Aloha Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Aloha Tower
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The Aloha Tower has been greeting vessels to port at Honolulu Harbor since September 11, 1926.
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 Location in Oahu
Location in Hawaii
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| Location | Honolulu, HI |
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| Built | 1926 |
| Architect | Arthur L. Reynolds |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival, Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000660 |
| Added to NRHP | May 13, 1976 |
The Aloha Tower is a famous old lighthouse in Hawaii, United States. It opened on September 11, 1926. Building it cost a lot of money back then – $160,000!
The tower is located at Pier 9 in Honolulu Harbor. For many years, it has been a guiding light. It welcomes ships arriving in the City and County of Honolulu.
Like the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Aloha Tower welcomed many people. It greeted hundreds of thousands of immigrants arriving in Honolulu.
Standing 10 stories tall, the tower is 184 feet (56 m) high. It also has a 40-foot (12 m) flag mast on top. For 40 years, the Aloha Tower was the tallest building in Hawaii. It was built in a special style called Hawaiian Gothic.
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Aloha Tower During World War II
When the attack on Pearl Harbor happened on December 7, 1941, the Aloha Tower was important. Coast Guardsmen were sent to protect it. They made sure no one could take over the tower. The Aloha Tower was even painted in camouflage to hide it at night. This helped keep it safe during the war.
Making the Area Better
In 1981, leaders in Hawaii wanted to improve the area around the Aloha Tower. They created a group called the Aloha Tower Development Corporation. This group was in charge of making the land useful. They wanted to help trade at Honolulu Harbor. They also wanted to make sure people in Hawaii could easily visit the waterfront.
The area they focused on was called the Aloha Tower Complex. It included several piers and parts of nearby roads.
A Museum by the Tower
In 1982, the Hawaii Maritime Center opened near the Aloha Tower. It was in an old royal pier. This museum showed the history of Honolulu Harbor. It also taught about the industries that used the harbor.
Later, in 2002, the Hawaii Maritime Center joined the Bishop Museum. However, the center closed to the public on May 1, 2009.
A historic ship called the Falls of Clyde is docked at the royal pier. It is a very old and important vessel.
What's Happening Now
The Aloha Tower Development Corporation is still working today. They plan to make the buildings and roads around the Aloha Tower better. One big challenge is making travel on Nimitz Highway smoother.
In 2004, there was a plan to build an underground highway tunnel. Other ideas include adding streetcars. Some officials want to close the parking lot in front of the tower. They also want to remove an old power plant nearby. Then, they could turn that space into a park.
After the events of 9/11, it was harder for tourists to visit the observation deck. But now, it is open again for visitors.
Today, Hawaii Pacific University has bought and is improving the area. Parts of the second and third floors are now student housing. There are 370 beds for students. The ground floor has the HPU Welcome Center and an eSports arena. It also has other facilities for students.
A restaurant called The Old Spaghetti Factory moved in during 2018. The Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise also operates from Pier 8. The Aloha Tower Marketplace also has spaces for public and private events.
Gallery
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Docked at the Aloha Tower Complex is the Falls of Clyde, the only iron-hulled, four-masted ship in the world.
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The Hawaii Maritime Center and the Falls of Clyde seen from Aloha Tower, looking east
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Downtown Honolulu featuring the Aloha Tower, the Falls of Clyde, and First Hawaiian Center.
