Day 208: `Ewa Villages, Honolulu, Hawai’i
📌APIA Every Day (208) - Ewa Villages originated as a residential area for workers of the Ewa Sugar Plantation, which was established in the late 19th century. The plantation, known for its high productivity and mechanized harvesting techniques, provided housing, schools, and recreational facilities for its largely immigrant workforce, primarily Filipino families. Key subdivisions included Fernandez Village, Tenney Village, and Varona Village.
Located on Oahu's southwestern coast, the Ewa Sugar Plantation Villages played a significant role in Hawaii’s economy, culture, and politics throughout much of the 20th century. The district, which includes Varona, Tenney, and Renton Villages, reflects various ethnic and cultural influences in its layout and architecture. Worker houses were designed for cross-ventilation and painted in restricted colors like white and rust. Prominent buildings, such as the administration building and plantation store, were designed by notable architects such as Hart Wood and William Furer.
In 1971, the plantation ceased operations, and Oahu Sugar Co. took over, leading to demographic shifts as many long-term residents left. In the 1980s, the City and County of Honolulu acquired Ewa Villages to address the need for affordable housing. The Ewa Villages Project, launched in 1991, focused on restoring historic homes for both former plantation families and new residents, which led to some tensions over balancing preservation with modern development.
Today, Ewa Villages has transitioned into a suburban area, contributing to the growth of Oahu’s "Second City" around Kapolei. The area remains historically significant, with landmarks such as the Honouliuli Incarceration Camp. The Ewa Villages Historical Society, represented by members like Agnes Malate, Emy Tagama Keola, and Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand, continues to work on preserving the community’s cultural heritage, as highlighted during the National APIAHiP Forum in September.
LEARN MORE:
Historic Hawai’i Foundation: Manager’s House, Ewa Plantation Villages (2006)
Honolulu Civil Beat: Can The Rich History Of Ewa Villages Spark A New Sense Of Community?
‘Ewa Villages Historical Society
#apiaeveryday #nativehawaiian #kanakamaoli #pacificislander #ewavillages #ewavillageplantation #honolulu #hawaii #filipino #sugarplantation #oagusugarco #ewavillagesproject #honouliuliincarcerationcamp
