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kokokahi history
Originally founded in 1927 by Dr. Theodore Richards, Kokokahi was designed as a conference, religious and educational meeting facility. During a period of time when most people were aligned in ethnically segregated camps, he envisioned a place where the diverse people of the island of O’ahu would gather in harmony and fellowship. They would be Kokokahi, “of one blood”.
Adjoining Kokokahi was the YWCA Camp Halekipa, “house of hospitality”, which was the place for summer camp especially for the Girl Reserve’s leadership training.
In 1955, the two camps joined to become Camp Kokokahi.
more history
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kokokahi ywca
45-035 kāne'ohe bay drive
kāne'ohe, hi 96744
(808) 247-2124 or 247-2125
Map and Driving Directions
For Kokokahi rental information click here |
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It Was A Beautiful Sight!
Memories of Rest Camp Kokokahi
From the Daughter of a Marine
By Ginger Crick Reeves
 The beautiful Hawaiian Islands held special memories for my father, Richard Crick, while serving in the United States Marine Corps during the Second World War. Hawaii was still a United States Territory when he was there not being admitted to the Union until 1959. He trained with the Fifth Marine Division for the Battle of Iwo Jima at Camp Tarawa on the Big Island sixty five miles from Hilo. After he was wounded on Iwo Jima, he spent time in the Naval Hospital at Pearl Harbor. Camp Kokokahi was used as a rest camp during that time by the military and my father was sent there after his release from the hospital. It was a green peaceful oasis and a much needed place to help heal the hearts and minds of men who had been through the horrors of battle. The men there were given "open gate liberty" which meant they could come and go as they pleased and Richard visited Honolulu many times.
 My father was wounded on Iwo Jima shortly after witnessing the famous flag raising on the edge of the volcanic crater of Mt. Suribachi. After sixty years of time he would still choke up when telling that story and say "It was a beautiful sight!" Richard came home to his beloved wife Mabel and lived a long happy life. He passed away two years ago leaving behind his wife of sixty five years, five children and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He never forgot the men he fought with who did not return that gave him the freedom to enjoy that life.
Daddy always said "With all of her faults, the United States is still the greatest country in the world. Do not ever let anyone tell you it isn't because it is." He witnessed the "ultimate sacrifice" firsthand and taught me that our freedom is not free but paid by that sacrifice. He was a remarkable man and I will always be proud to be his daughter.
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YWCA of O'ahu History
Kokokahi Photo Gallery
Kokokahi Main
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