History buffs, this one is for you. From the first Europeans visiting the islands in 1778 and the establishment of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1795 to Hawaii’s admittance to the United States of America in 1959, the Hawaiian Islands are steeped in history — and sites full of history. While you will find historic sites across the islands from the north shore of Kauai to the southernmost tip of Hawaii Island, today we’re taking you on an unforgettable journey to 10 of Oahu’s most fascinating historic sites. Measuring in at 75 miles and three hours of drive time, this road trip is the ultimate history lesson, visiting historic palaces, ancient temples, and battle sites.
1. Pearl Harbor
While the U.S. Government did not obtain exclusive use of the harbor — and the right to maintain a repair station for ships — at Pearl Harbor until 1887, it has since become one of the country’s most well-known historic landmarks. This, of course, is due to the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941, the fateful events which were the immediate cause of America’s entry to World War II. Today, Pearl Harbor is one of two main bases for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, as well as a living piece of history, with several museums and memorials open to the public.
2. Aloha Tower
Located on Pier Nine in Honolulu, the Aloha Tower is both a lighthouse that has guided countless ships to shore, as well as one of Hawaii’s most well-known landmarks. It was built in 1926 at the then astronomical price of $160,000. At 10 stories and 184 feet of height with an additional 40 feet of flag mast, the Aloha Tower was the tallest building in Hawaii for four decades.
3. Kawaiaha'o Church
Popularly known as Hawaii’s Westminster Abbey, Kawaiaha’o Church was once the national church of the Kingdom of Hawaii, and the chapel for the royal family. The church, located in downtown Honolulu, is one of the oldest standing Christian places of worship in Hawaii. Today, the church still uses the Hawaiian language during their services.
4. Iolani Palace
Located in the heart of Honolulu, Iolani Palace was the royal residence for the Kingdom of Hawaii from King Kamehameha III’s reign to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, with Queen Lili’uokalani. The building was then used as the official capitol building until 1969 and was opened to the public as a museum in 1978. The palace is not only a National Historic Landmark, but it is the only palace on United States soil.
5. National Memorial Cemetery Of The Pacific
Informally known as the Punchbowl Cemetery, the cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a memorial to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces as well as those who have given their lives doing so.
6. Queen Emma Summer Palace
Located just minutes from downtown Honolulu in the heart of Nu’uanu Valley, Hanaiakamalama served as a summer retreat for Queen Emma from 1857 to 1885. The home was completed in 1848 and features one story, six rooms, and a porch with columns in the Greek Revival Style. Today, Queen Emma’s Summer Palace is a museum, tourist site, and historic landmark, and is maintained by the Daughters of Hawaii.
7. Nu’uanu Pali State Wayside
Not only is the Nu’uanu Pali lookout one of the most popular lookout spots on Oahu, but it is also the site of one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian history — the Battle of Nu’uanu — where Kamehameha I drove the defenders of Oahu into the valley, causing them to be trapped above the cliff. More than 400 soldiers fell to their deaths off the 1,000-foot cliff.
8. Heeia Fishpond
Ancient Hawaiian fishponds were typically a flat, shallow area of reef protected by a low lava rock wall built offshore, which allowed water and small fish to enter the pond: the fish would then grow and become too large to exit the pond. Found on Oahu's windward coast, and visible from nearby He'eia State Park, is this picturesque fishpond enclosing 88 acres of brackish water. Built 600 to 800 years ago, the wall of the fishpond forms a perfect circle and is the longest in Hawaii, measuring in at 1.3 miles.
9. Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau
Located on a hillside overlooking Waimea Bay, this heiau — an ancient Hawaiian temple — is the largest on the island, and might have been constructed as early as the 1600s. In the late 1700s, during a period of political upheaval, it is suspected that there was human sacrifice at the temple, perhaps to encourage war success.
10. Kukaniloko Birthing Stones
In the middle of a field near Wahiawa, you will find a group of rocks, known as the Kukaniloko Birthing Stones, a sacred Hawaiian site that has seen countless royal births over the last several centuries. It was on these sacred rocks that royal women were taken to give birth: it was assumed that giving birth here assured them high-ranking status. Kukaniloko was also the site of several important battles and power struggles that would determine the fates of their entire communities.
Love Hawaiian history? Consider visiting the Hawaii town with a surprising number of historic buildings!
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