AIA Honolulu Chapter Has Celebrated Centennial

The local architecture group is marking its 100th anniversary with a series of public workshops and exhibits.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Asian-American

Screen-print poster illustration showing a drafting compass and a monstera leaf, reflecting the architectural and local identity of Honolulu.
The American Institute of Architects Honolulu Chapter is marking its 100th anniversary this October with a series of community workshops and historical exhibits throughout the city. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The American Institute of Architects Honolulu Chapter has reached its 100-year milestone in 2026. The organization is celebrating the century mark throughout October with various community-focused events.

Why it matters

These activities aim to honor the chapter's historical legacy while engaging residents through public education. The events highlight the role of architecture in shaping the local identity of Honolulu.

The American Institute of Architects Honolulu Chapter has reached its 100-year anniversary in 2026. The organization remains a central fixture in the local architectural community.

The players

American Institute of Architects Honolulu Chapter

This professional organization represents architects in the region and recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Arthur Reynolds

He was the architect responsible for the design of the iconic Aloha Tower in Honolulu.

The details

Events throughout October include a pastel workshop, a sketching workshop, and a dedicated film night for young architects. Additionally, the chapter has installed display boards across downtown Chinatown to showcase its history.

Timeline

  1. Centennial events are taking place throughout October 2026.

Culture Shift

The centennial celebrations follow the public recognition of the Aloha Tower as Hawaiʻi's Favorite Building in a recent People's Choice Award survey. This focus marks a broader societal shift toward valuing local historic architecture as a core component of island identity.

Residents can participate in hands-on workshops that offer opportunities to learn sketching and pastel techniques from professionals. The display boards in downtown Chinatown also provide a tangible way for the public to engage with local architectural history during their daily commutes.

The takeaway

Engaging with local architecture events provides a deeper appreciation for the landmarks that define the urban environment. Residents are encouraged to visit the public exhibits in Chinatown to connect with the city's built heritage.

Further reading

Learn more about local cultural developments in the Asian-American section.

More information

For a full schedule, see the AIA Honolulu event information.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Hawai'i Public Radio.

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Do you believe community architecture events help you better appreciate your local environment?