A Moment in Our History

Kokokahi opened in 1927 in a valley of “41 verdant acres on Windward O'ahu with an 800-foot frontage on Kaneohe Bay.” It was based on the idea of creating “a combined conference, camp and vacation home area, shared by Christian of all races” – an idea put forth by Dr. Theodore Richards, originally from Montclair, NJ.

The responses to Dr. Richards’ idea were not all favorable. Some people even called his plan “absurd” or “freakish.” Yet, this former principal of Kamehameha Schools moved forward with persistence to actualize his dream of creating a multi-racial community on land he purchased from Kaneohe Ranch– calling it Kokokahi, or “Of One Blood.”