Shinshu Kyokai Mission Dormitory

Mid-century modern buildings

The International [Island] Style is on display at the Shinshu Kyokai Mission Dormitory on S. Beretania Street in Honolulu’s old Pawa’a neighborhood.

Completed in 1961, this Robert Katsuyoshi designed residential building – which houses students from all over the world – is comprised of an L-shaped rectilinear low rise with wood slat louvered window openings and an adjoining high rise which was added later. Both exhibit the clean minimalist lines one comes to expect from this modernist style staple.

The Shinshu Kyokai Mission itself is another story entirely; rebuilt after the Second World War when many of its Buddhist leaders were interred, you can read more about this modest temple’s history, here.

Bonus Buildings – Towering next door to the Shinshu Kyokai Mission is a mid 1960s 13-storey residential building which was once home to U.S. President Barack Obama, the Punahou Circle Apartments, also distinctive for its sublime bifold roof entry awning.

Behind the Mission at 1627 Young Street sits the Pawa’a Garden Apartments, a beautiful mint green 3-storey complex designed in 1960 by Tylar Harr which sports a uniquely patterned concrete block end wall, just gorgeous.