INSIDE CHINESE HALL

By Star-Bulletin staff
Photos by Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin

THE "Chinese Hall" at Moanalua Gardens was built in China, shipped to Hawaii and assembled. Since then, it has served as an entertainment center for the Damon family and estate, who still privately own and maintain the gardens. The hall was originally erected next to the Moana station of the Oahu Railway, but was moved to its current location surrouned by koi ponds in 1959-60. The center is rarely open to the public, but was recently in conjunction with the Prince Lot Hula Festival held in the gardens.

At top, the simplicity of the single-story building is in
contrast to ornate camphor and sandalwood friezes that
decorate the panels and windows. Above, Vincent Villa of
New Jersey and Hawaii admires the detai work on the
post of Prince Lot's bed. Below, a photo of the prince on
display and below, the exterior of the hall.

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