Arts & Culture Charities in Honolulu, HI

Since 1999, the Korean American Foundation Hawaii has served as a vital steward of Korean culture and history in Honolulu, preserving the remarkable legacy of Korean immigration to America. What began as the Centennial Committee of Korean Immigration to the United States evolved in 2004 into KAFH, an organization deeply committed to honoring the contributions and heritage of Korean Americans while building meaningful connections within the local community. At its heart, KAFH is driven by a profound respect for history and community. The organization maintains sacred monuments and memorial sites, including the Centennial Monument at Pawaa In-Ha Park and Puuiki Cemetery in Waialua, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate the courage of those first Korean immigrants who arrived on the SS Gaelic in 1903. By commemorating January 13 each year—now recognized nationally as Korean American Day—KAFH keeps this foundational story alive for residents throughout Honolulu and beyond. What distinguishes KAFH is its comprehensive approach to community support. Beyond preservation efforts, the organization invests directly in the community through educational programs, cultural celebrations like the annual Korean Festival, scholarships, and grants for projects that advance Korean cultural awareness. KAFH recognizes that honoring the past means actively supporting the present and future of the Korean American community in Hawaii. This commitment to both remembrance and progress makes KAFH an essential cultural institution for anyone seeking to understand and celebrate Korean American heritage.

Serving the Honolulu, HI community and beyond, the Filipino American National Historical Society Hawaii State Chapter represents a grassroots commitment to celebrating and preserving Filipino American identity and heritage. This community-focused organization is driven by a mission to promote understanding, education, enlightenment, appreciation, and enrichment within and beyond the Filipino American community. The chapter works to identify, gather, and preserve the stories, experiences, and cultural contributions of Filipino Americans, ensuring that these narratives remain alive and accessible to future generations. Through its presence in Honolulu, the chapter connects residents with their shared history while fostering deeper appreciation for Filipino American culture and achievements. The organization believes that education and cultural preservation strengthen community bonds and enrich the broader American historical narrative. By hosting public programs and forums, the chapter creates spaces where community members can learn, reflect, and celebrate their heritage together. The FANHS Hawaii State Chapter recognizes that Filipino American history is an integral part of Hawaii's diverse cultural landscape and American history as a whole. Through dedicated fundraising and community partnerships, the organization sustains its efforts to document, preserve, and share the Filipino American story. This commitment to historical preservation and community engagement makes the chapter a vital cultural institution serving Honolulu's Filipino American population and all those interested in understanding this important aspect of American heritage.