The Ko`olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club was first established in August, 1937, by a group of kama`aina residents of the Kane`ohe area. It became chartered with the State Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs at the Association’s first annual convention in 1959.
Among its founding members were renowned hula master Aunty Kau`i Zuttermeister, George Ke`ehukulani Cypher, George Houghtailing, Johnny Townsend, Isaac Kanakanui and many others. Its membership numbered in the thousands during those early days, when each of the founding members enlisted Hawaiians and “Hawaiians at heart” from throughout the Windward district. Its geographical area ranged from Makapu`u to Waimea Bay, according to some of its old-time members.
Today, the Civic Club continues its effort to support the culture and heritage of Native Hawaiians through its educational and service programs, community outreach, and participation in the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.
Membership in the club is open to all Native Hawaiians and to those who are “Hawaiian at heart”. Dues are nominal, and the club’s range of activities include field trips and outings to cultural sites, workshops, informational meetings, participation in various community events, service projects, picnics and social gatherings and regular discussions of cultural heritage and learning.
Besides monthly meetings and other activities, club members take time to malama – care for – Kawa`ewa`e Heiau in Kane`ohe and Kukuianiani Heiau in Waikane.
The Ko`olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club is a non-profit civic and community organization dedicated to the perpetuation and preservation of our native Hawaiian history, culture and heritage. It is a member club of the O`ahu Council of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.
