Hawaii
Watumull: The Indian family that built a business empire in Hawaii from scratch
Flickr/East-West CenterIn 1915, 29-year-old Indian entrepreneur Jhamandas Watumull arrived in Hawaii’s Honolulu island to set up a retail shop of his import business with his partner Dharamdas.
The two registered Watumull & Dharamdas as a business on Honolulu’s Hotel Street, selling exotic goods like silks, ivory crafts, brassware and other curios from the East.
Dharamdas died of cholera in 1916, prompting Jhamandas Watumull to send for his brother Gobindram to manage their Honolulu store while he took care of their business in Manila. Over the next several years, the brothers would travel between India and Hawaii as they solidified their business.
Today, the Watumull name is ubiquitous on the islands – from garment manufacturing and real estate to education and arts philanthropy, the family is inextricably linked with Hawaii’s rich history.
The first South Asians to move to the island from India, they are now one of its wealthiest families.
“Slowly, slowly, that’s how we did it,” Jhamandas told a local Hawaiian publication in 1973.
Born in pre-independent India, Jhamandas was the son of a brick contractor in Sindh province’s Hyderabad (now in Pakistan). The family was educated but not wealthy. After an accident paralysed his father, Jhamandas’ mother bought his passage to the Philippines where he began working in textile mills. In 1909, he began his own trading business in Manila with his partner Dharamdas.
His grandson JD Watumull says Jhamandas and Dharamdas moved to Hawaii after a drop in their Manila business after the US, which occupied Philippines at the time, curtailed ties with foreign businesses.
Their Hawaii business was renamed East India Store soon after Jhamandas’ brother Gobindram began managing it. In the following years, the business expanded into a major department store with branches in several parts of Asia as well as Hawaii, says SAADA, a digital archive of South Asian American history.
Getty ImagesIn 1937, Gobindram built the Watumull Building in Honolulu’s Waikiki neighbourhood to house the company’s headquarters. According to SAADA, the multi-million-dollar business had expanded to 10 stores, an apartment house and assorted commercial developments by 1957.
The Star-Bulletin newspaper describes products at the store – linens, lingerie, brass and teak wood curios – as woven with “romance and mystery” that transported one “to distant lands and fascinating scenes”.
The Aloha shirts
As Hawaii emerged as a popular destination for wealthy tourists in the 1930s, shirts in bold colours with island motifs called the ‘Aloha shirt’ became a sought-after souvenir.
According to Dale Hope, an expert in Hawaiian textile and patterns, the Watumull’s East India Store was one of the first on the island to carry designs with Hawaiian patterns.
The designs were first commissioned in 1936 by Gobindram from his artist sister-in-law Elsie Jensen.
“Instead of Mount Fuji, she’d have Diamond Head, instead of koi [she’d] have tropical fish, instead of cherry blossoms [she’d] have gardenias and hibiscus and all the things we know here,” Hope said.
The designs were sent to Japan where they were handblocked onto raw silk, Nancy Schiffer writes in the book Hawaiian Shirt Designs.
“These subtle floral patterns, modern and dynamic in concept, were the first Hawaiian designs to be produced commercially,” Schiffer notes.
“They were sold by the boat load and were exhibited as far away as London,” William Devenport says in the book Paradise of the Pacific.
Gobindram’s daughter Lila told Hope that the Watumull’s Waikiki store had American movie stars Loretta Young, Jack Benny, Lana Turner and Eddie “Rochester” Anderson coming to buy these shirts.
“More and more we are finding out that Watumull has become a synonym for Hawaiian fashions,” Gulab Watumull said in a 1966 interview in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
The Watumulls soon bought the Royal Hawaiian Manufacturing Company, where the first matching family aloha wear was created.
Getty ImagesLong road to citizenship
Despite their success, it would be decades before the Watumull brothers – Jhamandas and Gobindram – received US citizenship. Their early years in the country were marred by discrimination and difficult immigration laws, the Hawaii Business Magazine wrote.
In 1922, Gobindram married Ellen Jensen, an American, whose citizenship was stripped under the Cable Act for marrying an immigrant who was not eligible for US citizenship. Jensen would go on to work with the League of Women Voters to reform the law and regain citizenship in 1931.
Gobindram would become a citizen in 1946 when a law allowing Indians to gain citizenship through naturalisation was enacted.
His brother Jhamandas, meanwhile, continued to split much of his time between India and Hawaii.
During India’s 1947 partition, the Watumull family moved from Sindh to Bombay (now Mumbai), leaving much of their property behind, SAADA says.
Jhamandas’ son Gulab eventually arrived in Hawaii to work in the family business and become its head.
In 1955, the brothers split the business with Jhamandas and Gulab keeping its retail portion while Gobindram’s family took over its real estate section.
Jhamandas moved permanently to Hawaii In 1956, a few years after the death of his wife and one of their sons, and in 1961, became a US citizen.
Getty ImagesIndia connect
Over the years, the family remained invested in the welfare of India and its people. Gobindram was an active member of the Committee for India’s Freedom and often travelled to Washington to support the country’s case for independence, Elliot Robert Barkan writes in Making it in America.
Gobindram’s home in Los Angeles was “a Mecca for people concerned with Indian independence”, Sachindra Nath Pradhan notes in the book India in the United States.
The Watumull Foundation in 1946 sponsored a series of lectures by Dr S Radhakrishnan – who later served as India’s president – at American universities.
Gobindram’s wife Ellen was instrumental in bringing an international parenthood conference to Delhi in 1959, leading to the establishment of the country’s first birth control clinics.
The family’s philanthropy has and continues to include funding for educational institutions in Hawaii and in India, endowments for Honolulu-based art programmes and promoting Indian-Hawaiian exchange.
Getty ImagesMany of the Watumull brothers’ grandchildren now work in and around Hawaii.
In the past few years, as the family business shifted focus to real estate, the last Watumull retail store closed in 2020. The company thanked its customers “for years of good business and good memories”.
Watumull Properties purchased a 19,045 sq m (205,000 sq ft) marketplace in Hawaii last year. JD Watumull, the president of the company, said, “The Hawaiian Islands continue to be our family’s focus today and in the future.”
Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.
The renovation comes as part of a multi-phased, $200-million renovation on the entire property.
It was 60 years ago this month that Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player gathered on the big island of Hawaii for the opening of Mauna Kea Resort, which was originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., as part of an episode of “Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf.”
Now, the famed course, best known for a third hole that hangs on the Pacific Ocean, is reopening after an extensive renovation by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course, which is part of the Mauna Kea Resort, will reopen the week of Christmas after a lengthy closure. The course weighs in among the top 200 modern courses in the country, according to Golfweek’s Best.
According to a release from the course, the property now features seashore paspalum grass, which is good for tropical climates and will ensure that year-round play is possible.
“The Mauna Kea Golf Course has long been hailed as one of Hawai’i’s top courses, with a deep history and cultural connection to the island,” said Kansas Henderson, hotel manager of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. “With this renovation, we’ve elevated the course to new heights, while honoring its legacy. By working alongside its original designer’s son, Robert Trent Jones Jr., we’ve ensured the updated course remains true to his father’s original vision and continues to be one of the most celebrated in the world. From its breathtaking cliffside views to its thoughtfully enhanced features for better playability, the course is a true celebration of golf’s enduring spirit and the iconic allure of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.”
The renovation comes as part of a multi-phased, $200-million renovation the entire property, which now includes a new spa and wellness center as well as an oceanfront adult-only pool.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A HIGH SURF WARNING is currently in effect for the north and west-facing shores of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and the north-facing shores of Maui.
This warning will last until 6 AM on Saturday, but will likely be extended even further in time.
A HIGH SURF ADVISORY is also in effect for the Kona coast of Hawaii Island. This advisory will also last until 6 AM on Saturday.
The Eddie Big Wave Invitational is currently on “Yellow Alert,” meaning the competition could run on Sunday. A large enough northwest swell is expected to arrive on Sunday, and conditions look ideal. Surf is expected to reach close to 40 feet as the swell approaches the North Shore of Oahu on Sunday.
Check back often with your First Alert Weather team to see if “The Eddie” will GO on Sunday, December 22nd.
Outside of surf, a dissipating cold front continues to move across the state Thursday night. A few showers could result from the front late Thursday night into early Friday morning. Northerly winds are also expected throughout the day on Friday. Dry and stable weather is expected this weekend. A few windward showers are possible, but they will remain relatively isolated and short-lived.
Chief Meteorologist Jennifer Robbins has Hawaii’s most accurate First Alert Forecast every weeknight at 5, 5:30, 6, 9 and 10. Get weather updates every ten minutes on HNN Sunrise, weekdays with Guy Hagi and weekends with Billy V. Meteorologist Drew Davis has your forecasts on This is Now at noon, First at Four and Hawaii News Now at 6:30. And join Ben Gutierrez weekends.
Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
JEFF – More info is needed on the new Alaska lounge planned at HNL. And timeline? Read new text under, “Hawaiian Airlines stays true to its boutique lounge roots.” Do we need to say which airlines offer lounges at HNL and any plans they might have (Delta, American, United, etc). Photo and excerpt is needed.
Airlines flying to Hawaii are waging an unusual new kind of battle that is happening not in the air but on the ground. From Honolulu to Seattle and Maui to San Francisco, Alaska, Delta, and Hawaiian Airlines are among those competing to redefine the premium travel experience with upgraded lounges and exclusive amenities.
How lounges became the new Hawaii travel battleground.
The competition for Hawaii-bound travelers has shifted dramatically in recent years. While airlines have traditionally focused on in-flight services and even airfare wars to win over passengers, new priorities have emerged that are focused more on those visitors that Hawaii wants to attract: high-paying ones. And the battleground has, in the past days, focused on premium lounge spaces. These airport retreats now serve as critical touchpoints for comfort and loyalty and comfort, focused on long-haul, premium travelers heading to or from Hawaii.
Travelers increasingly seek more seamless and stress-free experiences before boarding, making these lounges essential. Are you a regular airline lounge person? BOH editors are not members of any airline lounge program. However, we have had our share of premium lounge experiences and can say they have been lifesavers, especially during long layovers.
Airlines are stepping up to the battle with big investments in new and upgraded spaces to ensure their offerings stand out from the crowd—not just when flying but also on the ground.
Alaska Airlines takes the lead.
Alaska Airlines has recently made the biggest waves in the Hawaii lounge wars. The airline recently announced plans to open new lounges at Honolulu (HNL) and San Diego (SAN), as well as its first-ever flagship international lounge at Seattle-Tacoma (SEA). These expansions, with details to follow, align with Alaska’s broader and more premium transformation following its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines and the widebody 787 and A330 widebody fleets earlier this year that will soon fly far beyond traditional Hawaii routes.
The new flagship lounge at SEA is a ways off at perhaps two years, and will cater not to Hawaii in particular, but rather to Alaska’s soon to grow international network, including, for starters, upcoming flights to Tokyo and Seoul using Hawaiian Airlines branded A330 planes. Alaska’s new Honolulu and San Diego lounges will bring its distinct brand to key markets it has identified and will offer popular enticements, including hand-crafted espresso, local craft brews, and even their signature pancake machines.
These lounges reflect Alaska’s commitment to sustainability and premium as well, with the Seattle location aiming for LEED Gold certification through a design that’s water-efficient and use of low-emission materials. By investing heavily in lounges since its Hawaiian transformation began, Alaska is positioning itself as a major player in Hawaii and global travel markets.
Delta raises the stakes at all-important battleground Seattle.
Not to be outdone by its archnemesis Alaska in Seattle, Delta is doubling down on its premium offerings. The airline’s Delta One Lounge in Seattle, set to open much sooner, in 2025, represents a significant escalation in the lounge wars. This high-end space will cater to Delta’s business class passengers and compete directly with Alaska’s flagship lounge at SEA.
Delta has focused on luxury and exclusivity in its lounge designs, offering elevated experiences including private dining experiences (currently at JFK) and private spaces for relaxation or work. By positioning itself strategically in Seattle—a key gateway for Hawaii and international flights—Delta aims to maintain and sharpen its competitive edge in markets that will otherwise be dominated by Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines.
Hawaiian Airlines remains true to its boutique lounge roots.
While Alaska and Delta are expanding aggressively, Alaska’s Hawaiian Airlines brand have taken a distinctly more boutique approach. The carrier recently opened its second Premier Club at Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG), providing additional lounge space for premium passengers. Designed to reflect Maui’s landscapes, the lounge features local snacks and beverages, ample charging stations, and a relaxing atmosphere that resonates with travelers seeking an authentic Hawaii experience away from the crowd.
Hawaiian lounges may be smaller and generally less upscale. For example, their Lihue lounge, perhaps the worst, is in a small, windowless, and depressing room that needs help.
Other lounges are more tied to the islands’ culture and unique identity. This approach appeals to travelers looking for Hawaiian’s brand touch. Their two lounges at HNL may soon have reciprocity with Alaska lounge customers. We’re unsure about all the details of that or the status of their very upscale, quirky, Apartment 1929 lounge with showers. Their Plumeria Lounge, next to it, is currently reserved for International Business Class passengers and first-class to New York, Boston, and Austin. The Plumeria is now also available to Priority Pass members for a fee. Their other lounge at HNL is the Premier Club.
What this means for Hawaii travelers.
For Hawaii-bound travelers, the lounge wars can potentially become a win-win situation. With more premium options available, passengers can find ways to enjoy enhanced comfort and amenities before their flights. Whether it’s Alaska’s expansive spaces, Delta’s luxury offerings, or Hawaiian’s locally inspired retreats, we’ll wait to see what types of offers, such as Alaska’s new credit card, may yield access to these premium spaces.
However, the influx of new lounges and offers to access them could also lead to challenges, such as either overcrowding or, at the other end of the spectrum, increased exclusivity for premium passengers. Hawaii travelers must wait to see what factors prevail regarding lounges and credit cards when choosing an airline, especially as the Hawaii competition heats up.
The future of Hawaii travel competition.
The Hawaii lounge wars are the beginning of a broader transformation in the Hawaii air travel experience. As airlines continue investing in premium services, which will extend somewhat to Southwest in 2025, the focus may expand beyond lounges to other aspects of the journey, such as in-flight dining or ground transportation. For now, one thing is clear: the battle for Hawaii travelers will no longer be confined to the skies.
Are you all in or feeling left out by the airlines’ approach to Hawaii premium travel?
Lead photo new Alaska lounge at SFO.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Oklahoma lawmakers on board with abolishing the Department of Education
UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect could see most serious charge downgraded: defense attorney
Police searching for man who severely injured store owner
Violence prevention groups join forces with Detroit Lions star to give back this Christmas
Americans flocking from major metropolitan cities to these southern 'ex burbs'
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
House vote imminent on plan to avert government shutdown after Trump-backed deal tanks
Italy's Deputy PM Salvini found not guilty in Open Arms migrants case
Watch: White House takes questions on looming government shutdown
Illegal immigrant sexually abused child in the U.S. after being removed from the country five times
At least eight migrants drown after boat collision off Greece’s coast
-
Politics1 week agoCanadian premier threatens to cut off energy imports to US if Trump imposes tariff on country
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25782636/247422_ChatGPT_anniversary_CVirginia.jpg "Inside the launch — and future — of ChatGPT")
Technology1 week agoInside the launch — and future — of ChatGPT
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25789444/1258459915.jpg "OpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever says the way AI is built is about to change")
Technology7 days agoOpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever says the way AI is built is about to change
-
Politics7 days agoU.S. Supreme Court will decide if oil industry may sue to block California's zero-emissions goal
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25546252/STK169_Mark_Zuckerburg_CVIRGINIA_D.jpg "Meta asks the US government to block OpenAI’s switch to a for-profit")
Technology1 week agoMeta asks the US government to block OpenAI’s switch to a for-profit
-
Politics1 week agoConservative group debuts major ad buy in key senators' states as 'soft appeal' for Hegseth, Gabbard, Patel
-
Business5 days agoFreddie Freeman's World Series walk-off grand slam baseball sells at auction for $1.56 million
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23951353/STK043_VRG_Illo_N_Barclay_3_Meta.jpg "Meta’s Instagram boss: who posted something matters more in the AI age")
Technology5 days agoMeta’s Instagram boss: who posted something matters more in the AI age