DOCOMOMO Hawaii

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DOCOMOMO Hawaii

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Docomomo US/Hawaii Chapter is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Modern architecture in the Pacific Islands.

Docomomo US/Hawaii Chapter is comprised of members of key local architectural, design, preservation and museum professionals from the private and public sectors. The Hawaii chapter aims to promote public education on Modernism in the islands by cataloguing, preserving, restoring and renovating Hawaii's unique modern architecture and public art; identifying aspects of the modern movement that are applicable to Hawaii's environment and culture; conducting an oral history project among senior Hawaii architects and developers of our modern environments; and building a model Docomomo chapter that also has a lot of fun.

10/07/2026

Join us this Saturday, 10.10.26 @ 10am, for an architecture tour diving into the history of Ala Moana Beach Park!

Explore the rich history, landscape design, and modern heritage of “The People’s Park.” Originally dedicated in 1937, Ala Moana Beach Park was transformed from a low-lying swampland and city dump into a premier 76-acre urban waterfront park. Conceived during the New Deal era as a civic sanctuary for Honolulu’s residents, the park stands as a landmark of mid-century landscape architecture, tropical regionalism, and community-focused public design.

The route starts at the Asian Lagoon at the Ward Village end of the park, and includes sites designed by Harry Sims Bent, Charles Chamberlain, Thompson & Thompson, Isamu Noguchi, and Tommy Wells.

The tour will conclude at the historic Waikiki Yacht Club, where attendees will gather poolside for cocktails and pupus! It promises to be an exciting, relaxed setting to unwind, soak in the harbor views, and chat through the day’s architectural discoveries with fellow design enthusiasts.

Link in bio!

10/02/2026

Talk Story: Eames Pavilion System by Kettal
| Tuesday | 10.20.26 @ 5:30pm | WCIT Architecture

Kettal presents the Eames Pavilion System, a contemporary building system developed in partnership with the Eames Office. Drawing on Charles and Ray Eames’ architectural prototypes of the 1940s and 1950s, the project develops their concepts of prefabrication, modular construction, and adaptable living environments into a system for contemporary use. Based on extensive archival research, the Pavilion System is informed by projects including Case Study House No. 8, the Eames House, and a series of steel-frame and wood-frame architectures. Presented by a representative of Kettal, the talk-story would revolve around the collaboration between Kettal and Eames to create the new Eames Pavilion System.

When: Tuesday, October 20th, at 5:30 - 7:30pm, presentation starts at 6pm.
Where: WCIT | 725 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813
Parking: Ample street parking that’s free after 6pm. Parking available in the building but $4/30min.
RSVP: Event is free, but space is limited. Link to RSVP in bio.

The event is BYOB / BYOF.

09/28/2026

Looking forward to cocktails poolside at the Waikiki Yacht Club?!

Join us for a guided architectural walking tour exploring the rich history, landscape design, and modern heritage of “The People’s Park.” Originally dedicated in 1937, Ala Moana Beach Park was transformed from a low-lying swampland and city dump into a premier 76-acre urban waterfront park. Conceived during the New Deal era as a civic sanctuary for Honolulu’s residents, the park stands as a landmark of mid-century landscape architecture, tropical regionalism, and community-focused public design.

When: Saturday, October 10th, from 10am - 2pm
Start: The Asian Lagoon at the Kamakee entrance to Ala Moana Beach Park
End: The Waikiki Yacht Club for poolside pupus and no-host cocktails
Tickets: Members $45, General Public $50
Link: in bio

The route starts at the Asian Lagoon at the Ward Village end of the park, and includes sites designed by Harry Sims Bent, Charles Chamberlain, Thompson & Thompson, Isamu Noguchi, and Tommy Wells. The tour will conclude at the historic Waikiki Yacht Club, where attendees will gather poolside for cocktails and pupus! It promises to be an exciting, relaxed setting to unwind, soak in the harbor views, and chat through the day’s architectural discoveries with fellow design enthusiasts.

09/18/2026

This year, in keeping with the Docomomo US 2026 Tour Day theme of Recreation and Play, join us for a guided architectural walking tour exploring the rich history, landscape design, and modern heritage of “The People’s Park.” Originally dedicated in 1937, Ala Moana Beach Park was transformed from a low-lying swampland and city dump into a premier 76-acre urban waterfront park. Conceived during the New Deal era as a civic sanctuary for Honolulu’s residents, the park stands as a landmark of mid-century landscape architecture, tropical regionalism, and community-focused public design.

When: Saturday, October 10th, from 10am - 2pm
Start: The Asian Lagoon at the Kamakee entrance to Ala Moana Beach Park
End: The Waikiki Yacht Club for poolside pupus and no-host cocktails
Tickets: Members $45, General Public $50
< Link in bio >

The route starts at the Asian Lagoon at the Ward Village end of the park, and includes sites designed by Harry Sims Bent, Charles Chamberlain, Thompson & Thompson, Isamu Noguchi, and Tommy Wells. The tour will conclude at the historic Waikiki Yacht Club, where attendees will gather poolside for cocktails and pupus! It promises to be an exciting, relaxed setting to unwind, soak in the harbor views, and chat through the day’s architectural discoveries with fellow design enthusiasts.

Pupus and bottled water are included in the ticket price, but note that it will be a no-host bar at the Waikiki Yacht Club.

Arrive early as parking is limited on Saturday mornings.

09/10/2026

Docomomo Hawaii’s third doco photo tour to look at Erica Karawina’s stained glass projects will happen Saturday, September 19, 2026. For this tour we will venture up to central Oahu and the North Shore.

Erica Karawina was the foremost stained glass artist working in Hawaii from the 1960s through the turn of the century. She broke with more traditional methods of making stained glass and created unique designs of faceted glass using the dalle de verre technique developed in France during the 1930s. The tour will look at four different ecclesiastical commissions executed by her using this technique, as well as a rose window she did for Liliuokalani Protestant Church.

10:00am: St. John Apostle and Evangelist Catholic Church | 95-370 Kuahelani Ave, Mililani
This Ossipoff designed church was built and dedicated in 1971. In addition to stained glass by Erica Karawina the church also includes art by Jean Charlot, Cecco Bonanotte, and the Demetz Art Studio in Italy.

10:45am: Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church | 1403 California Ave, Wahiawa
In this 1959 church we encounter Erica Karawina’s earliest window using the dalle de verre technique for stained glass. The window differs from her later works by being representational rather than abstract.

11:30am: Olive United Methodist Church | 108 California Ave, Wahiawa
With its upsweeping profile, we will see a pair of 34’ high windows executed by Erica Karawina in 1964.

12:30pm: Liliuokalani Protestant Church | 66-090 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa
The present church, which was designed by Ted Vierra and opened in 1961, is the fourth church building to be occupied by this 194 year old congregation. The interior of the church is graced by thirteen of Erica Karawina’s windows, including a rose window.
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Transportation is not provided and carpooling is suggested, as parking is limited at each site. Please be prompt and considerate as there are multiple events happening at the various campuses. Wait for representatives of Docomomo to show up before entering any of the buildings.

This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.

07/17/2026

Join Docomomo US/Hawaii for our 2026 Annual Membership Meeting. This gathering offers a unique opportunity to experience a significant example of local postmodern architecture, designed by architect Glenn Miura in 1987.

The Corporate Plaza is a notable fixture in Hawaii Kai’s built environment, reflecting the stylistic transitions of the late 1980s. Miura’s design is characterized by its geometric precision and its integration into the coastal landscape, serving as a compelling case study for our chapter’s mission to document and conserve the Modern Movement in the islands.

When: Saturday, August 8 @ 4-6:30pm HST
Where: Hawaii Kai Corporate Plaza, 6600 Kalanianaʻole Highway, Honolulu, HI 96825
Tickets: $65 General Admission, $50 Docomomo Members.
Includes: catering by Roy’s, drinks, and on-site parking
Link in bio

07/08/2026

Docomomo US/Hawaii is pleased to announce our 2026 Annual Membership Meeting. This gathering offers a unique opportunity to experience a significant example of local postmodern architecture, designed by architect Glenn Miura in 1987.

The Corporate Plaza is a notable fixture in Hawaii Kai’s built environment, reflecting the stylistic transitions of the late 1980s. Miura’s design is characterized by its geometric precision and its integration into the coastal landscape, serving as a compelling case study for our chapter’s mission to document and conserve the Modern Movement in the islands.

Our event will include:
- Our annual membership meeting, where we go over this past year’s events, reports and elect new members to the board.
- A brief presentation by design architect, Glenn Miura, on the architectural history and regional significance of the 1987 design.
- A guided walkthrough of the plaza’s public spaces and key design features.
- An opportunity to connect with fellow members and professionals dedicated to architectural preservation.

When: Saturday, August 8 @ 4-6:30pm HST
Where: Hawaii Kai Corporate Plaza, 6600 Kalanianaʻole Highway, Honolulu, HI 96825
Tickets: $65 General Admission, $50 Docomomo Members.
Includes: Heavy pupu, drinks, and on-site parking

Link in bio.

05/19/2026

Mod About Tile: A Mid-Century Modern Evening at Daltile | Thursday | 05.28 @ 5:30pm

RSVP via link in bio.

Join us for an inspiring evening at Daltile celebrating the enduring influence of mid-century modern design and the role tile has played in shaping this iconic aesthetic.

Explore the clean lines, bold geometry, and innovative materials that defined the modernist movement, from the groundbreaking work of Hawaii’s legendary Ceramics Hawaii to today’s fresh interpretations of classic tile design.

05/14/2026

New date!

Docophoto: Erica Karawina Stained Glass | Saturday | 05.23.26 @ 10:00am

10:00am: Wesley Methodist Church | 1350 Hunakai St

10:45am: Diamond Head Memorial Park | 529 18th Ave

11:30am: Epiphany Church | 1041 10th Ave

This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.

Transportation is not provided and carpooling is suggested, as parking is limited at each site. Please be prompt and considerate as there are multiple events happening a the various campuses. Wait for representatives of Docomomo to show up before entering any of the buildings.

Erica Karawina was the foremost stained glass artist working in Hawaii from the 1960s through the turn of the century. She broke with more traditional methods of making stained glass and created unique designs of faceted glass using the dalle de verre technique developed in France during the 1930s. After the war this technique spread to Great Britain and then to America. The form was popular during the 1960s and into the 1970s, but its use tapered off, and today it is difficult to purchase the glass necessary to make such pieces. Her stunning, abstract designs complemented the modern style buildings they adorned, and provided the structures with non-derivative, ornamentation suitable to the sensibilities of the period. She executed over eighteen major commissions in Hawaii, and over the course of the next half year we will endeavor to explore many of them.

Rendering courtesy of .design (formerly Lemmon, Freeth, Haines and Jones Architects. Wesley Methodist Church, 1963)

03/13/2026

Are you a current Docomomo HI member? Check your inboxes for our latest newsletter!! We’ve just sent a link to an exclusive, members-only home tour of Stephen Oyakawa’s Choy Residence.

Not a member? Sign up now and email us with your membership number and we’ll share the link.

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The Choy Residence (1956) was the first residence designed by Kahaluu born Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice (1944-59) Stephen Oyakawa in Hawai‘i. This incredible, and nearly original midcentury home, is a State of Hawaii Historic Property and prime example of the type of Modern architecture happening here on the islands at that time. Experience this house for yourself with a guided tour and overview of Oyakawa’s work by architect, and Docomomo HI board member, Tonia Moy.

Stephen Oyakawa would later design many other residences as well as the Aiea, Liliha, and Lihue Libraries, and the Hale Aloha dormitories at UH. Come see the influence of Wright, Hawai’i and the East-meets-West architecture of the time.

Address

Honolulu, HI
96836

Website

http://teamup.com/ks1a80c331689368ea/

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