Trail Features Historical Markers Highlighting the Island’s Rich and Layered History
Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam opened a four-mile-long walking and bicycling trail around the perimeter of historic Ford Island with a Hawaiian Blessing on May 21, 2019.
The trail features 30 historical markers* at 15 nodes along the accessible trail, highlighting the significant sites and events associated with this island.
Ford Island is known mostly for the catastrophic damage and loss of life on its moored ships that suffered during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. What’s not common knowledge are the other chapters in the island’s history. Known as Mokuumeume to native Hawaiians, the island was prized for its fishing grounds and was the site of makahiki festival events and other cultural activities. It was later held in private ownership, receiving its name from Dr. Seth Ford, a former owner. Military presence began in the early 20th century, when a part of the island was purchased by the U.S. Army for use as an airfield.
Ford Island is in the center of the Pearl Harbor Naval Complex, which has been a National Historic Landmark since 1964. The trail was developed by Commander, Navy Region Hawaii to raise awareness and appreciation of the role that Ford Island and its surroundings played in Hawaiian and military history and culture. The trail’s purpose is to educate while communicating the importance of protecting cultural resources and instilling pride.
Access to Ford Island is controlled by the Navy and appropriate security passes are required to enter. The trail passes by active facilities and portions go through residential neighborhoods and near memorials that are dedicated to those who lost their lives on December 7, 1941. Please obey all rules, regulations and authority and be respectful and appropriate at all times.
*The historical trail markers, displayed below, were developed by Mason .
