Oahu wasn't always the seat of power in Hawaii.

courtesy of Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau

Influence shifted from Hawaii’s Big Island to Oahu as recently as the late 1700’s. During this era of change, King Kamehameha I unified the Hawaiian islands under one rule.

In the early 1800’s, Oahu also saw an influx of western seamen, businessmen, and missionaries, forever changing the face of Hawaiian history. During this time, Kamehameha III permanently established his royal court in Honolulu.
 
Oahu is home to numerous historic landmarks and significant points of interest that shed light on these fascinating facets of Hawaii’s recent past.

HISTORICAL SITES ON OAHU:

Nuuanu Pali Lookout

Atop these treacherous cliffs, Kamehameha the Great won an epic battle, unifying the Hawaiian Islands under one rule. From this steep precipice, the view of the lush green Koolau mountains is breathtaking.

Iolani Palace

In 1874, King Kalakaua instituted a Hawaiian cultural renaissance resulting in America’s only Royal Palace. This elegant structure is the islands’ finest example of Hawaiian Renaissance Architecture. Learn more

The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on this site, propelling the U.S. into World War II. This somber memorial floating in Pearl Harbor marks the final resting place for many of the 1,177 crew members killed on the USS Arizona battleship. Learn more

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater

Located in a long extinct volcano crater, this expansive National Memorial is the final resting place for 33,259 soldiers. This serene site also offers a panoramic view of the city of Honolulu.

Hawaii State Capitol

This magnificent structure located in downtown Honolulu was completed in 1969, ten years after Hawaii was annexed as the 50th state of the Union.

Bishop Museum

Founded in 1889, the Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state and is recognized as the premier natural history and Polynesian culture museum in the Pacific. Learn more