List of Living Treasures of Hawaii


The Living Treasures of Hawaii program was created in 1976 by the Buddhist temple Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii to honor residents of Hawaii. It was inspired by the Living National Treasures of Japan award, and is awarded annually.
The criteria for selection are, "First, the designee must demonstrate continuous growth in his or her field; second, the potential Living Treasure must have made significant contributions toward a more humane and fraternal society ; and finally, he or she must have shown an on-going striving for excellence and a high level of accomplishment." Honorees are nominated by members of the general public by August 1 of each year, and chosen by a committee designated by the temple.
These are the people who have been so honored.

1970s

1976

1978

  • Theodore Kelsey

1980s

1981

1982

1983

1990s

1990

1992

  • Helen Hoakalei Kamau'u
  • David Nu'uhiwa Enoka Kaohelauli'i
  • Marie Emilia Leilehua McDonald
  • Harry Seisho Nakasone
  • Matsuno Yasui

1995

1996

2000s

2007

2010s

2010

2011

  • Josephine Kaukali Fergerstrom
  • Dr. Claire Ku’uleilani Hughes
  • Masaru Oshiro
  • Dr. Jack H. Scaff Jr.,
  • Dr. Livingston M.F. Wong, MD, FACS

2012

2014

  • Ida Keliʻiokalani Chun
  • Samuel ʻOhukaniʻohiʻa Gon III
  • Robert Mitsuru Hamada
  • Arthur and Rene Kimura
  • Chikai Yosemori

2016

2017

2020s

2021

Not awarded in 2021, during COVID-19 pandemic