Home

AAUW

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.

AAUW started in 1881 with a meeting of 17 like-minded women who had defied society’s standards by earning college degrees. They wanted to open doors of higher education to other women and to find wider opportunities to use their training.

 

What started out as the Association of Collegiate Alumnae in 1881 has grown into a powerful network of more than 100,000 women and 1,000 branches, with seven branches in the Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu Branch is one of three branches located on Oahu.

HONOLULU BRANCH
Honolulu Branch was the first established in Hawaii. In 1905, eight young women college graduates gathered together to form the “College Club. This was prior to the founding of any degree granting institution of higher learning in Hawaii, and it was remarkable that young women in the islands sailed eastward to study at mainland colleges. The College Club was created to promote “the higher ideals of education among women”. In 1922 it became an official branch of the American Association of University Women.
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. Countless community projects have been supported by the Honolulu Branch over the last 100+ years.

In recent years:

  • Partnership with Reading is Fundamental (RIF) a national literacy program that distributes books to elementary schools. For over thirty years the consistent support of Honolulu Branch in providing book storage and work space has been a major factor in the longevity and success of RIF, Honolulu.
  • Women & Money Conference, 2007 & 2008 sponsored and hosted by Honolulu Branch
  • Governor Linda Lingle’s International Leadership Conference, 2008
  • ACLU of Hawaii’s “Freedom Fair” 2010
  • AAUW State Convention, 2010 hosted by Honolulu Branch
Scholarships & Fellowships
Financial support of local and national scholarships and fellowships for women’s education has been a large part of the organization’s mission. As far back as 1905 an Educational Loan fund was established.
Location
Honolulu Branch holds meetings and events in the historic AAUW Residence, built in the early 1920’s and purchased by the Branch in 1965. This home became part of the Hawaii Women’s foundation in2010.  It is located at 1802 Ke’eaumok Street and is one of the few remaining mansions in the Makiki area. Listed on the State Historic Register, the original home was designed by an accomplished local architect, Herbert Cohen and built in 1923.

We are pleased that you are interested in the Honolulu Branch. We invite you to tour the beautiful “Residence” and participate in one of our meetings or activities.

If you would like to become a member now, please fill out the application form on the site. We look forward to meeting you and making you a part of our local `ohana!

For more information about our membership meetings and special events please Contact Us.