History of Hawaiian Civic Clubs

The first Hawaiian Civic Club was organized in 1918 by Prince Jonah Kalanianaole Kuhio. Presently there are more than 60 Hawaiian Civic Clubs located in Hawaiʻi and the continental United States. During his 22 years as a delegate to the House of Representatives, Prince Kuhio used his persuasive oratorical skills and winning personality to persuade the other lawmakers to seriously consider the plight of the native Hawaiians and their economic struggles. He was disappointed and frustrated that his colleagues knew so little
about Hawaiʻi and its people. He sought every opportunity to educate the lawmakers and provide ways for them to actually experience the Hawaiian culture and people.

Prince Kuhio was proud of his heritage and felt that Hawaiians needed to be educated formally and to acquire job skills that would bring economic gains. They needed to be placed back on the soil and the result was the Hawaiian Homes Act. He encouraged the Hawaiians to hold on to their heritage but to integrate into the new Hawaiʻi. That meant the Hawaiians should speak the English language and adopt some of the American norms and styles.

We are the beneficiaries of Prince Kuhioʻs foresight and wisdom in preparing Hawaiians to adapt to future changes but still retain their inherent values through the preservation of their culture.

Hawaiian civic clubs maintain 501(c)(3) status and operate as non-profit corporations. Today the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs strives to “advocate for improved welfare of Native Hawaiians in culture, health, economic development, education, social welfare, and nationhood, and perpetuates and preserves language, history, music, dance and other Native Hawaiian cultural traditions.”