World War II Efforts

1941 - Laniakea was a site to support war efforts. The basement served as shelter and a surgical dressing unit of the Red Cross was on the third floor. Honolulu YWCA served breakfast to men of the new Hawaiian guard.

1944 - Camp Halekipa and Kokokahi were rest camps by the military.

Five months after the war ended, the ground floor and lobby of Laniakea became a USO Services Women’s Lounge. It included a library, information desk, a writing desk and powder bar. The powder room also included hot showers, an iron, and ironing boards.