120 Years of AAUW Honolulu: The Evolution of Our Home

Written by: Barbara Bumatay Picayo

Since its founding in 1905, the College Club (now called AAUW Honolulu Branch) faced a persistent challenge: finding a place to call home. For decades, members adapted with grace and ingenuity—gathering in private residences, hotels like the Halekulani and the Seaside, churches such as Central Union, or public spaces at the YWCA, UH Mānoa, and even Washington Place. By 1910, with membership swelling to 100, the need for a permanent headquarters had become undeniable. A call for a “fitting and permanent home” was sounded in the presidential report—but the path to realizing that vision would stretch another 26 years, becoming a reality only in 1936.

The First Real Home

In 1925, a Clubhouse Committee was formed to begin the search for possible clubhouse options. Everything they found was either unsuitable or too expensive, but the building fund continued to grow steadily. Finally, in 1936, the Committee discovered a 10,000-square-foot parcel with an existing building for $4,500. The property had previously served as a fraternity house for a Japanese boys' club, located on the corner of Anapuni and Nehoa Streets in Makiki. Though it needed significant renovation, most of the work was done at cost by the husband of AAUW Honolulu's president at the time, Ruth E. Black.

This first clubhouse was named Anapuni O Ka Iʻke, meaning "a place of continuous cultural influence." Having a permanent home brought fresh enthusiasm to the club members and their activities. Anapuni O Ka Iʻke served the branch well for 30 years, with space rented to other organizations and upstairs rooms housing students. The clubhouse was always full and fully utilized.

The Move to Keʻeaumoku

Constant upkeep and maintenance needs led the newly named Building Committee to search for another space in the 1950s. In 1956, they considered a Keʻeaumoku property offering 40,000 square feet for $80,000, but ultimately turned it down. By 1963, however, maintenance issues at the Anapuni property had reached a breaking point. Faced with major renovations or a fresh start, AAUW members chose change.  

Back in 1956, Building Committee member Catherine Benson and her husband had purchased that Keʻeaumoku property. They had subdivided it into two 20,000-square-foot lots and offered one for sale in 1963. AAUW Honolulu purchased this smaller property from the Bensons for $120,000, while selling the Anapuni property for $49,000—more than eleven times what they had originally paid.

The new clubhouse at 1802 Keʻeaumoku St. became known as Keʻeaumoku O Ka Iʻke and was the pride and joy of the organization. Members renovated and maintained it beautifully, renting space to other organizations like the Junior League of Honolulu, while Fellowship students lived in the residential rooms. In 1977, it was officially named the AAUW Honolulu Branch Residence. For many years, the Residence, previously the Laulima House, served as a prized possession and central gathering place.

A Strategic Evolution

In 2015, AAUW Honolulu members made the strategic decision to sell the Residence, after 51 years of calling it home. The sale proceeds were carefully invested and are now used to fund scholarships, career grants, and community grants. The wisdom of this choice has become increasingly clear. Rather than pouring resources into maintaining aging infrastructure and managing a physical residence, these invested funds now support AAUW Honolulu's core mission—empowering women in Hawaiʻi—for the foreseeable future and beyond.

Home is Where the Mission is

Today, like in the early days of 1905, AAUW Honolulu is once again flexible and creative with meetings and gatherings. We utilize spaces throughout the community, creating ties with other organizations and allowing participants to more easily commute from home or work. We also have the advantage of technology and the internet to help us connect. Online meetings provide accessibility for those who might have difficulty traveling to a central location, and our digital presence helps us nurture ties with women throughout Hawaiʻi.

You can visit us at our modern day “home” at www.aauwhonolulu.org and keep up with what we're doing by following us on Instagram and Facebook. You can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay connected with our ongoing work supporting women in Hawaiʻi.