Honolulu Iron Works Co. Letterhead

Object/Artifact

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Hawaii's History, A Personal Collection

Author's Personal Collection: Honolulu Iron Works Co. Letterhead Dated November 7, 1921 Founded in 1852 by machinist David Weston on Queen Street, Honolulu Iron Works (HIW) became the backbone of Hawaii’s sugar industry, manufacturing and repairing plantation machinery, steam engines, and boilers. It grew to be a major international manufacturer of sugar factories in the early 1900s, later moving to Kakaʻako.
Author's Personal Collection

Honolulu Iron Works Co. Letterhead Dated November 7, 1921 Founded in 1852 by machinist David Weston on Queen Street, Honolulu Iron Works (HIW) became the backbone of Hawaii’s sugar industry, manufacturing and repairing plantation machinery, steam engines, and boilers. It grew to be a major international manufacturer of sugar factories in the early 1900s, later moving to Kakaʻako.

Name/Title

Honolulu Iron Works Co. Letterhead

Description

Honolulu Iron Works Co. Letterhead Dated November 7, 1921 Founded in 1852 by machinist David Weston on Queen Street, Honolulu Iron Works (HIW) became the backbone of Hawaii’s sugar industry, manufacturing and repairing plantation machinery, steam engines, and boilers. It grew to be a major international manufacturer of sugar factories in the early 1900s, later moving to Kakaʻako. Establishment (1852): Began as a machine shop near Queen and Nuʻuanu Streets, serving the burgeoning sugar industry. Destruction and Rebuilding: The premises were destroyed by fire in 1860, requiring a complete rebuild. Growth and Exports: By 1900, HIW was supplying sugar mills for plantations in Hawaii, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico, and Louisiana. Major Projects: The company manufactured over 200 cane sugar mills and, at its peak, employed 500 to 600 workers in its various shops. Industrial Expansion: Moved to the Kakaʻako area in 1900, contributing to the district's industrial development. Diversification: Beyond sugar, the company repaired ships and steamers and built industrial equipment. Leadership: Alexander Young, an engineer, bought the company from Thomas Hughes and played a significant role in its success before it later evolved under new ownership and management. The Honolulu Iron Works was an essential part of the early Hawaiian economy and acted as a foundational element of Kakaʻako's history as an industrial hub.

Created By

[email protected]

Create Date

April 30, 2026

Update Date

April 30, 2026