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.

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

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!

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what to do when visiting hawaii

What are some historical sites in Hawaii?

  • Although Hawaii has only been a U.S. state since 1959, it has a history that started long before that. You can view centuries-old archaeological sites, coastal village sites, temple ruins, and more at the 182-acre Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park on the Island of Hawaii. It was once a site of refuge for those who broke any number of sacred laws, or kapu, and were seeking forgiveness for their transgressions.
  • For another fascinating historical site, head just south of Waimea on the island of Kauai to the Russian Fort Elizabeth Historical State Park which was built by the Russians in 1817 when an alliance was made between High Chief Kaumuali’i and the Russian-American Company. Today, you can visit the ruins of the irregular octagonal-shaped fort and take a self-guided tour.

 

Where can I find memorials in Hawaii?

  • In Pearl Harbor next to the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center is the USS Bowfin Museum and Park. This floating museum is housed inside a WWII-era submarine where visitors can learn about naval history and the war and get a glimpse of what life was like for officers who lived on board for many months at a time.
  • Within Punchbowl Crater in Honolulu is the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific memorializing members of the United States Armed Forces who served and lost their lives fighting in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

 

What are the best things to do in Hawaii?

Although there are numerous interesting man-made structures around the islands, there is nothing more fascinating than the natural beauty found across the Aloha State. From Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island with two active volcanoes and lava tubes to the iconic dormant volcano of Oahu's Diamond Head, Hawaii is filled with surreal beauty you can’t find anywhere else on earth.

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