Back in the late 1960's my family would have 'Special Family Sunday's. We'd either do a family dinner with my aunt, uncle and cousins or we'd do a picnic or something. One of our 'relaxation' excursions would lead us to the Moanalua Gardens. After a hearty homemade fried chicken and potato salad lunch we'd all spread out under a tree on our mats or blankets.
Looking through the branches up to the blue skies with a tropical cool breeze fluttering across my face I would daydream about whatever 10 year old kids dream of. The shade from the huge umbrella shaped tree was no doubt the reason for the cool air and proved to assist in the relaxation on a Sunday afternoon.
Tidbits of History regarding Moanalua Gardens and Park:
- This umbrella shaped canopy tree is known as the Hitachi Tree (monkeypod). The Hitachi Tree has been the corporate symbol of the electronics manufactorer Hitachi, LLC since 1973.
- The Hitachi Tree corporate symbol was through an agreement for worldwide rights through an agreement with the Damon Estate for $20.000 year payments.
- The Cottage that sits on the Moanalua Gardens was the home of Prince Lot Kamehameha who became King Kamehameha the V.
- When Bernice Pauahi Bishop died in 1884 she willed the Moanalua land division and the Cottage at Moanalua Gardens to Samuel Damon.
- The Hitachi Tree is a registered "exceptional tree" with the City and County of Honolulu and cannot be removed or moved without permission from the City Council.
- In 2006 a new agreement was reached with Hitachi and Kamaiana Ventures (great grandson of Samuel Damon) for an annual fee of $400,000 for the use of the Hitachi tree symbol.
On the way home from running an errand in Downtown Honolulu yesterday I glanced to the right at Moanalua Gardens. I swiftly changed lanes and got off H-201 to reminisce in those memories from years past.
Another Place to Visit in Honolulu County.
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
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Sally - that's really interesting that Hitachi has to pay to use the tree as a symbol. Is that how it came to be called Hitachi Tree instead of monkeypod? I read in the Wall St Journal that roof restoration for one of the King Kamahemeha homes is requiring 500,000 ti leaves.
Hi Sally,
This tree is exceptionally beautiful and I found myself laying on a grass mat gazing up through it's canopy when I read your story....what a wonderful place to spend part of a Sunday afternoon with your family.
Intriguing history too...its' amazing how much we learn through reading posts here on AR. Better than National Geographic or the Discovery Channel!
Jo
Sharon: Do you remember which home? Quite a many ti leaves huh?
Jo: It sure was! I enjoyed the few minutes spent there and was on the phone with a client who is on the mainland. I was telling her about it while walking around taking pics :)
Woo-Hoo: What a special story....and breathtaking photos!
Sally,
That would be a wonderful location for a picnic and some day dreaming on a Sunday afternoon.
Sally - these are fascinating trees. I remember seeing them in Honolulu at the beginning of the year when we visited. And of course recognize the logo of Hitachi. Fabulous photos.
Jeff
WOW Sally! Your photos are absolutely GORGEOUS! What an interesting story about the Hitachi tree! Thank goodness I only had to pay a one-time fee of $500. for my logo!! $400K? That's just shocking! Thanks for sharing this interesting story, Sally.
Sally: The park sounds beautiful. Its always nice to revisit places from your childhood memories. Now when I see the logo, I am always going to think of Sally and the $400k fee. Is the cottage still at the park?
Hi Sally,
Absolutely beautiful.
Where'abouts in Honolulu. While there earlier this year Marlene and I came across a beautiful garden (while walking back from hiking Diamond Head) when we were heading towards the zoo, just before Wakiki. I can't rememer the name, but you last photo looks larger for some reason.
Kat: WooHoo...there's so much to tell you all...and pictures sure help tell the story!
Cynthia: Such an inviting place to romp, roam and relax...don't ya think?
Thanks Jeff.....It took only minutes to get off the freeway.....I'd been wanting to many a time to capture the trees. I got good ones on a beautiful Tuesday noon. :)
Debe: It does help a fraction for the cost it takes to maintain the park. :)
Michelle: Yup....didn't think to get a picture...I was in awe with the trees and memories :)
Lynda: This is below Tripler Army Medical Center...where you two were was Kapiolani Park :)
You know we love this stuff. Great writeup and great pictures. We have come to expect this from you Sally and you never Dissapoint. Keep up the great work!
Sally, I just love your localism posts. Do you take all your own pictures too?
Aloha Sally,
Thanks so much, now I remember that. It seemed smaller than your photo, yet it had beautiful gardens. More varieties of hibiscus than I knew existed.
Hi Sally Thank you for yet another reason to move Hawaii up near the top of my list of places I have to go. Beautiful pics and I love that you provide information on the location and a personal connection to them. Great job.
Sally those are huge shade trees. Thanks for the history on them. I always learn something when I stop by :)
Looks beautiful there...Thanks for sharing the story. It does look like a great place to spend an afternoon with family.
Thanks Castle!
Fred: Thanks and sure do!
Lynda: Oh...the colors and array of different floral scenery we have. Don't ya just love it?
Thanks Paddy...my area of expertise...my home :)
George: Beautiful aren't they? You wouldn't believe how much cooler it is from out in the sun to under the trees. And with a cool breeze...choice.
Chastity: You're welcome...it's the local scenes that bring back some fond memories. :)
Sally - what beautiful trees! Thank you so much for sharing your story!