There is meter street parking along the street and continuing on the nearby streets. The parking…read moretime is limited to two hours. The different part of the building is under construction. The graduation ceremony law enforcement recruit class (LERC) 25-01 held their awards ceremony there. The auditorium was cleaned and plenty of seating. The air conditioning was working very well. The Sheriff and some of his Command Staff were present for the ceremony.

Originally, we stopped into the Mission Memorial Buildings to look for the Honolulu Mayor's Office…read moreof Culture and the Arts (MOCA) as we were interested in seeing what upcoming events were being planned. However, we came away with a LOT more information and history about these buildings. The Mission Memorial Buildings is a complex comprised of 3 separate buildings which face King Street and its closest neighboring Government building is Honolulu Hale at the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center. Currently, the 3 buildings are identified as the MMB (Mission Memorial Building), MMA (Mission Memorial Auditorium ) and MRC (Municipal Reference Center). Its Neo-Classical red brick structures are the ONLY example of Jeffersonian style in Hawai'i. TIMELINE: - 1915 to 1916: Originally, these buildings were commissioned by the Hawaii Evangelical Association in preparation for the centennial commemoration of the arrival of American Protestant missionaries in 1820. This complex of buildings 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 HMCS is also the parent organization of MissionHouses Museum. The Mission Memorial Building (MMB) site was the previous home of the Kawaiahao Seminary and the Honolulu Mission Printing Office. - 1930: The Municipal Reference Center was established as part of this complex where it houses publications issued by and for the City and County agencies. - 1944: The City & County of Honolulu procured these buildings in an effort to ease the congestion of offices in City Hall (Honolulu Hale). Agency offices were located here for decades. - 2003: The City decided to renovate the auditorium from office spaces to its original state. The auditorium is currently used for City and County of Honolulu departmental activities, local, non-profit organizations can also use it, especially for cultural and arts events. All events must be free and open to the public. - 2010: The Mission Memorial Building (MMB) was renovated and houses the Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts, the Neighborhood Commission Office, and the Information and Complaints branches. The Department of Customer Services' Public Information Center is also located inside the building near the entrance. Okay, so it may seem to be "boring" to visit these agencies but I find it fascinating to discover and learn about the history of my home State of Hawai'i. Go out and see what you will discover today or tomorrow.

I love the Dillingham Transportation Building. It's so wonderful to see all the artistic features…read morethat the newer building lacks. I'm so glad my dentist moved into this building, though it's a longer walk from my workplace. Guess it's a way of getting in some kind of exercise once or twice a year.

Built in 1929, The Dillingham Transportation Building is one of the few historic and recognizable…read morebusiness buildings left in downtown Honolulu. While most of Honolulu's former well-known business buildings have been replaced by modern high-rises of glass and steel, the DTB's architecture gives one time to admire its beauty of a time gone by. Originally built for Hawai'i Industrialist, Walter F. Dillingham, and his family's businesses, it was dedicated to his father Benjamin Franklin Dillingham, founder of O'ahu Railway and Land Company. The O'ahu Railway and Land Company was responsible for creating commercial development in Central O'ahu. But, before this building was built, Walter Dillingham's construction company was involved with draining the wetlands of Waikīkī and creating the Ala Wai Canal. This project developed Waikīkī into the tourist and resort destination it is today. This building's architect, Lincoln Rogers, also designed the former Armed Forces YMCA, now the Hawaii State Art Museum in the same Italian Renaissance Revival style. However, it is the DTB's lobby design which prominently features Art Deco elements that differs from its Florentine façade. Art Deco's strong geometric, precise lines and strong colors which was popular at that time are evident. The expansive lobby has polished earth-toned marble flooring and stunning bronze motifs (check out the inlaid bronze tile liners and elevator fixtures). Fast forwarding to the 70's and 80's, The Dillingham Transportation Building became a hot spot for the rebirth of traditional Hawaiian slack-key guitar artists and cabaret of upcoming comedians at its Territorial Tavern. We remember coming in to listen to performances by the Sons of Makaha and the Beamer Brothers or cracking up with laughter during comedic acts by Booga Booga. Today, this beautiful and historic building is home to law offices, advertising agencies, dentists and other professionals. Its ground floor arcade features Honolulu Café, Mama-Ya (modern Japanese bento and café) Restaurant and Ferguson's Irish Pub. This building is managed by and is part of the Pacific Guardian Center.

Aloha Towers is a historic lighthouse that stands near Pier 9 on the Honolulu Harbor. The structure…read morewas designed by Arthur Reynolds and construction was completed in 1926. The style of this unusual lighthouse is Gothic Revival with a strong Art Deco influence. This iconic structure once housed the harbor navigation master, responsible for directing ships into and out of the Harbor. A massive Howard clock tells accurate time on the lighthouse. I took an early morning walk around the lighthouse with my daughter. The structure appears to be undergoing some rehab as the entrance was boarded up. A large plaque tells the building's history with several interesting photos. In the past, visitors could ascend to a 10th floor observation deck and view the harbor. Today, the building is closed to visitors, but is a central focal point of the Marketplace. The Marketplace houses restaurants and shops which were not open during my visit. The lighthouse was a fun discovery for me, but would have been more impactful if the observation deck was still open to visitors. We found parking about two blacks away in a metered lot. There is no charge to walk around the base of the tower.

Towering landmark…read more.. At 99 and going close to 100 years old it's still shows proudly the Aloha Spirit going strong as to this day mom remembers vividly seeing this tower greet her as she arrived with dad to Hawai'i and to this day is one of the prominent structure easily viewed in many directions though in the past the observation deck gave you the stunning views the Oahu shoreline provides it now is closed and is just majestically stands there to welcome all with Aloha. You can find the tower easily right besides some shops and currently Old Spaghetti Factory and even Aloha Tower Luau "Ka Moana Luau" which offers a buffet dinner provided by Chart House along with a beautiful undisturbed view of the waterfront and evening sunset. Thank you!

On May 21, 2026, the Hawaii Joint Military Forces and Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency held a…read morememorial for the 163 fallen service members of the West Loch disaster. While this unfortunate piece of Oahu history took place in 1944, this is the 16th year in a row that the memorial was held at this location. I had the honor of attending this ceremony in the past, and will continue to support this for as long as it is scheduled. The Obama Hawaiian Africana Museum organizes this event in partnership with Military Joint Forces in Hawaii. The program starts with the Pacific Fleet Band, welcome remarks and invocation, followed by the Presentation of Colors from Joint Forces Color Guard. There are a number of guest speakers and keynotes to pay respects and update everyone on the efforts to properly identify remains. Following the speakers, a number of generous contributors lay beautiful floral wreaths, a bugler plays Taps, and the ceremony concludes with closing remarks and prayer. Thank you to everyone involved for honoring those we lost and those who continue to serve. The unfortunate incident at West Loch might not be common knowledge but at least the memorial continues with love and respect. God bless

What beautiful sacred grounds in Hawaii. The cemetary is gorgeous and meticulously maintained. The…read morecemetary is full other than some cremation sites. The site was once a volcano and the views are spectacular. Highly recommended

Closed on the day we went. Sketchy area IMO but cool to see. Amazing how it's open air. Cool…read moreArchitecture.

Adding another U.S. State capitol visited to our list, the Hawaii State Capitol building is located…read morein downtown Honolulu, right across from the Iolani Palace (the seat of power when Hawaii was ruled by a monarch). Unlike other capitol buildings we have visited, it was hard to initially tell what it was. It resembles a federal office building built on the Brutalist architectural style. Reading a bit more on it, it looks like this style is called 'tropical brutalism'...it wasn't a favorite of ours. That being said, the building had some huge advantages, the main one being that the five accessible floors with offices, all had entries facing the outside, taking advantage of the Hawaiian weather: it wasn't a far walk to quickly be outside. We had to go through a metal detector on the ground floor and took and took an elevator up to the top, the executive floor. The office of the governor and lieutenant governor was there, and the governor office's doorway was left open, inviting visitors in for a peek. The office workers/pages were super friendly, making us feel welcome. We then enjoyed the weather from the roof of the building. We were able to see part of our cruise ship, docked at the nearby port. The other side showed the mountains, a common background wherever you are in Hawaii.

Downtown Honolulu has so many Hawaiian landmark or historical gems. Many pass by without taking…read morethe time to see what may behind stone walls or fences. We have been amazed by past and recent "finds". Of course, when we roam about our neighborhood, we are respectful to the properties that we enter. That being said, over the years that we have come to the Kawaihao Church Annual Bazaars, we'd pass through its entrance gate and this masoleum without stopping to recognize its historical significance. The masoleum is and its surrounding garden is well-maintained. Democratic Process: THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AND LEGISLATURE'S CHOICE. High Chief William Lunalilo was born with the Kamehameha lineage and was rightful heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawai'i succeeding King Kamehameha V. But, because King Kamehameha V had passed away in December 1872 without naming a successor and even though Lunalilo could've claimed his birthright to be King, Lunalilo chose to hold a special election. His challenger in this democratic process was High Chief David Kalākaua who was not of the bloodline. In 1873, William Lunalilo was elected by the people of Hawai'i and was crowned King. He was the first King of Hawai'i to have been unanimously voted in to reign by both the people and Legislature. Unfortunately, King Lunalilo's reign was cut short due to his early death at age 39. He reigned for only a little more than a year and did not name his successor. But, he changed the succession way of Hawai'i's Monarchs... they would be CHOSEN through democratic process. His last wishes was to buried on the grounds of Kawaihao Church where he felt closest to the common people who elected him to the throne. Apparently, he wanted to return the love to the people and be amongst them at Kawaiaha'o Church. All other Royals were interned at the Royal Masoleum at Nuuanu. The next time you're in the area, stop by to take in a bit of Hawaiian history along with the beauty of our island.

What a peaceful place this is. Although it seems to me that he had a sad life, he was loved and he…read moretruly stood up for what he believed. A man who definitely represented his people and it is very sad that his life and reign was cut short. How history could have changed if he had lived longer... William Charles Lunalilo was the sixth monarch and very popular during his reign. King Kamehameha V had preceded Lunalilo and had died without naming a successor. Lunalilo was appointed by a vote of the people over his opponent, David Kalakaua. He took the throne in January 1873 and his inauguration was held at Kawaiaha'o Church. He only ruled a little over one year when he passed away on 3 Feb. 1874 at 39 years old. His last wish was to be laid to rest near his people, and this is why his tomb stands on the grounds of Kawaiaha'o Church and not at the Royal Mausoleum. More history: - Lunalilo is the grandson of Kamehameha I's half-brother and is related to Kinau (one of Kamehameha's daughters) through his mother. His father Kanaina was a lower chief. - Once he had been engaged to Victoria Kamamalu, but the match was opposed by Kamehameha IV, so Lunalilo remained a bachelor. It is said that he died of tuberculosis and alcoholism. A twist on his resting place (rumor or truth?): slighted by the Kamehameha family over the final resting place of his mother's remains, Lunalilo insisted that he be buried in a tomb separate from the Royal Mausoleum; his resting place still stands inside the grounds of Kawaiaha`o Church. He left his property to create the Lunalilo Home, a place for the poor, elderly, and ailing Hawaiian people. - He amended the Constitution of 1864 and abolished property requirements for voting. - Lunalili unsuccessfully pursued a reciprocity treaty with the United States and withdrew a proposal to lease out Pearl Harbor when faced with public opposition. - Kamehameha IV sponsored a contest in 1860 for new national anthem. He wanted the lyrics to match the tune of "God Save the King." Lunalilo wrote the winning entry and was awarded 10 dollars. His song became the kingdom's new anthem. I found this and its pretty good info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunalilo

It's been a number of years since we've traveled to Philadelphia, PA to visit Independence National…read moreHistoric Park which features Independence Hall, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and nearby, is the iconic Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell is a symbol of of the American Revolution and of the liberties gained as well as a reminder of liberties denied. To visit or view this symbol, visitors must pass through security gates and wait in line as National Park Rangers will allow small groups in at a time. What does this have to do with Hawa'i? While roaming around our State Capitol and its environs, I "discovered" two Liberty Bells. Did you even know that we had ONE? Apparently, in 1950, every State and Territory of the United States received a replica (gift) through a program developed by the United States Department of Treasury who with several private companies had contracted 55 full-sized replicas to be cast. This Liberty Bell is located on the front lawn (Beretania Street) of our State Capitol. It is an EXACT replica of the one in Philadelphia. The interesting story about this replica bell is that it was a gift from U.S. President Harry S. Truman and the U.S. Congress to the then, Territory of Hawai'i in 1950. It was presented on July 4th, 1950. The iconic gift symbolizes freedom and democracy. However, it's ironic why Hawai'i received a Liberty Bell because of the overthrow of its sovereign nation which was backed by economic and political pressures from the United States. You can actually get up close to this replica to read its inscription: "Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof" LEV XXV. v.X . The inscription is a Biblical reference from the Book of Leviticus (25:10). A recent news story ran about this landmark at http://ksnt.com/2015/11/21/lost-piece-of-liberty-bell-replica-recovered-on-hawaii-beach/. It was unfortunate that an act of vandalism marred this symbol of Freedom and I hope that this plaque will soon be replaced. To me, even though this is a replica, The Liberty Bell still symbolizes the Freedoms that we gained as American Citizens. "Let Freedom Ring"!

Same as the flame. Just sitting in front of a building…read more Total skip. Just a copy of the real bell

Picked up military promo tickets for Disney at the MWR…read more LOCATION & DECOR: Clean, and oddly arranged. The room was definitely made for some other purpose. The desks feel crowded and unorganized. PRICE: $$$ You won't find better ticket deals for Disney than military promo tickets and anyone with a military identification card can purchase 6 tickets at the promo price per year per park --Disneyland/Disneyworld. Paid $319 for 3 day Park Hopper pass for Disneyland. SWAG/AMENITIES: -Event and theme park tickets -Equipment rental STAFF & EXPERIENCE: Had a little wait when we came in, and signed up on the guest list. Once our name was called, we were greeted politely and questioned about our needs. We were informed of the deals on the Disneyland tickets and were able to purchase and secure them right on the spot they told us how to use the tickets. It's not the same as the old days where you just show up with a ticket handed to the person and you're through. I recommend for any military members or dependence trying to get tickets for Disney or universal.

Great base, very friendly security, easy directions and of course clean. Went here for a chief…read morepetty officer pinning ceremony and it was great. Smooth entrance and easy to find our way around.