In the former location of taro patches and rice paddies, Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center (LMPSC) managed by Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, nestled in Liliha in the heart of Honolulu, offers camaraderie, education, recreation, exercise, health promotion, volunteer opportunities and more for kūpuna 60 years of age and older from diverse ethnic, cultural and career backgrounds.
LMPSC, the oldest and largest senior center in Hawai‘i, was created by the state in 1969 as part of Hawai‘i’s comprehensive response to the passage of the Older Americans Act of the 1960s. Devoted elected officials and other community leaders supported and funded this much-used gathering place.
There is no membership fee. Those who are able to participate safely on their own without supervision are welcome to visit and observe the activities of the senior center twice. If they feel comfortable, make an appointment with the LMPSC’s membership specialist (see below).
Currently, there are about 2,000 members participating in over 50 classes a week, including pickleball, ping pong, yoga, cultural dances, ‘ukulele and guitar, language and calligraphy classes, technology training, arts and crafts, line dancing, stretching and toning, tai chi, fitness fusion, American Sign Language, board games, singing and performing arts, and much more.
LMPSC members attend hundreds of educational presentations and workshops, excursions, and social and volunteer activities throughout the year. LMPSC has demonstrated for over five decades the importance of social engagement, sharing talents and knowledge for the betterment of the community, recreation and lifelong learning opportunities to keep older adults happy, healthy, and living independent and productive lives.
CCH CEO Rob Van Tassell emphasized that “the annual cost of two nursing home patients equates to the operating costs associated with this senior center. Public and private sector support for senior centers throughout Hawai‘i would be a very good investment for the state.”
Long-time Lanakila member Mary Sueda was touched every day by the caring and kindness that members and staff shared with one another. She is happy that her mom was able to enjoy such wonderful times with friends at Lanakila, too.
Sen. Carol Fukunaga believes that the center “can serve as a role model that can be incorporated into future community developments and redevelopments, because it encourages healthy aging and effectively keeps our kūpuna active and independent!”
LANAKILA SENIOR CENTER managed by CATHOLIC CHARITIES HAWAI‘I (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
1640 Lanakila Ave., Honolulu, HI 96817
Membership Specialist Iris Hiramoto: 808-847-1322
suzanne.oakland@catholiccharitieshawaii.org
catholiccharitieshawaii.org
Check online for Catholic Charities Hawaii offices on the Neighbor Islands: Hawai‘i Island, Maui and Kaua‘i.
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