If you're a fan of historic places in Hawaii, you've definitely heard of, and most likely visited, the USS Arizona memorial. This is the most famous of Hawaii's war memorials - it commemorates the lives of the 1,102 sailors and marines who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. One spot that's not quite as famous is the massive, Olympic-sized Beaux-Arts swimming pool that's carved into the beautiful Pacific Ocean on the southern shores of Oahu. The Waikiki Natatorium in Hawaii is no longer open to the public, but even so, it's one of the state's most magnificent memorials to the United States Armed Forces.

Framed from the shore by a massive ornamental arched entryway, the Waikiki Natatorium was built in 1927 as a living memorial, dedicated to the men and women of Hawaii who served during World War I.

This magnificent structure was a work in progress for nearly ten years, as the Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors first proposed the creation of a memorial to some 10,000 men from the Territory of Hawaii who volunteered to serve in the Great War.

Designed by architect Lewis Parsons Hobart, known for his absolutely grand designs, the Waikiki Natatorium in Hawaii is one of only a few saltwater natatoriums of its kind left in the world.

At the time of construction, the natatorium was a technological marvel, designed to filter saltwater in and out, complete with a high dive, and rows of bleachers that face the beautiful pool and Pacific Ocean beyond.

In the opening day ceremonies, held on August 24, 1927, Olympic gold medal holder Duke Kahanamoku made the first swim; it was also his birthday.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the natatorium was taken over by the United States Army, and used for training during World War II.

The pool itself has been closed to the public since 1979, and what to do with this incredible slice of history has been up for debate ever since. Every year, a group of preservationists join forces in an attempt to save the ruins of this brilliant architectural, and historically significant, piece of living art.

Many believe that the natatorium not only memorialized the sacrifices of many Hawaiians during World War I, but also serves as a testament to the unique swimming traditions and Olympic legacy of the Hawaiian Islands.

The Waikiki Natatorium was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and was named a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit preservationist group that fully supports saving the war memorial.

While saving the pool would undoubtedly be expensive since the Pacific is constantly eating away at the structure, destroying the pool could be costly in more ways than one: it would certainly be a financial and environmental burden, but what about the history?

What do we lose when we wipe such an important piece of United States and Hawaii history from existence?

Check out this fantastic drone footage of the Waikiki Natatorium in 2021:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnPLX7YmDtU

Whether or not you support the preservation of this crumbling historic place in Hawaii it’s hard to deny that the Waikiki Natatorium in Hawaii is a thing of absolute historical wonder. If you do support the preservation of this beautiful structure, head to the Friends of the Natatorium website for more information on how you can help.

Were you familiar with the Waikiki Natatorium in Hawaii? Share your thoughts in the comments!