Hundreds of photographs taken by Kate Kelly are now in the process of being catalogued and digitized.
These extraordinary photographs of Kanaka Maoli (Hawaiian people) taken from 1920-1940 are being exhibited for the first time.
Kate’s photos are from a period that was especially difficult for Hawaiian people. They were rapidly losing their rightful land, as well as access to traditional fishing grounds and taro loʻi (fields). This was primarily due to hotel development in Waikiki and military expansion.
Hawaiians were forced to move into outlying areas where access to the ocean resources was more difficult and housing scarce.
Kate also documented Hawaiian women at Aloha Tower selling lei to tourists arriving on cruise lines. This innovative enterprise helped offset the loss of subsistence practices.
“Lei Makers” by Kate Kelly