Established in 1953 by Dr. Wai Sen Char, the Honolulu Chinese Jaycees (HCJ) is a civic, leadership development, and community service organization for young persons between the ages of 18 and 40 who come from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

The Jaycees (short for members of the “Junior Chamber of Commerce”) is part of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) with over 5,000 chapters worldwide and a shared mission, “to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.”

During 1992 to 1993, HCJ earned the distinction of being the only Jaycees chapter in the history of the Hawaii Jaycees to receive the coveted Harold A. Marks Award. Given by the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce, this award recognized HCJ as the Most Outstanding Chapter in the Nation.

Further, HCJ is the only chapter in Hawaii to have had its president advance to Jaycees State, National, and International Presidency.

HCJ also had the honor of hosting the 1997 Junior Chamber International World Congress. This event brought over 6,000 delegates to Hawaii from over 100 countries.

For 70 years, HCJ has played a key role in fostering Hawai'i’s young leaders by planning, coordinating, and participating in community events, such as Healthy Baby Contest, Adopt-a-School Day, Night in Chinatown, Dragon Boat Festival, Miss Chinatown, and other membership-driven projects. Through networking, socials, and team-building, HCJ members develop not only professional relationships but also lasting friendships.

An organization of boundless opportunity, HCJ is the organization of choice for young people to improve their professional skills, assist the community, build relationships, and ensure Hawaii’s future with strong, young leaders.