On July 16th, author and city planner Cheryl Soon, Ph.D, FAICP, led a group of 21 people on a two-hour walking tour of statues and monuments along Kalakāua Avenue in Waikīkī. Soon shared the history of several statues and one monument–how they came to be and the intention behind their creation–that are featured in her newly published book, Reflections in Stone and Bronze: Exploring Hawai‘i’s History & Culture Through Sculpture (Mutual Publishing, 2022). The chief planning officer for the City & County of Honolulu under the Jeremy Harris administration, Soon offers a unique perspective and is a natural storyteller.
Copies of her book are available for purchase at Mutual Publishing (1215 Center St # 210 in Kaimukī) and via its online shop.
Below we share photos of the tour, identified by stop number on the tour map. We welcome everyone to download the walking tour map and enjoy the tour at your leisure.
1. King David Kalakāua, Waikīkī Gateway Park, 2050 Kalakāua Avenue
Artist: Sean L.L. Browne
2. Gabby “Pops” Pahinui, Waikīkī Beachwalk, 227 Lewers St.
Artist: Kim Duffett
3. Bernice Pauahi Bishop, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, 2201 Kalakāua Avenue
Artist: Sean L.L. Browne
4. Duke Kahanamoku, Waikīkī Beach, 2424 Kalakāua Avenue
Artist: Jan Gordon Fisher
Kapaemahu Sacred Stones, Kūhiō Beach Park (not on the map)
5. Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, Kūhiō Beach Park, 2501-2537 Kalakāua Avenue
Artist: Sean L.L. Browne
9. Kamehameha IV, Queen Emma, Prince Albert, International Market Place, 2330 Kalakāua Avenue
Artist: Aspeli (Viliami) Tolutau
10. Don Ho, International Market Place, 2330 Kalakāua Avenue
Artist: Kim Duffett
