Community Center
Disclaimer: This is a concept, not a true image of the future plan.
Building Hawai‘i’s First Portuguese Cultural & Historical Center
For more than a century, Portuguese families have contributed to the heart and history of Hawai‘i. Today, our community is taking a historic step forward: the creation of Hawai‘i’s first dedicated Portuguese Cultural & Historical Center on O‘ahu. What began as a dream shared by generations is now on the path to becoming reality.
A Historic Gift: Land Secured in Waipahu
Momentum surged with a remarkable act of generosity:
Developer Peter Savio donated six-and-a-half acres of land near the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park in Waipahu—giving our community a place to finally build the center we have long envisioned.
This land donation marks a turning point. After decades of planning, wishing, and working quietly behind the scenes, the Portuguese Cultural & Historical Center is now firmly underway.
Disclaimer: This is a concept, not a true image of the future plan.
Why We Must Build This Center
For generations, our community has safeguarded over 8,000 books, pamphlets, flags, photos, and historical artifacts—yet everything remains packed into a small 520-square-foot office or stored in homes across the island. Our heritage has lived in boxes, back rooms, and borrowed spaces for far too long. It’s time to give these precious materials the proper home they deserve.
Community elders often remind us that many of our youth still don’t know why the Portuguese came to Hawai‘i, how they lived, or the values they carried. A dedicated center will finally allow us to preserve our history, honor our ancestors, and pass their stories on to future generations.
Disclaimer: This is a concept, not a true image of the future plan.
Why We Must Build This Center
The Portuguese Cultural & Historical Center will finally provide a secure, climate-controlled home where our community’s most fragile documents, artifacts, and stories can be preserved for future generations. Through museum galleries, rotating exhibits, and cultural programs, visitors will experience the rich legacy of Portuguese families who helped shape Hawai‘i.
Beyond preservation, the Center will serve as a living resource—a place where genealogy comes alive and families can research their roots. It will also be a welcoming gathering space for events, workshops, celebrations, and intergenerational learning, strengthening cultural pride and community connection.
How You Can Help Build This Dream
About our Fundraising
Fundraising is underway, including a major community gala at the Ala Moana Hotel, to support the architectural, construction, and development costs needed to bring the center to life.
We invite everyone—whether you’re Portuguese by birth, marriage, ancestry, or simply by heart—to:
How to support us
- Become a PCHC Member
- Donate to support construction and preservation
- Volunteer with our growing community efforts
- Attend events and help spread the word
Together, we are building more than a structure—we are building a legacy, a place of pride, and a home for future generations to understand where they come from.
Disclaimer: This is a concept, not a true image of the future plan.
A New Chapter Begins
With land secured and community support rising, the Portuguese Cultural & Historical Center is closer than ever to becoming a permanent part of Hawai‘i. This is our moment to preserve the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.
Join us as we build a lasting home for Portuguese heritage in Hawai‘i.