Our Story
Glenn Sears
It Started with a Search for Connection
Upon returning to Hawaiʻi after more than 40 years away, Glenn Sears found that many of his old friends had died or moved away. Living in a Honolulu condo without the workshop he once had, he missed both the opportunity to make things and the companionship that came with it. “I’ve seen a lot of guys check out after they retire—their friends fall by the wayside, they don’t know what to do with themselves except watch TV and, worse, drink” says Glenn.
Then his wife, Mary, showed him an article about the Men’s Shed movement in Australia. Glenn searched for a Men’s Shed in Honolulu—and then anywhere in the United States. Having found none, he decided to start one.
The Honolulu Men's Shed is Born
Glenn took his idea to the Honolulu Rotary Club and announced, “I want to start a Men’s Shed here in Hawaii.” Five others stepped forward—David Talbert, Jerry Taniyama, Jonathan Okabe, Doug Kam-Young, and Win Shoneman—and in early 2016 joined Glenn to form the first steering committee. The organization subsequently received 501(c)(3) recognition and became the Honolulu Men’s Shed Association. Now the search was on for a home.
2016 - A Place to Meet
The Makiki Christ United Methodist Church provided a place where eight or nine members could gather once a month. It kept the fledgling organization together, but it wasn’t a viable solution.
Jerry Teaniyama, Jonathan Okabe, Doug Kam-Young, Glen Sears, Win Schoneman, David Talbert
First meeting of the first Menʻs Shed in the U.S. February 22, 2016 in Honolulu
Removing concrete slab at Pier 19
Some members gathering at Pier 19
2017 - Sand Island
An unused warehouse near Sand Island Bridge in a area of Honolulu Harbor known as Snug Harbor became the next home. There was no electricity or running water, but members added a generator and made it work.
The location also produced something unexpected. After learning that Biki Bikeshare would use part of the space, Glenn brought over 39 abandoned bicycles from his condo and Shed members began repairing them. Bicycle repair would become a core activity of the Shed.
2019 - Pier 19
The Hawaiʻi State Harbors Division offered the Shed warehouse space at Pier 19—with a catch. Members first had to remove an eight-inch-thick concrete slab weighing 28 tons.
By then the Shed had grown to more than 40 members. They took on the job together, while Hawaiian Dredging ultimately volunteered to haul away the concrete. While at Pier 19, with the larger space and generous donations of woodworking equipment, Shed membership grew to almost 100.
2024 - Lana Lane
On short notice in 2023, to make way for harbor renovations the Shed had to leave Pier 19. With help from the State and Kamehameha Schools, in January 2024 the Shed moved into its current location on Lana Lane, again with a catch—the site was to be demolished to make way for a tall condo building in less than a year! But, luck has favored the Shed: multiple extensions to their lease has extended their stay through December 2027.
From a Menʻs Shed to a Kūpuna Shed
With a growing interest from women in joining the Shed and a recognition that the Shed could and should serve a broaden audience, the Shed changed itʻs name to the Honolulu Kūpuna Shed. With the name change, a great location in the city and strong support from the local community, the Kūpuna Shed expanded its programs and membership grew rapidly. By September 2026, the Shed had over 270 members, of which 20% were women, and regularly completed numerous projects for local, non-profit community-serving organizations.
Much has changed since Glenn Sears first went looking for a Men’s Shed in Honolulu. What hasn’t changed is the idea at its heart: give people a place to come together, work side by side, share what they know, learn from one another, and find friendship and purpose in doing something worthwhile.
Celebrating the opening of our Lana Lane location. January 20, 2024
A typical day at the Kūpuna Shed