood fire and dough was placed on banana leaves to keep the bottoms of the loaves from burning.

This photo shows Emily Cordeiro de Paiva with fresh made pao doce.

Photo by: The Paiva Family Collection

Sam Liʻa Kalainaina was born in 1881 and knew the subtle nuances of Hawaiian language. Known as the "Songwriter of Waipi...
05/31/2026

Sam Liʻa Kalainaina was born in 1881 and knew the subtle nuances of Hawaiian language. Known as the "Songwriter of Waipiʻo," he wrote lyrics and music that captured the beauty and history of Waipiʻo Valley.

Notably, Sam was also a skilled weaver, and we are honored to have one of his creations, "Hawaiian Beauty," on display here at our Heritage Center.

His father, Samuel Sr., was also a celebrated songwriter, penning the iconic song "Hiʻilawe," which tells the tale of the twin falls at the back of the valley and a pair of young lovers.

Photo of Sam Liʻa Kalainaina: The Liʻa Vicente Collection

Round 3 is here! Can you identify these kawaii baby & toddler photos of our Heritage Center volunteers, staff, and Board...
05/29/2026

Round 3 is here! Can you identify these kawaii baby & toddler photos of our Heritage Center volunteers, staff, and Board members?

Use the clues below and see how many you can guess correctly!

One may have given you a speeding ticket back in the day and originally hails from Laupāhoehoe.

One once owned a health food store in town, now runs an amazing thrift shop, has deep Honokaʻa roots, and is part of our Wednesday volunteer crew.

One is a retired CPA with a talent for arts & crafts, and volunteers with many nonprofits around town.

One loves bon dance, has a fun personality, her family was known for sharing their delicious kimchi to friends and customers, and she’s a big Green Day fan.

One is the person behind our social media posts you’ve been reading over the years, loves forensic & crime shows, Jeff Buckley, and researching.

Post your guesses in the comments below! Let’s see who knows our Heritage Center ʻohana best!

Address

45-3490 Mamane Street Suite C
Honokaa, HI
96727

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm

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