Beginnings: In the early 1900’s, prior to the founding of any degree granting institution of higher learning in Hawaii, or the granting of women the right to vote (1920), it was remarkable that young women in the islands sailed eastward to study at mainland colleges.  In 1905, in Honolulu, eight young women college graduates gathered together to form the “College Club.” These eight women were Mary Dillingham Frear, Catherine Crane Farrington, Margaret Lewers Hopper, Eleanor Simpson Atherton, Kate Watson Forbes, Charlotte Van Cleve Hall, Mildred M. Yoder and M. Ada Ziegler.

Purpose: The purposes of the organization as defined by the early leaders were "to promote the ideals of higher education among women and strengthen the ties of college comradeship by promoting social intercourse among members.” In 1921 the members of the College Club voted to affiliate with the American Association of University Women and were accorded full branch status.

Financial support of local and national scholarships and fellowships for women’s education has been a large part of the organization’s mission. Along with this enduring financial aid for women’s education, there have been countless community projects supported by the Honolulu Branch over the last 100 years.

The Spirit of Service: During its early years of existence, AAUW Honolulu Branch was a highly visible women's organization at the forefront of health, educational, cultural, and social movements aimed at the betterment of the community. It played both leadership and support roles in many community welfare projects. Its pioneering spirit led to the introduction of innovative ways of handling health and social problems. Many a worthwhile fledgling project was nurtured to full maturity to serve the community.

One of the first community concerns to capture the attention of the College Club was a threat to public health, the spread of tuberculosis in the islands. In 1907 the club selected and hired a visiting nurse, Mrs. Lucy J. Moses to run the first TB clinic in the Hawaiian islands. The Club paid $100 per month for her services, as well as donating $10,000 to established and equip the “preventorium” at a cottage known as Leahi Home until Palama Settlement took over the enterprise.

The Residence: The current headquarters, or “Residence” as it is called, was built in the early 1920’s and purchased by the Branch in early 1965.  It is located at 1802 Ke’eaumoku Street and is one of the few remaining mansions in the Makiki area. The house whose Hawaiian name is “Ke’eaumoku O Ka ‘Ike,” which translates to “Ke’eaumoku, place of learning and culture,” continues to provide a gracious setting in which to conduct business and pleasure.

Entering The 21st Century: We are now entering a new era for the Honolulu Branch. We are evolving in accordance with the changing needs of women. Part of our efforts are directed at renovating and repurposing our beautiful Residence to increase its effectiveness as an event and meeting location. Networking with other women’s organizations and inviting them to share the Residence to create a "Women's Center," is another way we are adapting and changing.
 
We welcome new members to join us as we move towards new ventures in support of the 21st Century woman.