To collect, preserve and share the legacy of those who came before us and to inspire those who will follow.



Seeds of Local

Discover the vibrant history of Japanese Americans in Hawaii from our permanent exhibit, "Seeds of Local".

Visit information

Preserving History, Cultivating Community, and Celebrating Diversity in the Heart of Multicultural Hawaii.

こんにちわ!
Today is Thursday, March 28

PUBLIC HOURS

Wednesday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
(Closed Federal and State Holidays)

SPECIAL NOTICE

CLOSED
Friday, April 5 & Saturday, April 6
Friday, May 24 through Friday, June 7

The Hawaii Japanese Center (HJC) is dedicated to preserving the rich history and traditions of Hawaii's Japanese immigrants. Through our diverse collection of artifacts, photographs, books, and documents, donated by the community, we aim to educate and inspire appreciation for Hawaii's ethnic diversity and aloha spirit. We engage the community through exhibits, speakers, films, workshops, and cultural programs, fostering partnerships with other community groups to host and promote cultural activities, ensuring the lessons of our multicultural society are passed on to future generations.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

Individual - $40/yr
Family (children 18 and under) - $50/yr
Researcher and patron - $100/yr
Business/Organization - $250/yr
Lifetime Supporter - $1,000 (one time)

Membership includes free admission to HJC exhibitions, discounts on workshop fees, and special deals in our gift shop.

Download the membership application


GROUP TOURS
Students, scholars and visitors in general are invited to contact the HJC to schedule group visits. Guided tours of the exhibit and center resources by the center’s executive director/curator can be arranged. Tours are given in English. Visiting groups usually provide their own Japanese translator, if needed, or translation services can be arranged by HJC with adequate notice.

Email info@hawaiijapanesecenter.com to schedule a group tour.

FEATURED GIFT SHOP MERCH

Check out the awesome garments at our gift shop!

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHT

From the Seeds of Local exhibit

Published by Hawaii Benshira Shuppanbu Honoruru, this English-Hawaiian-Japanese Phrasebook was written by K. Ogomori with introductions in English and Japanese by Bishop Y. Imamura of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission and Y. Takagawa of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Honolulu. This book serves as a practival guide to communicating in English, Hawaiian and Japanese. It covers a variety of everyday activities, such as eating, working, riding horses, meeting and greeting people. It also includes a variety of shipboard and part activities like obtaining provisions and finding lodging. 

Find out more about the Seeds of Local exhibit