Historic Hawaii Foundation: HHF

08/15/2026

Alexander & Baldwin Building
By HHF Volunteer, May Shiraishi

The Alexander & Baldwin Building is a well-known landmark in Downtown Honolulu and these historic photographs reveal a perspective that many people rarely see, the construction phase. While most of us recognize the complete structure, these images from the Hawai‘i State Archives document the journey from blueprint and foundation to the finished building that still stands today. They provide a glimpse into the construction challenges of the early 20th century and the remarkable effort it took to establish one of Honolulu’s first major commercial office buildings.

Completed in 1929, the four-story Alexander & Baldwin Building was designed by renowned architects C.W. Dickey and Hart Wood with Honolulu’s pioneer landscape architect Richard C. Tongg contributing to the exterior landscaping. Dickey helped popularize the iconic “Hawaiian” roof style, characterized by its high peaks, low eaves, and double pitched design. The building reflects a thoughtful and unique blend of Hawaii’s climate, history and Hawaiian regional architecture with Asian and Mediterranean decorative elements. The influence of Chinese culture on Hawaii’s architecture can be seen in the building’s design, reflecting the close connection between the island’s early sugar industry and Chinese labor.

More than just construction photographs, these images capture a pivotal moment in Honolulu’s architectural development. They remind us that behind every historic landmark, there is a story of innovation, artistry, and cultural exchange.

Image #1: Prior To The Construction Process of the Alexander & Baldwin Building. PP – 7 – 3 – 007.
Image #2: Construction Process of the Alexander & Baldwin Building. PPWD – 1 – 6 – 014.
Image #3: Construction Process of the Alexander & Baldwin Building. PP – 7 – 3 – 011.
Image #4: Construction Process of the Alexander & Baldwin Building. PP – 7 – 3 – 013.
Image #5: Construction Process of the Alexander & Baldwin Building. PP – 7 – 4 – 008.
Image #6: Completed Alexander & Baldwin Building. PP-7-3-009.
(All images courtesy Hawai‘i State Archives.)

07/24/2026

07/24/2026

Advocacy Alert! ACHP Proposal Would GUT Key Preservation Protections.
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Proposed changes to Section 106 could weaken protections for historic and cultural places across the country. Learn what's at stake, why it matters, and how you can stay informed.

Link in bio.

05/20/2026

Join Historic Hawaii Foundation: HHF in partnership with the Department of the Interior Office of Native Hawaiian Relations and National Park Service for a free webinar highlighting case studies of co-stewardship for the perpetuation of traditional knowledge and positive preservation outcomes.

Wahi Pana Stewardship in Practice – Case Studies from Native Hawaiian Organizations
📅 Thursday, June 18, 2026
⏰ 9:30am HST
💻 Virtual on Zoom

This 90-minute webinar highlights how Native Hawaiian Organizations are advancing cultural stewardship and preservation efforts grounded in ʻike kūpuna through place-based stewardship, community engagement, and restoration practices.

Featured case studies on O‘ahu:
• Caring for Iwi Kūpuna at Mokuoeo, Ke‘ehi, Moanalua Ahupua‘a — Mauliola Keʻehi and Huliauapa'a
• Stewardship at Luluku Archaeological and Field Complex, Kāne‘ohe — ‘Āina Momona

Presenters:
Kona Au-Love (‘Āina Momona)
Kēhaulani Kupihea (Mauliola Ke‘ehi)
Tehani M. Quitevis, Rachel Hoerman & Wailana Medeiros (Huliauapa‘a)
Kawika McKeague (G70)

Images:
1) Three of the four tidal islets in Ke‘ehi, Moanalua Ahupua‘a, Kona Moku, O‘ahu. (Photo by Kēhaulani Kupihea courtesy Mauliola Ke‘ehi.)

2) Restored lo‘i kalo in foreground, Ko‘olau mountains in background and terraces in process of being restored to left of the group. (Photo by Linahala Bulatao courtesy ‘Āina Momona.)

Free and open to the public. Registration required. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yewu7hf2

05/02/2026

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION GRANT DEADLINES ANNOUNCED

HHF PRESERVATION GRANTS provide support for rehabilitation or restoration construction projects that preserve the character-defining features of a historic building or site. Eligible Applicants include public agencies, 501(c) (3), and other nonprofit organizations. 2026 Submittal Deadlines: June 1 & September 1. Learn more and apply: https://historichawaii.org/article/hhf-historic-preservation-grants/

HILO PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM provides grants for the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and beautification of historically-significant buildings and structures located in the core downtown area of Hilo. Eligible Applicants include non‐profit organizations, for‐profit businesses and government agencies. 2026 Submittal Deadlines: June 12 & September 11 Learn more and apply: https://historichawaii.org/article/hilo-preservation-grant-program/

04/27/2026

University of Hawai'i Historic Preservation Graduate Certificate Program just announced a Historic Preservation Field School, June 8-July 2, 2026 on Documenting Modernism! The session is open to 4th-year undergrad and graduate level students. Contact Professor Bill Chapman @ [email protected] for details and to apply.