The USO was established in World War II and became an important organization in Hawaii right away. In the Hawaiian islands, 78 USO facilities were established around the Territory, wherever there was a need. Below is a brief description of some of our previous centers.
USO HONOKAA CLUB - HAWAII
During the Vietnam conflict, the Maluhia Center at Fort DeRussy was the gathering place for those returning to Hawaii for R&R and USO served the local military community in other locations, as well.
USO KAPAA CLUB - KAUAI
Chartered as a Hawaii non-profit organization in 1972, USO Hawaii first opened its Honolulu International Airport center in a location near the famed Japanese garden. As the airport expanded, it has moved twice, currently operating its lounge and administrative office at the street level between Baggage Claim Areas E and F, a convenient location for arriving military personnel. To serve passengers at Hickam AFB, the USO operates a lounge in the AMC Terminal. USO is the only agency that provides facilities and services specifically for military travelers and their families and for Department of Defense personnel on official orders. The more than 100 volunteers who assist our small professional staff offer help with such problems as cancelled or delayed flights, long layovers, missed connections, missing luggage, lost sponsors and other travel crises, or simply while waiting for transportation to local military bases.
USO MAKUOLA CLUB - HAWAII
"We run on an extremely tight budget" says Executive Director Connie Kraus, adding, "we rely heavily on corporations, organizations, and public donations - both monetary and in-kind contributions, for support." Recent and frequent donors include the Aloha United Way (AUW), Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), Cookie Corner (Kapolei and Mililani), Three Brothers Mr. Pizza, Costco, First Hawaiian Bank, International Lions Clubs of Honolulu, Ohana Hotels, Boutiki (Pearl Harbor), Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, Rotary Club of Pearl Harbor and various military chapels and military spouse clubs, as well as individuals. If you plan to meet the flight of someone in military service, you are welcome to use the USO as a point of contact. Tell the traveler to go to the USO, so if you are delayed, there will be a comfortable, welcoming place for him or her to wait.
