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Hawai‘i History

Aloha Tower has reached the venerable age of 100 years. It no longer is a focal point of the city of Honolulu, but it was once. And in fact that was what it was intentionally built to be.

As early as 1915 it was recognized that Honolulu Harbor was in need of improvements. The mix of miscellaneous docks, some covered by warehouses while others were completely open, was inefficient and often unsightly. Many business people also understood the desirability of adding a distinctive, prominent structure to the harbor to catch the attention of the increasing numbers of leisure visitors to Hawai‘i. Such a building would serve as a recognizable landmark that could be publicized in both print and in photographs. This idea would come true as Aloha Tower.

By the early 1920s, construction began on the complex of Piers 8, 9, and 10 and by the time Aloha Tower's base was being prepared in 1925, a debate occurred over the planned height of the tower. Two reasons were put forth to increase it; first, because the nearby Hawaiian Electric power plant erected a second smokestack of 214 feet which it was feared would overshadow the tower, and second, the clock faces on the tower were too low to be seen from a distance. For a time an increase of 36 feet, or three stories, was actively pushed. In the end, however, only 12 feet was authorized, making the finished Aloha Tower 185 feet and 6 inches tall; with its spire included it surpassed 200 feet. It was the highest building in the Hawaiian Islands.

At the end of May 1926, Piers 8, 9, and 10, along with Aloha Tower, were declared complete. For a cost of $165,000, Honolulu now could boast of a building of 12 stories served by an electric elevator and containing a 7-ton time-keeping mechanism on the 10th floor that ran four separate clock faces, one on each side of the tower. On the 11th floor, above the clocks, were four separate viewing balconies for the public to marvel at the scenes of downtown Honolulu, the busy harbor and the natural beauties of the sky, the sea, and the Ko‘olau Mountains. Offices on the remaining floors were available on the rental market for commercial tenants. A flashing light at the top made the tower visible to ships far offshore at night, and a built-in siren was sounded from it at 7 a.m., one minute before 12 noon, and 4 p.m. to signal important times in the usual workday. (Later, for decades, the siren was switched to a single 8 p.m. sounding to designate a curfew for everyone under the age of 16.)

This grand new addition to Honolulu Harbor was made more attractive by the addition of Irwin Park on its mauka side, which was made possible by the demolition of other now-outmoded buildings nearby.

The parcel of 24,308 square feet of land for this green space was donated on November 7, 1930 by Helene Irwin Fagan in memory of her father, William G. Irwin, and initially was covered just by grass, shrubs and trees. But, not surprisingly, the congestion of motor vehicles that occurred every time a large passenger ship arrived or departed required the addition of space for parking, and in June 1939 Fagan gave permission for this to be placed in the park. It's still there today.

"Boat Days" were important, when big ocean liners arrived at, or departed from, Honolulu Harbor. Not only would cargo be unloaded and loaded, more importantly for the growing tourist industry, passengers would be coming or going. Usually scores of visitors would be getting off to begin vacations that usually lasted at least a few weeks, since the cost of a Hawai‘i trip was high enough that most travelers at this time were wealthy. Others on around-the-world trips would be hurried into luxury taxis or tour vehicles for sightseeing on O‘ahu along with a stop for lunch, before their vessel would depart in the late afternoon that same day. All this led to hustle & bustle at the docks, with a large and colorful part of the activity being the lei sellers who lined the sidewalks in hopes of selling all the lei that they held up. The competition could sometimes be aggressive since there was only a short period to earn income before the crowds of customers dispersed.

Originally, back in 1926, Aloha Tower and its piers had been made noticeable by a paint job of 1,900 gallons of "Egg-Shell Mill White" paint. Making the structure easy to see from offshore was the entire point of its construction, so that people on ships could spot it as they approached. But with the sudden and shocking arrival of World War II on December 7, 1941, abruptly the opposite tactic was necessary.

Japanese submarines actually were patrolling around and among the Hawaiian Islands in the first months of the war, and should one of these surface during the night, the view through a periscope of the light-colored dock buildings and the tower itself (even with a blackout of electric lighting) could lead to catastrophe if torpedoes were launched towards them. To make these (and many other important buildings) less easy to see by the enemy, camouflage paint jobs were quickly applied. The wavy outlines of brown, green and grey paint would, it was hoped, disguise sharp edges and reduce the contrast of buildings against the mountain slopes behind them.

This distinctive wartime paint job was officially made obsolete by the surrender of Japan in August 1945 which ended the war, but getting things back to normal didn't happen overnight. In fact it wasn't till April 29, 1947 that sandblasting off the camouflage colors and re-applying a light paint surface began.

The tower's makai side, the first to be finished, was completed on May 8th but work was still going on in September of that year. The entire renovation back to prewar conditions wasn't completed until the observation decks on the 11th floor were finally reopened to the public on January 1, 1948.

The success of Aloha Tower as an identifiable symbol of Hawai‘i can be seen by how often it was shown in advertising and other commercial illustrations, particularly in the 1930s. It was not just what tourists saw on their ocean arrivals and departures; more importantly, as a tall modern structure it implied that the Hawaiian Islands were up-to-date and economically advanced.

Next week, watch for the continued story of Aloha Tower and its two major redevelopment projects that both seemed like good ideas at the time, but which unfortunately didn't succeed.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

1 Gals 1953 16x9

<title>Aloha Tower at 100 years old: Part 1</title>

A hundred years ago, Aloha Tower was built as an intentional landmark for the bustling harbor where all visitors to O‘ahu arrived, and that plan worked, as it quickly became synonymous with Hawai‘i itself. In part one of our look back at the tower's history, ASD history columnist DeSoto Brown takes us from the creation of the tower to just after WWII.

Aloha Tower at 100 years old: Part 1

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

This year on July 4, the U.S. will celebrate 250 years of being a nation. Aloha State Daily compiled a list of events celebrating the semiquincentennial on Maui, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island. Items with an asterisk feature fireworks.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":" Kauaʻi"}]

*Concert in the Sky (Līhuʻe, FIREWORKS). 

Enjoy live music from headliner The Green under the stars. There will be live music, ʻono food and craft vendors, a keiki zone and fireworks at the 

Vidinha Stadium Soccer Fields in Līhuʻe.

 Tickets help support Kauaʻi Hospice. If purchased in advance, tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for keiki. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Maui"}]

Upcountry Maui will celebrate paniolo culture with its July Makawao Stampede and the Oskie Rice Memorial Rodeo at Kanonoulu Ranch, which is home to the Oskie Rice Arena. More than 300 competitors from across the state and country are expected to participate. The event includes three days of experiences and family friendly activities. On Friday, July 3, there will be the Bull Bash, which features professional bull riders as they take on some of the most challenging bulls in the region, as well as food trucks and more than 50 local vendors. On Saturday, July 4, attend 

rodeo events such as bull riding, double mugging, barrel racing, team roping, tie down roping, match barrel racing, and more

. Doors open at 3 p.m. and country music artist Liz West (formerly known as Lissa Dee) will perform at 5 p.m. Finally, on Sunday, June 5, go to the Championship Rodeo. Tickets for each event start at $20 which allows attendees to watch  events on a jumbotron. General admission is $45, with discounts for kūpuna and keiki. VIP experiences are also available. 

Eat barbecue by the pool (Kā’anapali). 

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows is hosting its summer poolside barbecue series which features chef-inspired specials, cocktails and live entertainment along Kā’anapali Beach. Usually, the summer barbecue series consists of Sunday events, but for the holiday weekend, there will be island inspired barbecue specials available starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5. 

Head to the Chili Cook-Off (Kā’anapali). 

Check out this Chili Cook-Off featuring the original creations of the Hyatt Regency Maui team, judged by Lahaina firefighters, at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. Enjoy chili tastings, specialty cocktails, live music and lawn games while outside. During the event Proper No. Twelve, which is an Irish Whiskey company, will present a check to the Lahaina Fire Station. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 plus fees for adults and $25 plus fees for keiki. 

Enjoy the Flowerworks Festival(Kā’anapali). 

Outrigger Kā’anapali Beach Resort will host a summer celebration of flowers, food and music with its Flowerworks Festival, an all-day experience featuring family friendly activities, local artisans, live entertainment and island barbecue. There will be lawn games, a strolling magician, face painting and balloons. At 11 a.m. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters will drop a shower of fresh tropical flowers at the ʻUlu Lawn. Afterwards, learn how to weave the blooms into a lei. At 1 p.m. head to the Maui Brewing Co. lanai for a summer kick-off that includes live music, prize giveaways and craft beers, as well as the Maui Lite Release Party. Open to resort guests and kamaʻāina. 

Take the spicy wing challenge, and see the flower drop  (Kā’anapali). 

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa will hold its Annual Spicy Wing Halftime Challenge. There will also be a helicopter flower drop on the pool deck, ocean front barbecue, activities for keiki, a shave ice truck, live music by Adrian Trevino and a patriotic evening drone show, as well as late night karaoke. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Hawaiʻi Island"}]

The 62nd annual July 4th Rodeo and Horse Races returns to Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea this year. Paniolo will compete in events that include horse races, team roping, 

 and more. There will be local vendors selling crafts and food, as well as activities for keiki including a petting zoo and pony rides. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. Events start at 9 a.m. New this year is live music in the evening, which starts at 2 p.m. and goes until 6 p.m. and features Lim Ohana, Kalapana Awa Band, and Ekolu. Tickets purchased in advance are $25, with 

presale tickets available to kamaʻāina for $20

 if purchased at the Puuopelu Historic Home, Kamuela Hardwoods, Paniolo Preservation Society, and Waimea Butcher Shop. 

The Kona Marathon will take place on Saturday, July 4. Run 26.2 miles in paradise. There are also half marathon, quarter marathon and 5K races. Register at 

*Watch the parade (Kailua-Kona, FIREWORKS).

 The Historic Kailua Village Independence Day Parade will start at 6 p.m. and follow a route along Kuakini Highway and Ali‘i Drive. This year, the theme of the parade is “America the Beautiful.” At 8 p.m., there will be a professional fireworks show called “Independence Day Extravaganza” set off from a barge located in Kailua Bay. 

Dance the night away at Jimmy Buffett’s 4th of July (Kailua-Kona). 

This Jimmy Buffett inspired beach party is heading to the Big Island Social Dance Club. The dance studio teaches ballroom, Latin, swing and nightclub dance styles. Put on a tropical costume and participate in a complimentary line dance lesson. Cheeseburgers and chips will be available for purchase. There will be a DJ and Jimmy Buffett sing alongs, as well as contests and prizes. Tickets are $20, if purchased in advance. 

Catch the 4th of July Extravaganza (Waikoloa). 

Enjoy live entertainment, activities for keiki and merchant sidewalk sales, plus shop artisan and food vendors at Queens’ Marketplace in Waikoloa. There will also be live music, as well as face painting. Free. 

 Hilton Waikoloa Village is hosting pool parties on Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5. In partnership with the hard seltzer High Noon, the drinks will be $6. There will be live music from DJ Eric Ching and a poolside menu that includes cheeseburgers, mahi mahi burgers and garden veggie burgers. 

articipate in the “A Salute to Our Veterans” Hilo Bay 5K Run/Walk/Roll 202 at Liliʻuokalani Gardens. The route includes stations that take attendees through 250 years of history, starting with the birth of the United States as a new nation on July 4, 1776. The event is being hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Auxiliary 3830, Pāhoa, in partnership with Hawai'i County Parks & Recreation. Registration is $45. 

Vintage, classic and futuristic vehicles will be on display at the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be 

live music by Rhythm X, Just Us Band, Girls Nite Out, and the Abbie Willow Band, as well as food trucks and activities for keiki, including water slides and bounce houses. Free. 

Catch a professional fireworks exhibition from a barge in Hilo Bay. The Hawaiʻi County Band will perform at 7 p.m. at the Mo‘oheau Park bandstand, concluding with music to accompany the fireworks show, which starts at 8 p.m. For those not near the bandstand, the fireworks display will be synchronized to patriotic music aired on KWXX. Free. 

 Local makers and food vendors will gather at this indoor venue to sell crafts, apparel, food, desserts and more. The event will be held at Bay Bridge in Downtown Hilo. Free. 

Do you know of a July 4 event not on this list? Email 

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa

<title>How to celebrate July 4 on Kauaʻi, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island</title>

Looking for ways to celebrate the semiquincentennial of the U.S. becoming a nation this long week weekend? Aloha State Daily has you covered. From poolside barbecues to a chili cook-off, which will be judged by Lahaina firefighters, to a helicopter flower drop at the Flowerworks Festival, there are lots of events happening across the Neighbor Islands.

How to celebrate July 4 on Kauaʻi, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

[{"type":"text","text":"A Waikīkī resort is getting a $100 million refresh."}]

Outrigger Hospitality Group has started the overhaul of its Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort.

, the company says the resort is being "reimagined as a design-led, barefoot luxury destination more deeply connected to the ocean, surf culture and sense of place that defines Waikīkī."

Monica Salter, vice president of global communications and social responsibility for Outrigger Hospitality Group, told Aloha State Daily in an email that the renovation will touch "every aspect of the guest experience, from the moment of arrival through to the ocean's edge."

"Highlights include a dramatic new grand arrival staircase with design details inspired by the ʻĀpuakēhau Stream, a museum-quality art program developed in collaboration with leading local artists, a one-of-a-kind surfboard installation in the lobby and a fully reimagined Voyager 47 Club Lounge that will be more than three times its current size with expanded indoor-outdoor spaces," she says.

Meanwhile, Salter says guest rooms and suites are being redesigned with "soft palettes and textures drawn from the natural environment of Waikīkī including the surf, the sand and the light. Throughout, the design is rooted in the cultural history and surf legacy of this iconic shoreline."

Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort first opened in 1967 and its last major renovation was a "few decades ago," she noted. 

"Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort is where the Outrigger story began — on the historic grounds of the Outrigger Canoe Club, at the birthplace of modern surfing," Salter says. "After 60 years, the time felt right to honor that legacy in a way that reflects both where the brand has been and where it's going. This transformation will create an experience that is more elevated, more immersive and more authentically rooted in the culture and spirit of Waikīkī than ever before."

The resort will remain fully open throughout the renovations, including Duke's 

Waikīkī, Hula Grill Waikīkī and Blue Note Hawai‘i. Salter says the work is being "carried out thoughtfully" to minimize disruption.

The reimagined guest rooms are on track to debut later this year, while other elements of the transformation will be revealed in phases in the months that follow, she told ASD.

According to the announcement, several organizations are collaborating on the project, including DTL — a Hawaiian Strategy Studio, PowerStrip Studio and WCIT Architecture.

“To design in Hawaiʻi is to remember," Mālia Ka‘aihue, president of DTL, said in the announcement. "Our work at Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort was shaped by the ʻĀpuakēhau Stream, by the genealogy of the land, aliʻi and people of this place, and by the rhythm of the kahakai. For kamaʻāina and malihini alike, we wanted the generational abundance of Waikīkī to be felt in every material, every motif, every moment."

Outrigger got its start in 1947, when American architect Roy Kelley and his wife Estelle opened the 33-room Islander Hotel in Waikīkī, according to a 

, you'll find the Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort, Waikīkī Beach Resort, Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel and Waikīkī Paradise Hotel; on 

 there's Outrigger Kā‘anapali Beach Resort and Honua Kai Resort & Spa; the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa is located on Hawai‘i Island; and the Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa is on the 

 across the Islands, and owns and operates resorts in Fiji, Thailand, Maldives and Mauritius. Find its portfolio of properties 

(ICYMI: Several other Hawai‘i hotels have unveiled multi-million dollar renovations and updates in the last year, including 

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach

Honolulu hotels alone generate $12 billion in economic activity and support 63,912 jobs, according to an 

 released in February by the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the Hawai‘i Hotel Alliance. Hotel guests spend $6.5 billion throughout Honolulu each year, the report notes, which is equivalent to $760 per room night on lodging, retail, dining and other activities.

OUTRIGGER Stair Entry Floor

<title>Outrigger Hospitality Group starts $100M 'transformation' of Waikīkī Beach Resort</title>

The company says the resort is being "reimagined as a design-led, barefoot luxury destination more deeply connected to the ocean, surf culture and sense of place that defines Waikīkī."

Outrigger Hospitality Group starts $100M 'transformation' of Waikīkī Beach Resort

Donalyn Dela Cruz photo

Donalyn Dela Cruz is passionate about storytelling and strategic communications. From reporting to guiding communications for notable leaders in Hawaiʻi, she now runs DDC Consulting. A Wahiawā native who once danced hula under the guidance of the late Kumu Hula Hokulani DeRego, Donalyn earned her BA in journalism at UH Mānoa and a master’s in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School.

<title>Donalyn Dela Cruz</title>

Donalyn Dela Cruz

Government & Politics

Counties face growing landfill challenges. “It’s just regular language, ʻthrow it away,’” said Allison Fraley, Solid Waste Division chief, County of Kauaʻi. “There is no ʻaway’ here on the island.”

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Community Voices: 'Finding landfills is never easy'

Sports

In January, 18-year-old surfer Kalānōweo DeSoto from Mākaha became the youngest invitational surfer to win Da Hui Backdoor Shootout held on Oʻahu's North Shore — and the only competitor in event history to win titles in both longboard and shortboard categories. Learn more about what got him in the water and his hopes for the next competition and beyond.

Kala DeSoto 16x9

Rising pro surfer Kalā DeSoto finds purpose in the ocean

How this group of creatives united to form Theorycraftist Games, a company that makes entertaining games, while integrating Hawaiian culture.

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Community Voices: Culture and imagination at play

Honolulu-based Shifted Energy was created in 2016 by co-founders Olin Lagon and Forest Frizzell "to enable widespread access to energy solutions," particularly for renters and underserved communities. Learn how the business has grown from a garage to thousands of installs in the Islands, Mainland and Canada.

Donalyn Dela Cruz

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