Kailua, “two waters” was known to be a favorite residence of some of Oahu’s 15thCentury chiefs. In the 1780’s a chief from the island of Maui came to Oahu and settled in Kailua. He later fought and killed the Oahu chief. During the time he ruled, Kailua was the capitol of Oahu.
During the reign of King Kamehameha III, the lands of the kingdom were divided in the Great Mahele. Kalama Beach Club got its name from Queen Kalama (Kalama Hakaleleponi Kapakuhaili: 1817–1870), the Queen consort of King Kamehameha III (1814-1854). She owned a great portion of Kailua.
The Kalama tract, encompassing the area from the Kaneohe side of Ainoni Street to Kaneohe side of Makawao Street, and from the mauka (mountain) side of North Kalaheo to the mauka side of North Kainalu, was established in 1925. The tract was made up of 184 lots, which originally sold for between $1500 and $2500. The property owners were eligible to become members of the Kalama Beach Club once the Club House was completed in 1928. The Club House was designed by the firm of Rothwell, Kangeter & Lester, Architects & Engineers.
The developer, Harold K.L. Castle (1886—1967) and Armstrong, Ltd., donated the Beach Club property and provided the funding for the design and construction of the Club House. The Club was meant to provide access to the beach for lot owners and as a place to gather. The original 184 lots were 20,000 square feet and each property owner received a certificate for a one-share interest in the Kalama Community Trust. Most lots have been subdivided so that there are now approximately 346 parcels with owners that are potential members of the Club.
In addition to the property and Club House, Mr. Castle created a trust so that the property is legally held in title in the names of three trustees. An Executive Committee, also established by the Trust document, assists the Trustees in managing the property, sets the rules and policies for use of the Club and is charged with maintaining the property.
During World War II, the club was taken over by the military for use as sort of an officers club.
In 2015 the Kalama Beach Club was placed on the Registry of Hawai’i Historic places.
A photo history of the clubhouse construction
