The 10 Most Beautiful Buildings in Hawaii
Hawaii’s cultural history and rich diversity have shaped the islands’ art, design, and architecture styles over the centuries. With influences from Polynesia, the Americas, Japan, China, the Philippines and even Siberia, Hawaii has produced some striking and innovative edifices worth checking out.
1. Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii
Museum
2. Hānaiakamalama
Hānaiakamalama was the summer retreat for Queen Emma and her family from 1857 to 1885. Also in the Nu’uanu Valley, it is now an exhibition showcasing the queen’s belongings and royal antiques.
Hānaiakamalama, 2913 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI, USA, +1 808 595 3167
3. Doris Duke’s Shangri La
Museum
4. ‘Iolani Palace
The historic ‘Iolani Palace is one of a kind in the world of architectural innovations. Commissioned in the late 19th-century by King Kalākaua, it was built in a unique architecture style known as American Florentine, seen nowhere else in the world. For years it was the royal residence of the Kings and Queens of Hawaii, and it features a blend of Roman aesthetics with Hawaiian concepts. Curiously, the building was the first structure in Hawaii to have electric lights. ‘Iolani Palace is now a museum, and the public is free to admire the elegant koi wood staircase, private library, petite columns, sensuous curves and wide verandas.
‘Iolani Palace, 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI, USA, +1 808 522 0822
5. Honolulu Museum of Art
Museum
6. Aloha Tower
This iconic landmark, which opened in 1926, was once one of the tallest buildings in Hawaii, offering incredible views of the harbor. Once serving as a lighthouse to guide incoming boats, these days it’s an indelible feature of the Aloha Tower Marketplace.
Aloha Tower, 155 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI, USA, +1 808 544 1453
7. Liljestrand House
Forest, Historical Landmark
8. Hawaii State Capitol Building
Building
9. Hawaii Theatre
Cinema, Theater, Theatre
Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial
Built in memoriam to the 10,000 men and women from Hawaii who served during WWI, the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial is a solemn testament to the Beaux-Arts style. In addition to the entrance arch, the natatorium also houses a large saltwater swimming pool, where, during the opening ceremonies in 1927, Olympic gold medalist Duke Kahanamoku swam to mark the occasion. These days, it’s a popular gathering place for locals and is on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places.
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