Hawaii History

The History of Hawaii: From Kingdom to Statehood, and beyond

The present makes more sense when you understand the past. As this department grows, expect ASD to explore pre-contact Hawai‘i, Hawaiian Kingdom history, U.S. Annexation, Territorial days, Pearl Harbor, Statehood, the Hawaiian Renaissance and on into the modern era. We will celebrate the cultures, the people and landmarks that have made us who we are today.

Hawai‘i's forgotten governor

He served two terms at a pivotal moment in Hawai‘i history, now his official portrait is in storage. Who was he and what happened to his legacy?

Perry ArrasmithJune 09, 2025

Free summer yoga near Battleship Missouri Memorial

The military community can enjoy free yoga on Tuesdays on the pier in front of the Battleship Missouri Memorial this summer. Participants must have base access.

Katie HellandJune 06, 2025

Beware Nu‘uanu Pali Drive

Lush and beautiful as it may be, Nu‘uanu Valley also has a dark side as the site of the battle that defined King Kamehameha's Hawai‘i and as the home to infamously haunted Morgan's Corner.

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiJune 04, 2025

Remembering Chaminade Coach Merv Lopes

Merv Lopes was already well-known in the local community from his time at Kailua and Kalāheo High Schools when he burst onto the college basketball scene like a meteor on December 23, 1982. That night, with much of the nation asleep, Lopes coached tiny Chaminade to a win over three-time Player of the Year Ralph Sampson and No. 1-ranked Virginia in what is considered the Greatest Upset in the History of College Basketball.

Jack DanilewiczMay 30, 2025

Smoke and Whispers at the State Capitol

Something more than the memory of thousands of failed bills haunts the State Capitol, possibly including a gubernatorial ghost.

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiMay 28, 2025

Strange occurrences at Diamond Head

The legend of Hawaii’s night marchers has endured over time, and the ghostly procession is still seen today all around the islands, even at Lē‘ahi, the Hawaiian name for Diamond Head.

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiMay 21, 2025

The Haunting Legacy of Ali‘iōlani Hale

The Massie Case may still haunt this building — literally!

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiMay 14, 2025

Sand Island to be Mauliola once again?

Honolulu City Council to discuss resolution to restore Sand Island's traditional Hawaiian name

Michael BrestovanskyMay 13, 2025

Bud Pikrone to retire as GM of the Wailea Community Association after 25 years

Since 1987, the nonprofit corporation has stewarded the 1,500-acre master-planned Wailea Resort community on Maui, which today, has over 2,400 members and a budget of more than $3.5 million. A search for Pikrone’s successor is underway led by the board of director’s hiring committee and Inkinen Executive Search.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 10, 2025

Mysterious Whispers at Kawaiaha‘o

Spectral experiences at Kawaiaha‘o Church and its neighboring cemetery, which sit on lands in use by Hawaiians since before Westerners arrived.

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiMay 07, 2025

Lei Day marked release of Māhealani Uchiyama’s new song

A growth spurt helped this artist discover her calling as a singer, songwriter and kumu hula. Māhealani Uchiyama released her newest song on Lei Day. It is part of the album, “Pōpoloheno: Songs of Resilience and Joy,” which launches June 13 and celebrates a compilation of stories of people of African descent in Hawaiian history.

Katie HellandMay 06, 2025