Waikiki Historic Trail

For Information about the tour call the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association at (808) 841-6442
9-11 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays Free
www.waikikihistorictrail.com

The Waikiki Historic Trail was created to promote the islands' rich history and culture. This was the vision of historian George Kanahele, who promoted Hawaiian cultural values and wanted to bring aloha back to the islands.

Waikiki Historic Trail - Surfboards mark the spot

Waikiki had a previous life, long before the first tourist arrived or the first hotel was built. Rekindling a love for Waikiki's past has been the passion of author/historian Dr. George Kanahele. To help tell this untold story, Kanahele designed the Waikiki Historic Trail, a walking tour that traces the history and cultural legacy of this area where chiefs and commoners once lived. Bronze cast trail markers in the shape of surfboards will describe a Waikiki that few knew existed. Once part swamp, part playground for Hawaiian royalty, Waikiki was for centuries a center of Hawaiian hospitality and seat of Oahu's government.

Five markers have been installed so far: one along the Ala Wai Canal at the new Hawai'i Convention Center, two at Kuhio Beach where the trail begins, one at Hilton Hawaiian Village, and one in the heart of Waikiki at the site of the recently dedicated Princess Kaiulani statue. Other stops along the two-mile route include Queen LiliuokalaniÍs residence, King LunaliloÍs residence, Kapaemahu HealerÍs Stones (or Wizard Stones), KaweheweheÍs Healing Waters, and ancient fish and duck ponds.

Some sites are "markers" themselves--such as the Moana and Royal Hawaiian Hotels and the bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku at Kuhio Beach Park.The trail is a joint project between the city and the private sector. It is seen as a way to enhance awareness of Waikiki both as a sacred place to Hawaiians and a huge part of HawaiiÍs history.

When: 9-11 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays
Where: Trail is divided into two tours.

The Kalia tour that covers grounds at Fort DeRussy and the Hilton Hawaiian Village; and the queen's tour that covers sites from Kapiolani Park to the Moana Surfrider Hotel.

For the Queen's Tour, meet the historian at the information kiosk at Kapahulu and Kalakaua avenues.

For the Kalia Tour, meet the historian at the information kiosk at the Bishop Museum's Kalia site on the second floor of the Kalia Tower at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Cost: Free

For more information on the Waikiki Historic Trail, call the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association at 841-6442 or go to Web site www.waikikihistorictrail.com

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