Archives Uncorked: Endless Summer – July 18, 2025
Collaborative Historical Event Features Summer Traditions,
Fashion, and Hawaiian Mead Tasting
The Hawaiian Historical Society (HHS) and Hawaiian Mission Houses (HMH) will host a collaborative evening event at their shared campus in downtown Honolulu.
Archives Uncorked: Endless Summer will feature curated exhibits exploring Hawaii’s summer traditions from the missionary era to today. The event includes a four-station historical tour, light pupus, one drink ticket, and a custom swag bag featuring a historical journal. Additional beverages, including award-winning Manoa Honey & Mead, will be available for purchase.
Tickets are $55 for members and $65 for non-members, available at www.missionhouses.org.
Gates open at 5:00 PM for early access to the scenic grounds.
Four Historical Stations:
- Summer Fashion: Through Time Explore the evolution of summer attire from modest 1920s swimwear to contemporary Hawaiian fashion, featuring a local Hawaiian guest designer showcasing modern island wear. Discover the cultural significance of summer clothing and how Hawaiian fashion has evolved while honoring traditional values.
- Summer Games & Sports: Discover traditional Hawaiian and missionary summer games, plus the fascinating history of surfing and Duke Kahanamoku’s Olympic achievements that put Hawaiian water sports on the world stage.
- Summer Soirées & Social Life: Step into Hawaii’s elegant past with stories of summer entertainment, from King Kalakaua’s legendary parties at his Healani Hale boathouse to Queen Emma’s gracious hospitality at her Nu’uanu Valley retreat. Learn about horse races at Kapiolani Park, regatta competitions, and the luxurious Halekulani Hotel’s role in Hawaii’s early tourism.
- Summer Sips ~ Lei, Pray & Pollinate: Explore the surprising connection between missionaries and Hawaii’s beekeeping industry. While bees weren’t introduced until 1857 by William Buck of San Diego, missionary influence in promoting Western agriculture and education created the foundation for successful beekeeping in the islands.
Special Guest Experience
The evening features Krystal Kakimoto, Librarian at Bishop Museum and certified sommelier, who will host an exclusive tasting of Manoa Honey & Mead. This guided tasting showcases unique regional flavors and the artisanal craft of mead-making in Hawaii.
Archives Uncorked: Endless Summer offers the exclusive opportunity to explore the collections of two historically renowned organizations in one location, providing guests with rare access to archival materials and interactive historical experiences.
Come sip, snack, and learn about Hawaiʻi’s history.