Waikiki Historic TailWhen I found out I was accepted in to Hawaii Pacific University, I started researching activities to do in my down time when I wasn’t studying. A lot of the images I came across feature the famous Bronze Statue of Duke Kahanamoku. So it was one of the first attractions I went to visit upon arrival to Waikiki. Much to my delight I discovered that it was only one of many Bronze statues. In addition to the statues there two other self-guided historic trails available to walk in Waikiki – one of which is easily distinguished by its historic markers which are information plaques in the shape of Surfboards.
So how did it all begin? The Waikiki Historic Trail was originally conceived by George Kanahele; an Hawaiian expert and historian. Kanahele was born in 1930 and he began his studies at a Kamehameha School. He then went on to study at Brigham Young University, as well as gaining further education at Cornell University. It wasn’t until 1993 that Kanahele went on to write a paper called "Restoring Hawaiianness to Waikiki". The paper that suggested over a hundred ideas on improving Waikiki; the majority of his ideas would benefit both the locals and tourists. In that paper, he proposed to create the Waikiki Historic Trail. George Kanahele wrote most of the text printed on the surfboard-shaped markers on the trail. In 1997 he founded the Native Hawaiian Tourism and Hospitality Association. George Kanahele died on the 15th of September in 2000, he was only 69 years old. Sadly, he passed away before he was able see all of the markers installed on the Waikiki Historic Trail. For anyone interested in learning more about Hawaiian history, the Waikiki Historic Trails are self-guided walking tours are well documented and promoted. Collectively, the trails are made up of 23 sites of historical significance. There are various websites that you can visit if you want to learn more about particular individual stops. Some websites have created their own customized tours, focusing on a select few statues. If you don’t want to complete the whole trail and are only interested in checking out one or two statues, you can do so, because each stop is organized by numbered markers and it is well documented. To get the full experience and to get the most out of the self-guided tour, it is suggested to start from the beginning; the official starting point is located toward the Diamond Head side of Waikiki. As you make your way along the historic trail it makes a slight detour through the Hawaiian Convention Centre and Ala Moana, before finally finishing at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort. I have gathered most of my research from the Waikiki Historic Trail Website www.waikikihistorictrail.com and also the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association was available to talk to at 841-6442.
2 Comments
Katrina Hicks
12/5/2016 01:49:40 pm
Hey Nicole, great post! I like how you started out with your personal interests and then went on to include some research as well. Have you actually had a chance to visit this yet? I didn't know much about it before reading your post - I hope I get a chance to visit it too - sounds like a great tour!
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VICTORIA VERLEYSEN
12/9/2016 12:22:00 am
Before i came to Hawaii for the first time i did the same things. I looked for a bunch of things that i needs to see before i leave as well as new things to experience and learn about. I will have to do this historic trail before i leave.
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AuthorNicoleRoseAnna an Aquarian, middle child, grand-daughter, sister, aunty, cousin and niece. On the road to becoming a Sociologist specialising in Film & Television. Archives
December 2016
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