Over a century ago, three malihini (newcomers) organized a gift giveaway for thousands of Oʻahu’s underprivileged children that would, for seven years, become a beloved island tradition. It was called The Malihini Christmas Tree and three visitors staying at the Young Hotel in 1908 started it. This program ran for seven years.
According to the book, “Na Moʻolelo Kalikimaka O Hawaiʻi Nei: Hawaiʻi’s Christmas Stories,” by Hardy Spoehr, the event ended due to the onset of World War I. In 1916, the city started its Christmas tree celebrations but did not have the gifts for the underprivileged.
The Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) Hawaiʻi State Archives division has nearly 50 photographs and newspaper clippings of the event in 1911 by the state Capitol and on the grounds of ‘Iolani Palace.
That year, the Malihini Christmas Tree program gave presents and food to less fortunate children, many of them from immigrant families. As noted in the English-language newspaper of the time, the Pacific Commercial Advertiser (which became the Honolulu Advertiser in 1921), “Over 2,000 Poor Children Are Made Glad,” read the headline. The article went on to call this the “greatest Malihini Christmas Tree celebration which has yet been held in Honolulu.”
“All nationalities were represented; white ‘kids’ from all around, Hawaiian youngsters from everywhere, Japanese ‘kiddos’ in costume and out; Russian, Chinese, Portuguese, Filipino and Korean boys and girls by the scores; they all flowed towards the beautiful Capitol grounds in a miniature flood,” continued the article…