Palama Settlement

HISTORY

Prior to incorporation, a settlement was formed to house homeless and sick following the 1900 Honolulu Chinatown fire set by the Honolulu Fire Department to quell the outbreak of the Bubonic Plague. The fire grew out of control leaving over 4,000 residents homeless. Seeing the need to assist the many sick and homeless, as well as the waves of new immigrants arriving to the Islands, Palama Settlement emerged in as a social service agency.

The Settlement pioneered the development of many innovative programs to address the ever changing needs of the Kalihi and Palama community and residents. As it was a century ago, Palama Settlement continues to meet the challenges of an ever increasing population from the Pacific basin mixing into the ethnic blend of the old community. Palama Settlements’ campus and facilities located at 810 N. Vineyard Blvd. provide the community’s low income and large families with a safe and nurturing environment where children, adults and families are able to engage in educational, recreational, physical, cultural programs, services and activities to enhance their well-being.