The Honolulu Symphony Society, sponsor of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, had its first meeting on August 27, 1902. Its major goal was, "To encourage the cultivation of
the art of music, and to promote sociability among its members." The Society's orchestra made its debut concert, given at its clubhouse on the slopes of Punchbowl, in October
1902 in honor of the officers of the visiting German cruiser Cormoran. The society's first public concert took place in the Hawaiian Opera House on May 2, 1903 with W.F. Jocher leading twenty-nine musicians in works by Schubert, Bach, Mozart, Mascagni, and Wagner. The Honolulu Symphony Orchestra presented several concerts annually from that time
until the early teens. It lapsed into inactivity for a decade during and after World War I, and then reorganized on a more lasting basis in 1924. At the outset of World War, and especially after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, it was feared the society would go into inactivity once again. Many of the performers were men and women from the Army and Navy. However, the Society members felt it important to continue some semblance of normal life, and so, arranged for at least one concert. It proved successful and established day concerts for Honolulu residents for the entirety of the war. From 1942 to 1964, subscription performances were held at McKinley High School's, Scott auditorium. This facility was used intermittently with the Princess Theatre on Fort Street, until the construction of the Hawaii International Center, later renamed the Blaisdell Concert Hall, at the old Ward estate.
With the growth and expansion of the Orchestra, it became increasingly important to find corporations and individuals willing to donate the necessary funds to pay for supplies, rent, and wages. Following the example of many symphony orchestras throughout the nation at that time, the Society created the Women's Association in 1949. To this organization fell most of the burden of organizing and conducting fund raisers as well as other things. The Honolulu Symphony Society became more involved with opera and ballet performances in the 1960s, and helped to establish a regular opera season. In 1961, together with the Hawaii Opera Theater, the Society celebrated the first opera production of Puccini's Madama Butterfly. The last few decades have brought further growth and development for the Society. With a mission to educate Hawaii's school children, the Society has obtained funding through the State, allowing them to expand their influence over the islands.