Honolulu marks Sun Yat-sen's legacy as landmarks fade

Key facts

• Honolulu is commemorating the 160th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's birth.
• Many of Sun Yat-sen's former landmarks in Honolulu no longer exist.
• Events include historical walking tours, a lei-draping ceremony, and a mural unveiling.
• The Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa held an event for the centennial anniversary of Sun Yat-sen's passing.
• Sun Yat-sen received his education at Iolani School and Punahou School in Hawaii.

Honolulu is marking the 160th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's birth with a series of events, including historical walking tours and ceremonies, even as many of the physical landmarks associated with the founder of modern China have disappeared. Eddie Flores, chairman of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, pointed to a location on King Street where Sun Yat-sen lodged in 1910, noting that the building is no longer there. The Sun Yat-sen Hawaii Foundation has been involved in commemorating his legacy, including hosting the China Soong Ching Foundation in May 2024 and visiting schools where Sun received his education.

The Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa hosted an event in March 2025 to commemorate the centennial anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s passing. This event, titled "Hawai‘i and Sun Yat-sen: A Legacy of Revolution, Promise for the Future, and Roadmap for Global Connection," brought together scholars and community leaders. Remarks were given by President Wendy Hensel and Provost Michael Bruno, emphasizing Sun Yat-sen's connection to Hawaii. The event was supported by various sponsors, including the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Hawai’i Foundation and the U.S.-China Peoples Friendship Association.

Keynote speaker Dr. Xiaowei Zheng, Associate Professor of History at UC Santa Barbara, discussed Sun Yat-sen’s intellectual development and the influence of his Hawaiian experiences. Video tributes from Iolani School and Punahou School highlighted Sun's educational journey. A panel of experts, including Jinchao Zhang and Min Luo, shared research on local media coverage and newly discovered archival materials related to Sun's time in Hawaii.