Hawai‘i’s National Historic Landmarks are unique, sharing the cultural, political, and natural history of the Hawaiian Islands, as well as the stories and traditions of Hawaiian culture, its monarchy, and its people. They include places where you will learn about the spiritual, agricultural, and daily lives of early Hawaiians and include centuries-old heiau (places of worship), fishponds, and fishing villages and settlements. Other landmarks share the stories of Hawai‘i’s many cultures and their histories in the islands. These sites offer insight into world-altering events that took place in Hawai‘i, early Western contact with Hawaiians, and the reign of the Hawaiian monarchy. Hawai‘i is home to more than 30 National Historic Landmarks—part of over 2,600 places and sites across the U.S. designated for their national significance in sharing America’s history and the heritage of its people. Below are six Hawai‘i National Historic Landmarks along with a link to learn about the others. | ||||
The Old Sugar Mill of Kōloa National Historic Landmark marks one of the last remaining structures of Hawai‘i’s first successful commercial sugarcane plantation and manufacturing operations. More would follow, creating Hawai‘i’s largest industry through the mid 20th century and its modern-day multicultural population by way of emigrating laborers from Asia and Europe. Founded in 1835 and later known as Kōloa Plantation, the mill was one of three processing cane grown on the 980-acre plantation. Its remnants honor the residents of many ethnicities who labored on the plantation and grew neighboring communities Kōloa and Po‘ipū.
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is home to several sites telling the history of Imperial Japan’s December 7, 1941, aerial attack on the harbor and its effect on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i residents and the course of World War II’s Pacific War. Within the memorial, three National Historic Landmarks — the USS Arizona Memorial, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (USS Bowfin), and USS Utah Memorial — share their own histories of the day. Washington Place became home to Hawai‘i monarch Queen Liliu‘okalani soon after its 1847 construction and later served as home to Hawai‘i governors from 1919 to 2002. Tours of the landmark share Hawai‘i’s monarchial and political histories.
Kaunolū Village Site National Historic Landmark on the island of Lāna‘i preserves the ruins of an early Hawaiian fishing village first settled in the 1400s because of its sheltered bay for canoes and ample marine resources. Visitors can explore sites of resident village life, including home platforms, petroglyphs, trails and Halulu, one of the final heiau built in the Islands. On Maui, Pi‘ilanihale Heiau is believed to be the largest heiau in Polynesia, covering more than three acres, with its highest walls rising 50 feet. The oceanside temple’s construction began in the 13th century, with basalt rocks carried by hand from as far away as Hāna Bay five miles east. Guided and self-guided tours are offered.
On the shoreline overlooking Kailua Bay in Kailua-Kona, Kamakahonu is significant for serving as King Kamehameha I’s royal compound, final residence and home to Ahu‘ena Heiau, a temple he ordered restored to honor the deity, Lono. Now designated a National Historic Landmark, the site features a reconstruction of the original compound’s ‘Ahu‘ena Heiau and Kamehameha’s Hale Nana Mahina‘ai residence. At neighboring King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, visitors can explore Aloali‘i Cultural Center, which displays artifacts from Kamakahonu and its monarchial history, and offers site tours and Hawaiian cultural activities and classes. (NOTE: At the time of this newsletter’s distribution, National Historic Landmarks are open during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable. For the latest updates and more information, please visit their websites or call directly.) |
