Wo Hing Society Hall facts for kids
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Wo Hing Society Building
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Front facade and entrance, October 2007.
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 Location in Lahaina, Hawaii
Location in Maui
Location in Hawaii
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| Location | 848 Front St., Lahaina, Hawaii |
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| Built | 1912 |
| Architect | Chee Kung Tong Fraternal Society |
| Architectural style | Chinese Feng Shui principles |
| MPS | Chinese Tong Houses of Maui Island TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 82000173 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 15, 1982 |
The Wo Hing Society Hall (Chinese: 和興會館; Jyutping: Wo4 Hing1 Wui6 Gun2) was a special building in Lahaina, Hawaii. It was built around 1912 to help the many Chinese people living in Lahaina, especially those who worked on sugarcane farms. It was a place for them to meet, get help, and feel connected.
Over time, fewer Chinese people lived in Lahaina, and the building wasn't used as much. It started to fall apart. But in 1983, a group called the Lahaina Restoration Foundation worked with the Wo Hing Society to fix it up. In 1984, it opened as the Wo Hing Museum, showing how Chinese people lived in Hawaii. It was one of only two Chinese society halls left on Maui.
The building was recognized as important history. It was added to the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places on July 30, 1982, and the National Register of Historic Places on November 15, 1982. Sadly, in August 2023, the Wo Hing Society Hall was destroyed by the terrible 2023 Hawaii wildfires.
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A Look Back: The Wo Hing Society Hall
Chinese Workers in Hawaii
In 1852, many Chinese men came to Hawaii to work on sugarcane plantations. After their work contracts ended, some stayed in Hawaii and started new jobs. Because so many Chinese people were far from home, they created "Tong" societies. These groups offered support, friendship, and help with religious or political matters. They also helped families when someone passed away.
Founding the Wo Hing Society
Around 1909, the Chinese community in Lahaina started the Wo Hing Society. This group was connected to a larger society called the Chee Kung Tong. With money from private donations, the Wo Hing Society Hall was built in 1912.
Restoration and Museum
By the 1940s, many Chinese people in Lahaina moved to Honolulu for new jobs. This meant the Wo Hing Society Hall was used less and became neglected. It suffered damage from termites and rot.
In 1983, the Lahaina Restoration Foundation made an agreement with the Wo Hing Society. They decided to restore the building and open it to the public. The restoration was finished in 1984. The building then became a museum, showing the history of Chinese people in Hawaii. It was known as one of the best-preserved Chinese Tong Society Halls in Hawaii.
Inside the Wo Hing Society Hall
The Wo Hing Society Hall had two main parts: a main building with two floors and a separate cookhouse.
The Main Building
The first floor of the main building displayed many Chinese artifacts. These items showed what life was like in Lahaina around the early 1900s, especially after sugarcane farming became popular on Maui.
The second floor held the only public Taoist temple on Maui. Here, you could find altars dedicated to Lord Guan and other Chinese Deities. There were also other Chinese artifacts on display.
The Cookhouse
The cookhouse was a separate building. It was built apart from the main hall to prevent fire from spreading. This was a smart safety step! Later, the cookhouse showed many old cooking tools. It was also turned into a small theater. A special highlight was showing old films of Hawaii. These films were taken by famous inventor Thomas Edison in 1898 and 1906.
What "Wo Hing" Means
The name Wo Hing (Chinese: 和興; Jyutping: wo4 hing1) has a special meaning. It literally means "harmony and prosperity." Wo means peace and harmony, and Hing means prosperity or success. This idea was shown on special calligraphy boards inside the temple.
The building also followed Feng Shui principles. Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice about arranging things to create good energy. For example, the entrance of the Wo Hing Society Hall faced the ocean, and its back faced the mountains. This was done to bring good luck and balance.
Gallery
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Marker in front of the Museum identifying it as Site #41 of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation.
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Information Plaque in front of the museum.
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First Floor.
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Second Floor Altar to Lord Guan. Other guardian Deities altars are to the left and right of the photo. An altar to the deceased is to the right of the photo behind the chain barricade.
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Wo Hing Temple Founders, Chung Koon You and Chan Wa.
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The Cookhouse.
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Interior of the Cookhouse.
See also
