List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Hawaii facts for kids

This is a list of special bridges and tunnels in Hawaii that are recognized for their history. These structures are part of the National Register of Historic Places, which means they are important parts of our country's story and are protected so future generations can learn from them.

Historic Bridges and Tunnels in Hawaii

Hawaii has many beautiful and important places, including some old bridges and tunnels. These structures aren't just ways to get from one place to another; they are like time capsules that show us how people lived and built things long ago. When a bridge or tunnel is added to the National Register of Historic Places, it means it has a special story to tell about Hawaii's past.

What Makes a Bridge Historic?

A bridge or tunnel becomes historic for many reasons. Maybe it was built using a unique method that was new for its time. Perhaps it was very important for transportation, helping people and goods move across difficult land. Sometimes, it's about who designed or built it, or how it helped a community grow. These structures often show amazing engineering skills from the past.

Bridges on the National Register

Here are some of the bridges in Hawaii that have been recognized for their historical importance:

Ka'ahumanu Avenue-Naniloa Drive Overpass

This overpass is located in Wailuku, on the island of Maui. It was built in 1936. An overpass is like a bridge that goes over another road or railway. This structure has been an important part of getting around Wailuku for many years.

Opaekaa Road Bridge

You can find the Opaekaa Road Bridge in Kapaa, on the island of Kauai. This bridge has a long history, with parts of it built in different years: 1894, 1895, and 1919. It shows how structures can be updated and used for a very long time.

Pu'u'opae Bridge

Also located near Kapa'a on Kauai, the Pu'u'opae Bridge is another historic landmark. While the exact year it was built isn't always known, its age and importance to the area earned it a spot on the historic register.

Wai'ale Drive Bridge

The Wai'ale Drive Bridge is another significant structure in Wailuku, Maui. It was built in 1936, the same year as the Ka'ahumanu Avenue-Naniloa Drive Overpass. This bridge is a type called a rigid-frame steel-stringer bridge. This means it's built with strong steel beams that are connected in a special way to make it very sturdy.

Images for kids

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  Ka'ahumanu Avenue-Naniloa Drive Overpass

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  Opaekaa Road Bridge

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  Pu'u'opae Bridge

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  Wai'ale Drive Bridge