Chinese Society Halls on Maui facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Chinese Tong Houses of Maui Island TR
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| Location | Maui, Hawaii |
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| Built | various |
| Architect | various |
| Architectural style | not listed/various |
| NRHP reference No. | 82000173, under the Chinese Tong Houses of Maui Island TR |
| Added to NRHP | November 15, 1982 |
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Ket Hing Society Building
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Main Hall and auxiliary building.
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| Location | Cross Road, Keokea, Hawaii |
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| Built | 1907 |
| MPS | Chinese Tong Houses of Maui Island TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 82000172 |
| Added to NRHP | November 15, 1982 |
Long ago, there were six important buildings called Chinese Society Halls on the island of Maui. These halls were run by the Gee Kung Tong Society. They helped Chinese immigrants who came to work on the sugarcane plantations. The halls offered many services, like religious support and help for their community. They also provided a place for people to help each other.
Today, only two of these halls are still standing. These are the Wo Hing Society Hall in Lahaina and the Ket Hing Society Hall in Kula. Both of these buildings are very old and important. They were added to the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places on July 30, 1982. Later, on November 15, 1982, they were also added to the National Register of Historic Places. Sadly, another hall, the Chee Kung Tong Society Hall, also became a historic site but collapsed in 1996.
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Why Were Chinese Society Halls Built?
In 1852, many Chinese people came to Hawaii to work on the sugar plantations. Most of these workers were single men. After their work contracts ended, some decided to stay in Hawaii. They started new jobs and businesses.
Because so many Chinese people came and were far from their homes, they formed groups called Chinese Tong societies. These societies built clubhouses, or "Halls." These halls helped people with their religious needs. They also offered a place for friends to gather and support each other. If someone passed away, the societies helped with funeral costs.
Six of these clubhouses were built on Maui. Only two of them have survived until today. The others have disappeared over time.
The Chee Kung Tong Society Hall
The Chee Kung Tong Society Hall was once an important building in Wailuku. It was located on Vineyard Street. Records show that this building was likely built in 1897. However, some other sources have different dates.
Sadly, the Chee Kung Tong Society Hall collapsed on April 19, 1996. Today, the land where it stood is empty. You can only see a cement foundation and a gate. This marks where the historic building once was.
This site was added to the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places on July 30, 1982. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 15, 1982. It was removed from the State register in August 1998, but it is still listed in the National Register database.
The Ket Hing Society Building
The Kwock Hing Society Hall, also known as the Ket Hing Society Building, is a two-story building in Kula. It stands on Cross Road. This hall was built in 1907. It was the very first two-story building in Kula. The building you see there today is a replacement for the original.
Like the other halls, the Ket Hing Society Building was added to the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places on July 30, 1982. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 15, 1982. Many important meetings were held here to support Dr. Sun Yat-sen. He was a very important leader for China. Near this area, between the mountains of Kula and the shoreline of Makena, Dr. Sun Yat-sen's brother, Sun Mei, once rented a large ranch from the Hawaiian monarchy.
The Wo Hing Society Hall
The Wo Hing Society Hall is a building on Front Street in Lahaina. It was built around 1912. This two-story building also had a separate cookhouse. It was a meeting place for Chinese immigrants working in Lahaina. The second floor was used for religious services.
By the 1940s, fewer Chinese people used the hall. Many moved to Honolulu for new business chances. In 1983, the building was restored. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation helped with this project. Today, the Wo Hing Society Hall is open to the public. It is known as the Wo Hing Museum.
This hall was also added to the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places on July 30, 1982. It was then added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 15, 1982.
Other Chinese Society Halls
It is believed that three other Chinese Society Halls existed on Maui at different times. These included:
- Lin Hing Society Clubhouse in Ke'anae
- Tow Yee Kwock Society in Wailuku
- Chee Kung Tong Society clubhouse in Kipahulu
We do not know exactly when these halls were built or when they closed down.
Images for kids
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Wo Hing Temple.
