Posted in Hawaii History May 12, 2021 by

Most People Have No Idea This Incredible Slice Of History Is Hiding In Hawaii

Everyone has heard of, and most likely visited, the USS Arizona Memorial – the most famous of Hawaii’s war memorials commemorating the 1,102 sailors and marines who lost their lives during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

But what about the massive, Olympic-sized Beaux-Arts swimming pool carved into the beautiful Pacific Ocean on the southern shores of Oahu? This is the Waikiki Natatorium in Hawaii, and though it is no longer open to the public, it is perhaps one of the state’s most magnificent memorials to the United States Armed Forces.

Framed from the shore by a massive ornamental arched entryway, the Waikiki Natatorium was built in 1927 as a living memorial, dedicated to the men and women of Hawaii who served during World War I.
Waikiki Natatorium/Flickr
This magnificent structure was a work in progress for nearly ten years, as the Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors first proposed the creation of a memorial to some 10,000 men from the Territory of Hawaii who volunteered to serve in the Great War.
Waikiki Natatorium/Flickr
Designed by architect Lewis Parsons Hobart, known for his absolutely grand designs, the Waikiki Natatorium in Hawaii is one of only a few saltwater natatoriums of its kind left in the world.
Joel/Flickr
At the time of construction, the natatorium was a technological marvel, designed to filter saltwater in and out, complete with a high dive, and rows of bleachers that face the beautiful pool and Pacific Ocean beyond.
Waikiki Natatorium/Flickr
In the opening day ceremonies, held on August 24, 1927, Olympic gold medal holder Duke Kahanamoku made the first swim; it was also his birthday. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the natatorium was taken over by the United States Army, and used for training during World War II.
Waikiki Natatorium/Flickr
Waikiki Natatorium/Flickr
The pool itself has been closed to the public since 1979, and what to do with this incredible slice of history has been up for debate ever since. Every year, a group of preservationists join forces in an attempt to save the ruins of this brilliant architectural, and historically significant, piece of living art.
Joel/Flickr
Many believe that the natatorium not only memorialized the sacrifices of many Hawaiians during World War I, but also serves as a testament to the unique swimming traditions and Olympic legacy of the Hawaiian Islands.
Waikiki Natatorium/Flickr
The Waikiki Natatorium was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, and was named a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit preservationist group that fully supports saving the war memorial.
jongela19/Flickr
jongela19/Flickr
While saving the pool would undoubtedly be expensive since the Pacific is constantly eating away at the structure, destroying the pool could be costly in more ways than one: it would certainly be a financial and environmental burden, but what about the history? What do we lose when we wipe such an important piece of United States and Hawaii history from existence?
Waikiki Natatorium/Flickr

Whether or not you support the preservation of this crumbling architectural marvel, 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.

Want to learn more about Hawaii’s cool historic sites? Check out our article about 13 historic sites found throughout Hawaii.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Waikiki Natatorium In Hawaii

May 17, 2021
Melissa M.

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 most interesting places 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.