East West Road- Burns Hall
John A. Burns Hall is named after former Hawai‘i Governor John A. Burns, one of the founders of the East-West Center. The building was constructed in the 1970s and houses the Center's program rooms, administrative offices, and East-West Center Art Gallery.The Gallery on the first floor of John A. Burns Hall features exhibitions of art and other cultural manifestations of the region.
Hale Manoa
Hale Mānoa (translates: Hale – house and Manoa - vast spaces, named after Manoa valley) is the main dorm for the Center's international residential community of students and professional associates.The building is a 13-story dormitory arranged into group living units with shared open-air kitchens to foster community among those living in the dorm during their time at the Center.Hale Manoa was designed by architect I.M. Pei and is on the Hawai`i Register of Historic Places.
Hawaii Imin International Conference Center at Jefferson Hall
The East-West Center, primarily known for its role in promoting understanding among the nations of Asia, the Pacific and the United States since its establishment in 1960, also welcomes conferences, meetings and workshops by other non-profit organizations.The Center's 21-acre campus is ideally situated in a lush, quiet area adjacent to the University of Hawaiʻi's Mānoa campus. It is convenient to all of Honolulu's resources, yet feels a world away from the bustle of Waikiki and downtown.The Hawaiʻi Imin International Conference Center; designed by the prominent architect I. M. Pei; focuses on local, national and international audiences, and offers outstanding resources to produce successful events of all kinds.
Japanese Tea House
Japanese Tea Garden
"In my gardenSide by sideNative plants, foreign plantsGrowing together."-Emperor Meiji (1852 - 1912)Of the many words of admiration, perhaps those of the Emperor Meiji best capture the spirit of the East-West Center Japanese garden which adjoins Imin International Conference Center at Jefferson Hall. The garden embodies the East-West Center goal of understanding among nations - its very creation was a cooperative enterprise of East and West. Twenty-two business firms in Japan financed the project, enabling the Center to build the garden, which involved specialists from Asia, the Pacific, and the United States.Designed by noted landscape architect, Kenzo Ogata, the garden was completed in November of 1963 and formally presented to the Center by Taizo Ishizaka, president of the Federation of Economic Organizations of Tokyo. During a trip to Hawai'i in 1964, Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko of Japan blessed the garden during a traditional hold and release ceremony of koi (a gift from the Hawai'i Goldfish and Carp Association) into the garden stream. The royal couple also planted a coral shower tree along the pathway leading down to the garden. In 1994, the now Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko returned to view the garden they had blessed 30 years previous.The garden abounds in symbolism, from the meandering stream to its Japanese carp. The stream actually has three levels much as a river begins in the mountains, flows through the plains and slows as it reaches the sea. According to Japanese tradition, this symbolizes life, which begins in a fast moving turmoil, steadies in adulthood and slows to a more tranquil, majestic senior citizenship. The water's calm surface is often ruffled by the colorful carp, symbol of valor because it fights its way upstream with persistence. Short cement posts seen in and near the stream represent "remains of a bridge," the round stones represent shoals where "the former bridge has been washed out." All the large stones with moss were collected in Hawai'i and properly placed.Near the highest waterfall is a nine-tiered stone pagoda, a haven in the mountains. Along the stream are two stone lanterns. One is a traveler's lantern which has illuminated the way for many people in Japan, and is now supposed to light the garden entrance. It is a gift of Kyoto landscape gardener Hakudo Inouye. The other is a "snow reflecting" lantern.Overlooking the garden is a Japanese teahouse, where traditional tea ceremonies are held.
Japanese Tea House
The Japanese Tea House Chashitsu Jakuan (Cottage of Tranquility) on the north side of the garden was presented to the University of Hawaii in 1972 by Sen Sōshitsu the15th- generation grand tea master of the Urasenke Foundation. Dr. Sen was a member of the East-West Center Board of Governors from 1997-2004. On special occasions tea is still served in the tea house by the University of Hawaii’s chado (tea) club.
Grove of Plumeria Trees
This grove of plumeria trees was dedicated by U.S. First Lady Ladybird Johnson in October 17, 1966, graces the north side of Jefferson Hall. On a trip through Hawaii President Lyndon Johnson gave a speech at the East-West Center and after the speech the first lady dedicated the grove of plumeria trees as part of the Beautification of America Project.
Thai Pavilion
In 1967, as a gesture to extend goodwill and cultural understanding, TheirMajesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand dedicated a traditional sala—pavilion—to the East-West Center. It was one of only four salas outside of Thailand to bear the Royal Seal and the only one personally dedicated by the King. Due to age and climate conditions, the original sala was reconstructed in 2006under the auspices of His Majesty.The beautiful new structure, is made of hard woods (teak) and no nails were used in the construction. The sala which is elaborately carved and painted in gold, was built in Thailand and assembled in Hawaii by a crew of traditional craftsmen under the direction of Thai National Artist/Architect Dr. Pinyo Suwankiri. The sala’s proper name is Pratinang Patiharn Tasanai (Throne of the Miracle Vision). The sala has the unique Thai symbol a Chofa (piece of the sky) that many believe represents a half bird and man creature that is the guardian of the sky hence its position on the roof. It also has the King of Thailand’s seal.On March 1, 2008, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, dedicated the new sala . In her remarks at the dedication ceremony, Her Royal Highness described the King’s intent in gifting the original sala to the East-West Center in 1967 as a symbolic meeting place for people from different nations and cultures to come together and exchange knowledge and ideas.
Hale Kuahine
Hale Kuahine (translates: Hale – house and Kuahine rain in Manoa valley, also a sister to a male) is a four floor dormitory with no elevator. It was originally a women’s dorm. The participants have a garden on the stream side of Hale Kuahine, where they grow and raise fruits and vegetables.
Lincoln Hall
Lincoln Hall is a four-story building serviced by one elevator. These are private rooms. One bedroom units with kitchens are available. Lincoln Hall houses visiting scholars and short-term conference participants.
