Visit Hawai‘i’s Historic Places on O‘ahu
Photo by Isabella Forster on Flickr
Statues of O‘ahu Walking Tour – Waikīkī
This self-guided tour of 12 statues in Waikīkī is informed by author Cheryl Soon’s research for her newly published book, Reflections in Stone and Bronze: Exploring Hawai‘i’s History & Culture Through Sculpture (Mutual Publishing, 2022). The tour route features statuary and monuments of political and cultural figures significant to Hawai‘i’s multilayered history. Some highlights include Bernice Pauahi Bishop, Gabby “Pops” Pahinui and Princess Victoria Ka’iulani.
Soon’s work is a fascinating exploration of sixty historical figures, their ties to Hawai‘i’s history and culture, and how their values and accomplishments are memorialized.
Statues of O‘ahu Walking Tour – Downtown Honolulu
This self-guided tour of 11 statues in Downtown Honolulu is informed by author Cheryl Soon’s research for her newly published book, Reflections in Stone and Bronze: Exploring Hawai‘i’s History & Culture Through Sculpture (Mutual Publishing, 2022). The tour map features statuary and monuments beginning at the King Kamehameha Statue in front of Aliʻiolani Hale and ending with Robert Wilcox memorialized at Wilcox Mall in Fort Street Mall.
Soon’s work is a fascinating exploration of sixty historical figures, their ties to Hawai‘i’s history and culture, and how their values and accomplishments are memorialized.
Virtual Tour Provides Safe, Legal Way to Experience Kaniakapūpū
Kaniakapūpū, the summer palace of King Kamehameha III, lies within a restricted watershed in a densely forested part of Nuʻuanu. The site is closed to people, with the exception of Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners or permitted caretakers. It remains irresistible to visitors, who trespass onto the site. A new virtual tour provided by the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) aims to counter online misinformation while also giving interested users a chance to learn about the site in a manner that is safe, legal, and respectful. People who aren’t practitioners but want to help can contact ʻAhahui Mālama O Kaniakapūpū to sign up for volunteer days to remove weeds growing near the ruins. Learn more about the history and stewardship of the site.
Kaniakapūpū was designated a Most Endangered Historic Place by Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation in 2016. HHF supported stabilization efforts for the site that began in 1998. The Kaniakapūpū Site Protection Measures project received a Preservation Honor Award in 2021 for its efforts to protect the archaeological, historic and cultural significance of Kaniakapūpū.
The Hale‘iwa Special District Story Map: A Historic Village by the Sea
Take a tour of the built and cultural sites in historic Hale‘iwa Town on O‘ahu’s North Shore. Expanded content features additional architectural and cultural history and highlights local businesses. Click on the link to the left from your smart phone or tablet to begin! There are 40 stops that may be followed sequentially though not required. Hale‘iwa Story Map is a collaboration between Historic Hawai‘i Foundation, Cultural Surveys Hawai‘i and Hale‘iwa Main Street dba North Shore Chamber of Commerce. Research was provided by Brittany Lindo, a student intern from the Environmental + Interior Design program at Chaminade University.
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.
Hawai‘i Capital Historic District Story Map Tour of Historic Buildings & Public Art
The Hawai‘i Capital Historic District Story Map tour incorporates public art, architecture, history and technology sharing information about this special historic neighborhood listed on the Hawai‘i State Register of Historic Places. Click on the link to the left from your smart phone or tablet to begin! There are 32 stops that may be followed sequentially though not required. The Capital Historic District Story Map was developed out of a collaboration between Historic Hawai‘i Foundation, Cultural Surveys Hawai‘i and students from Mid-Pacific Institute.
Self-Guided Tour of Hawai‘i State Capitol
Take a self-guided tour of the Hawai‘i State Capitol, a treasure trove of meaning and history. Begin your tour on the ground entry level at the makai (ocean) end, facing the statue of Queen Lili‘uokalani.
Learn about the “Aloha Spirit”, the meaning behind the architectural design including the “Aquarius” mosaic and more.
Explore Kauhale Heritage Trail
Take an armchair tour of Kauhale Heritage Trail and see evidence of traditional Hawaiian life on the coastal plain of Honouliuli. Learn the rich history of this storied landscape by viewing the tour preserve maps and photo descriptions and listening to the introduction to this special wahi pana in English and Hawaiian.
Discover Kuapapa Preserve
This special area of Honouliuli on the ‘Ewa plain contains landscape features from three periods of Hawaiian history with the oldest features remains of traditional Hawaiian habitation sites. Read the history and listen to an introduction to this culturally rich area in English and Hawaiian.
Historic Homes in Waikiki Showcased in Self-Guided Walking Tour
A Waikiki walking tour map for independent travelers is now available. The self-guided itinerary is suitable for individual travelers rather than group tours, and focuses on sites of historic or cultural significance that are either open to the public or visible from the public way.
The walking tour includes reminders on how to be a good visitor, including not to trespass on private property or to cause any harm to historic sites.
Queen Emma Gardens, A Mid-Century Marvel
Queen Emma Gardens, completed in 1964, was created as an urban renewal project. The lushly landscaped 8.28-acre site is located within walking distance of Downtown Honolulu and includes three apartment towers and a traditional Japanese-style garden with koi pond and two tea houses. It is considered an outstanding example of Tropical Modern style and was designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki.
Take a Virtual Tour of Iolani Palace
The online tour allows visitors to roam through the building beyond the stanchions, climb the majestic koa staircase, and see remarkable artifacts on display on your computer or mobile device.
Take a Virtual Tour of Shangri La
Take a Google Streetview Tour of beautiful Shangri La on Oahu’s East coast. Built in 1937 as the Honolulu home of Doris Duke (1912-1993), Shangri La was inspired by Duke’s extensive travels throughout North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, and reflects artistic and architectural collections and designs from these regions. The museum is a program of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation through the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.
Take a Virtual Tour of the Historic USS Missouri
Born in the midst of World War II, the shipyard workers at Brooklyn’s New York Navy Yard constructed the battleship also known as “Mighty Mo” in time for her launch on January 29, 1944. On April 11, 1945, as the last major battle of World War II raged, USS Missouri was struck by a Japanese “Kamikaze” during the Battle of Okinawa. Missouri was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on 14 May 1971 for hosting the signing of the instrument of Japanese surrender that ended World War II.
Take a Virtual Tour of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel
This virtual online display shares the beauty and splendor of the historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel which opened its doors on February 1, 1927. Check back for updates as additional public areas of the hotel are added. Learn about this magnificent hotel and its history: Read about the land beneath the Royal, Helumoa, a significant place to Hawaiians with a storied history; discover what it took to build the “Pink Palace”; view historic photos and learn about the building and design features.
Capitol District Walking Tours Feature Public Art & Historic Places
This brochure includes three self-guided tours that feature outstanding public art in the State Capitol, Honolulu Hale and Federal Building sectors. Over the past 30 years this art has enhanced and transformed these historic districts into public places that share significant sites of educational, cultural and historical value to the State of Hawai‘i.
Historic Downtown Honolulu Map Available for Self-Guided Tours
Experience Honolulu’s architecture spanning two centuries through a walking tour of the Capital Historic District, Merchant Street Historic District and the Central Business District. Discover masterpieces of Hawaii’s architectural history and to learn more about places that are integral to the history of Hawai‘i and the ways these exquisite buildings reflect the people and events that shaped our communities. The walking tour covers 25 downtown Honolulu buildings along a three mile (5 km) route.
Historic Churches
Western contact with the Kingdom of Hawai‘i was punctuated by the influence of religious traditions, beliefs, missionaries and lifestyles. The self-guided walking tour of historic churches in downtown Honolulu introduces visitors to the architecture, artistry and history of four significant historic churches along a one mile (1.6 km) route. The non-sectarian tour values and respects the various traditions and faith of each denomination. The historic buildings that house these institutions also serve as touchstones for the larger community both as anchors for vibrant streets and in neighborhoods as objects of civic pride.