Off the beaten path, sits an ancient treasure, the Ulupo Heiau Historic Site. A massive rock…read morefoundation is the remnant of a sacred rock temple/platform that would have been important to Hawaiian chiefs for hundreds of years. Faded plaques near the site tell pieces of the story. The construction of the temple was supposedly by mythical people named "menehunes", who could build such temples overnight. The original temple would have measured a massive 140 x 170 feet and had walls 30 feet high. Construction is mind boggling, indeed. My math figures that over a million rocks were carried to the site. The Heiau was most likely used to oversee agricultural fields and fish ponds below by the chief or kahuna. Kailua (the town below) was once an agricultural capital on Oahu. In later years, the Heiau may have been used to oversee war efforts. The address is the parking lot of a YMCA. Go around the building to find the site. There is no admission, just a request to not remove any of the sacred stones. There are no amenities. The site could stand renovation of plaques. There are several benches under large shade trees to sit and think about Hawaiian ancestors that would have used the site. Worth a short visit if near Kailua. I was moved by the wondrous effort to build such a site.

This was really interesting to see and, since it's hidden behind a YMCA, it is not something one…read morewould just stumble upon. I couldn't believe how big it was! The signs explaining the history were helpful in getting to know more about the structure itself and about Hawaii as a whole.

Took a walk with one of the hiking clubs in the area visiting a number points of interest in this…read morearea which included the Royal Mausoleum grounds. Such peaceful well tended grounds, the final resting spot for Hawaiian Royalty. A number of well kept monuments to view, including an historic building which is now used as a chapel.

Mauna 'Ala is a state monument and part of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and…read moreis described on their website, "The Royal Mausoleum State Monument is the burial place of Hawaiian royalty. It includes members of the Kamehameha and Kalākaua Dynasties with their retainers." The property is taken care of by kahu (keepers/ caretakers) a few that were descendants of Hoʻolulu, chosen to help bury King Kamehameha I's remains. Kamehameha I is not buried here as his body was hidden by his friends Hoapili and Hoʻolulu to preserve the sacred mana (power). This is one of the only places where a Hawaiian flag is flown by itself. There's a tree next to the gate out front which we were told they've tried to cut down a few times, but it keeps growing back. So now it's a fixture. Along the drive way there are palm trees planted that we were told represent a Hawaiian monarch. On the property there are different tombs, crypts and a chapel. In front of the tombs are two golden globes on sticks. These are pūloʻuloʻu or "kapu sticks" used to symbolize forbidden areas (burials, heiau/ temple, residences of royalty), sacredness, and no trespassing. It also symbolized mana, authority and the deceased ancestors of Hawaiian royalty (ali'i). Traditionally they are filled with mementos of ancestors (bone, hair, teeth) wrapped in kapa (mulberry) cloth. These golden globes do not contain mementos and are decorative and symbolic. The first tomb we saw was of John Young 'Olohana who came from Britain. He became an important military advisor to King Kamehameha I. Which helped him unite the Kingdom of Hawaii. He also served as the Governor of Hawai'i Island when King Kamehameha was away. He's the grandfather of Queen Emma. We stopped by remnants of a chain used to secure European cannons that Kalanikūpule (King of Oahu and Maui) used to fight Kamehameha I Kalani Paiʻea Wohi o Kaleikini Kealiʻikui Kamehameha o ʻIolani i Kaiwikapu kauʻi Ka Liholiho Kūnuiākea for the title of kingship of all the Hawaiian Islands (Aliʻi Mo'i). Kalanikūpule had gun ports cut along Nuʻuanu Pali's mountain ridge. Kamehameha's warriors pushed on until Kalanikūpule's men were cornered by Pali Lookout. The cannons led to a stalemate and Kamehameha has some of his men climb the Pali to go around and attack the cannons from behind. This surprise allowed Kamehameha's men to take control. Leading to 'The Battle of Nuʻuanu'. Where Kamehameha's men forced Kalanikūpule's men off the Pali cliff dropping down 1000 feet. Kalanikūpule was captured and sacrificed to Kūkāʻilimoku, the god of war. The next tomb was The Kamehameha Dynasty tomb. It holds Kamehameha II to V and their family members. This includes King Kamehameha IV Alekanetero ʻIolani Kalanikualiholiho Maka o ʻIouli Kūnuiākea o Kūkāʻilimoku (anglicized as Alexander Liholiho) and Queen Emma Kalanikaumakaʻamano Kaleleonālani Naʻea Rooke. Both of which chose this site for Mauna 'Ala and are the founders for The Queens Medical Center (1859). Their mission was to provide healthcare to all Native Hawaiians and to the people of Hawai'i. Their son Prince Albert Edward Kauikeaouli Kaleiopapa a Kamehameha is listed as "Kahaku o Hawaii" on the tomb. A name given by the Hawaiian people. Haku meaning "boss", he was the "little boss". A few of us offered ho'okupu (flower, lei, gifts) to show respect. Next there is a Charles Reed Bishop monument. His ashes are buried in the Kamehameha tomb. He was the husband of Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop (her mission was to provide education to Hawaii's children), a major donor to the Kamehameha Schools, founder of the First Hawaiian Bank and the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. Further down there's the Wiley tomb. This tomb houses Robert Crichton Wyllie, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Queen Emma's birth parents, High Chief George Naʻea and High Chiefess Fanny Kekuʻiapoiwa Kailikulani Leleoili Kulua Kekelaokalani Young Naʻea. And her hānai (adoptive) parents Dr. Thomas Charles Byde Rooke and Grace Kamaʻikuʻi Young Rooke. The last royalty to be buried here is Princess Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa. We were allowed special access into the Kalākaua Crypt and the Chapel. Both of which required shoes to be taken off. These areas are not usually open to the public. Overall, it was a very interesting experience learning about the Hawaiian monarchy and culture. I had the privilege of touring Mauna 'Ala, the Royal Mausoleum to celebrate Heritage Day 2024. On the tour we discussed how it's important to know where you come from, in order to know where you're going. It's a very profound experience and reminds us to be in the moment. To give respect, appreciation, and gratitude to those that came before us. To connect ourselves to our ancestors, to the land, and to the community.

The Municipal Reference Center is part of the Mission Memorial Buildings complex located in the…read moreFrank Fasi Civic Center facing King Street. Documents or reference materials include publications issued by the City & County of Honolulu Agencies dating back to 1909. Many of the publications have been catalogued to online access. However, research access is restricted to any officer or employee of the City Government. I can only provide historical background to this building and complex. BACKGROUND: - You might know that the Mission Memorial Buildings were originally built (1916) to commemorate the initial arrival (1820) of American Protestant missionaries in Hawaii. These buildings were commissioned by the Hawai'i Evangelical Association and served as the headquarters of the Hawaii Evangelical Association, part of the Hawaiian Mission Children's Society, a non-profit educational institution and genealogical society whose membership is comprised of descendants of the first American Protestant missionaries to Hawaii. The Mission Memorial Building (MMB) site was the previous home of the Kawaiahao Seminary and the Honolulu Mission Printing Office. -1930 This third building was added to the complex in 1930 as Christian Education Building. -1944 The City & County of Honolulu officials procured the 3 Mission Memorial Buildings to ease the congestion of office space in city hall (Honolulu Hale). -2003 The City decided to renovate these historic buildings and convert from office spaces back to its original state. While I cannot access the documents from this Reference Center, it's really cool to be able to walk about history.

Tribute to the Tragic Events on 9-11-2001... in Honolulu, Hawaii…read more.. Located on the campus of Honolulu Community College on Dillingham Boulevard, there's an awesome memorial to the victims and survivors of the traumatic attack on our beloved country, The United States of America. We stumbled across this 911 Memorial because we were actually looking for the Berlin Wall Fredom Memorial - which happens to be right next to it! I saw an article about these two Landmarks... one event happened on 9-11 while the Fall of the Berlin Wall happened on 11-9 in 1989. Interesting... The front of the 911 Memorial is our American Flag. The back is like a shadow box containing a piece of the World Trade Center, pieces of the wall and roof of the Pentagon, and Soil and Wildflowers from Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The two pillars on the sides of the shadow box are supposed to represent the Twin Towers... It's a very awesome, thoughtful Landmark for us to pay our respects to American Heroes, victims, and their families and loved ones...

First Hawaiian Center was the most recent addition to the Downtown Honolulu skyline. The 30 story…read morestructure rises more than 429 feet to claim the title of "Hawaii's tallest structure." It's modern design speaks tones to the culture of Hawaii, while paying homage to its future. Boasting more than 645,000 sq. ft of office space, it features views of downtown Honolulu, the harbor, and the most amazing views of the city from its upper floors. It's design incorporates natural light into the structure versus the traditional office space of using artificial light. The ocean side of the building features louvered windows which are meant to frame the sea while the mountain side features vertical windows which are meant to proportion the height. It feature the main branch of the bank on the first floor as well as a satellite location of the Contemporary Art museum. The Bankers Club on the 30th floor is clearly one of the most exclusive points in town (that is for another yelp review). The Walter Dodds Jr. Plaza fronting the building pays homage to the Chairman of First Hawaiian when the building was constructed and he personally undertook many of the aspects of the design of the structure. The center may not seem to incorporate elements of the past at first glance, but go a little search and it will turn up a lot of intricacies set in the design which truly set the building apart from the rest. Yelp 365 Challenge: #12/365

Located on 999 Bishop Street, opened 1996. The tallest building in Hawaii so far…read more I love the South King St. side artificial water falls. It is so soothing to be around water sound. Some benches to rest. There is First Hawaiian Bank headquarter on the first floor, and the part of it is a contemporary museum. YELP 365 - 289/365

This was a shocking visit. The memorial, behind a bus stop, has been left to deteriorate. It is…read morecovered with pigeons, pigeon droppings, and old palm fronds. It is an insult to those who lie buried at sea in Pearl Harbor, just miles away, and to all who have served the US. It reflects so badly on Oahu and Hawaii. It should be cleaned and maintained.

From childhood, I remember either walking or riding past this WWII Memorial with my parents as we'd…read moreoften go to the nearby Post Office or into the Hawai'i State Library. I don't remember seeing this memorial gated back then but I suppose that over the years, since this memorial had been declared a landmark and is in such close proximity to Honolulu's Historic District, protection is needed. This memorial stands at the corner of King and Punchbowl Streets behind a very busy bus stop where hundreds of people gather daily while ignoring or disrespecting it with litter. We have somehow forgotten about honoring our Servicemen who gave their lives in WWII. Fortunately, American sculptor Roy King's memorial still proudly stands. There isn't much more historical information that I can provide than what fellow Yelper Liz L has provided. It took sculptor Roy King only 6-months to carve, cast and erect this memorial after he won a 1944 competition sponsored by then Hawaiian Territorial Governor Stainback's Memorial Plaque Committee. Near the top of the mountain facing side is a carved American Eagle clutching 13 arrows and an olive branch. The backside which faces the ocean has a carved Hawaiian Coat of Arms. The side facing Waikīkī has an olive branch of peace and its remaining side has a carving of the shield of the United States with 13 stars. Both sides of the base of this inverted T-shaped memorial once had plaques naming 880 servicemen who died in WWI. The plaques were removed, cast in concrete and more names were added. We often pass by this memorial as we walk into Downtown Honolulu and have now made it more of a point to stop and respect.

Huge, beautiful building in Downtown Honolulu…read more Impressive, modern building with two towers, the Mauka and Makai Towers, located in Downtown Honolulu. The courtyard in the middle is decked with shady trees. Table seating are everywhere. Paid parking. Take your ticket with you and pay at the pay station prior to leaving the garage. You could probably have your parking validated if you have business appt in one of the towers. My destination was at the Mauka Tower, Suite 2200. Nice too that they are just a short walk away from the various stores, shops, restaurants, hotels, and other office buildings in Downtown Honolulu. From one of the conference rooms I had an amazing view of the Aloha Tower (an iconic symbol of Hawaii), the Honolulu Harbor and the cityscape of Honolulu on the other side. Wow, imagine sitting inside the conference room in a meeting... who could concentrate? Seeing that view of the Aloha Tower reminded me of the Hawaii Five-0 TV show... not the reboot but the original version with Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett... my Dad used to always watch the series when we lived in Oahu in the late 70's. I am playing that catchy theme song in my head now... darn it! Review #2626

I had a 1:00pm meeting in one of the Makai Conference rooms and got to the parking lot at 12:50pm…read more Visitor Parking is way too small! OMG... I got the last stall on the 10th + floor - super tight space and walked down to the elevators but it was ridiculously narrow...they lose 2 stars from me!! Other than that, the Conference rooms were nice, tables and chairs were decent. AC worked, restroom was maintained ok, but small/only 1 stall. Fully Validated parking was appreciated. It was a good day.

It is stately, exudes a quiet elegance, remains steeped in history, and is graced by loving and…read moreloyal volunteers. Attended an event celebrating Hawaiian artists and once again enjoyed visiting Washington Place. Thank you to those who keep everything well preserved for future generations to learn from and enjoy.

Back at Washington Place for the Christmas displays. Got the last 2 spaces and had a relaxing…read moreevening. Feels a little haunted - heard knocking behind doors of a closed room. Different feel from being here in the daytime. Excellent docents , house manager and other coordinators here nonetheless.