Near King Kamehameha V’s house in Moanalua Gardens is “Chinese Hall,” a tea house used by the Damon family (the property was owned by The Damon Estate), who used it to entertain important visitors to Hawaii – i.e. military officers, commissioners, scientists, authors and literati.
Originally located on the other side of the H-1 Freeway, the hall was moved to its present location in 1960, replacing a Japanese garden and teahouse that were used during the reign of Kamehameha V (formerly known as Prince Lot).
Presenting a blending of Asian and Victorian design, Chinese Hall has a second-level chamber that’s hidden from view, where a small musical group was able to perform for the guests (the true definition of “background music”).
I don’t know if the hall is in use today, but when I last visited Moanalua Gardens, I saw some people entering the front door – perhaps maintenance people, or visitors on a guided tour, I suppose.
It’s beautiful and serene there, befitting of the Moanalua Gardens’ ambiance. I'd love to go to a reception there.
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