Hilo Masonic Lodge Hall-Bishop Trust Building, Masonic temple and historic landmark in downtown Hilo, United States.
The Hilo Masonic Lodge Hall, also known as the Bishop Trust Building, is a three-story reinforced concrete building in the Renaissance Revival style at 60 Keawe Street, on the northwest corner with Waianuenue Street. Its 28,000 square feet include a full basement, commercial space on the ground floor, and a second-floor ceremonial temple room of about 35 by 55 feet with high ceilings, cast brass suspended lighting fixtures, and an organ gallery. A granite stairway with an ornate oak balustrade rises from the lobby, and the roof formerly held a garden.
Kīlauea Lodge #330 was chartered on October 15, 1897, the first Masonic lodge on Hawaiʻi Island, and met in Frederick S. Lyman's building before an association led by John Troup Moir raised funds for its own home. Ground was broken in May 1908 after the San Francisco earthquake made materials scarce, the cornerstone was laid on February 18, 1909, and the building was dedicated on February 24, 1910, at double the planned cost.
The upper floors once served as gathering spaces where members of the Masonic order met regularly and conducted their ceremonial traditions. This building functioned as a social and spiritual center for Hilo's Masonic community for many decades.
The building is easily accessible in downtown Hilo, with ground floor commercial spaces open to the public for visiting. The upper floors are not always available for general viewing, so checking ahead or contacting the location is recommended to confirm access and visiting conditions.
The second-floor temple room measured about 35 by 55 feet and had high ceilings with cast brass suspended lighting fixtures and an organ gallery. The Masons left around 1985 because their rules barred sharing occupancy with a liquor establishment licensed on the ground floor.
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