ABOUT US
Palama Settlement is a private, nonprofit, community-based social service agency serving the Kalihi and Palama neighborhoods. We offer a wide range of educational, recreational, athletic, cultural, social, health, and community building programs and services for children, youth, adults, and senior citizens.
Our mission is to partner with those who have the greatest needs in our community, empowering them to enhance their well-being through education, health and recreation.
HISTORY OF PALAMA SETTLEMENT
Palama Settlement was established in 1896 by Central Union Church as Palama Chapel on the corner of King and Liliha Streets. In 1900, by order of the Honolulu Board of Health, Honolulu’s Chinatown was set on fire to quell the outbreak of the Bubonic Plague. The fire grew out of control, leaving thousands of residents homeless. With the rise of populations in tenement housing as well as the influx of immigrants in the neighborhood, Palama Settlement emerged in 1905 as a social service agency, assisting residents and their families with access to healthcare, food, education, and recreation.
With innovative programs that address the ever-changing needs of the Kalihi-Palama community, the agency continues to meet the challenges experienced by people who have limited access to resources. Our historical campus and facilities continue to provide the community’s families with a safe and nurturing environment.