Early (1800s) Map of Hawaiian Islands
The Oahu Insane Asylum in Honolulu was established in 1862 while still under a monarchy. By 1874 it had 28 inmates. As the Hawaiian population grew, so did the asylum’s resident population: an average of 140 in 1900 and 225 in 1910.
Unlike the Canton Asylum for Insane Indians, which typically employed whites as attendants, the Oahu Insane Asylum employed native Hawaiians as attendants. Interestingly, however, most patients were of foreign birth; in June 1913, only 28 of 119 patients were Hawaiian. The majority of non-native patients were Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, part-Hawaiian, and Portuguese.
The asylum had an advantage over many others in that it was in a truly temperate climate that allowed plenty of natural ventilation and sunshine. The superintendent reported that: “Treatment consists of kindly, judicious care, plain, nourishing food, harmonious surroundings, an abundance of fresh air, non-restraint, hydrotherapy, and ‘a little drugging.'”
______________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you so much for the information–it’s so good to get something firsthand.
Best regards,
Carla
Aloha, the Insane Asylum you’re looking for was actually on Asylum Road. In the early 1900’s a household of my relatives were “guards” for the inmates and if you read about it and get first hand reports as I did, they were more like patients than inmates. Later on probably in the 1920-30’s it became housing . I know this because my great great grandfather Reverend James Kahoopii lived on Asylum Road with his sons. Malama pono (take care) and good luck with your search for history. It’s a great way to spend your time! Malia Yates
I’m sure you’re finding your search both intriguing and frustrating. I’m sorry that I can’t help you, though, since I’ve only researched the Canton Asylum in S. Dakota. I would suggest that you contact the Hawaii State Archives to find any census records that might show her name. That way, you might be able to find out where she went in 1899–it might not have been to an asylum at all, and you don’t want to waste a lot of time searching for her in a place she never went.
Best of luck,
Carla
Hello, I am looking for my great great grandmother, Julia de Jesus Correa or Correia. Her married name is Julia Jesus Farinha also known as Julia Joao also a married name.
She was born in 1867 from Madeira. She immigrated to Hawaii in 1/18/1885 on the ship “Daca” when she was 17 years old. She married April 1885 to Manuel Joao Farinha on Molokai. Her parents were Antonio Correa or Correia and her mother was Eulalia Correa. Julia had 8 children by the time she was 34 and she disappeared after Aug. 20, 1899. Was she in any insane asylum in Hawaii? Please contact me is she was, or if you know anything about her. Thank you! Jody