This month, we share with travel advisors information on several of Hawai‘i’s 32 sites, structures and places as National Historic Landmarks. Recognized by the U.S. National Historic Landmarks Program for representing an important aspect of U.S. history and culture, as well as for sharing the histories and stories of the Hawaiian Islands and Hawaiian culture, each of the landmarks below are suggested for clients with an interest in Hawai‘i’s significant places of cultural interest.

Kaua‘i
Established in 1835, the Old Sugar Mill of Kōloa National Historic Landmark marks the final remnant of the Hawaiian Islands’ first successful sugar plantation and processing facility, and the birthplace of Hawai’i’s once dominant sugar industry. Clients interested in Hawai‘i’s sugar plantation heritage can stroll through Old Kōloa Town and find educational exhibits highlighting the longtime impact on Kaua‘i’s economic development, landscape, communities, and resident population.

O‘ahu
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is home to several sites sharing the history and stories of Imperial Japan’s December 7, 1941, aerial attack on the harbor and World War II’s Pacific War. Within this larger memorial site, the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites collective includes three National Historical Landmarks — the USS Arizona Memorial, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (USS Bowfin), and USS Utah Memorial — as well as the USS Oklahoma Memorial, USS Battleship Missouri Memorial, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Each spotlighting for clients their individual stories and significance in the Pacific War.

Maui Nui
On the island of Lāna‘i, seaside Kaunolū Village Site preserves one of the largest surviving ruins of an early Hawaiian fishing village, believed to have been settled as early as the 1400s.  Overlooking a scenic bay abundant with fish and marine life, the village became a favored retreat for King Kamehameha I. Guided tours and a 3.5-mile self-guided hike of the National Historic Landmark are available for clients interested in Kaunolū’s history and Hawaiian cultural sites.

Hawai‘i Island
Situated along the bay in Kailua-Kona, Kamakahonu was the site of King Kamehameha I’s royal compound and final residence, as well as ‘Ahu‘ena Heiau, which he restored to honor the god Lono. The current National Historic Landmark is a reconstruction of the original Kamakahonu compound’s ‘Ahu‘ena Heiau and Kamehameha’s Hale Nana Mahina‘ai residence. Encourage clients to explore the site and the nearby King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, where a museum and cultural center showcase Kamakahonu and monarchial artifacts as well as the site’s rich history.