National Register of Historic Places listings in Hawaii facts for kids

Islands and counties of Hawaii

Hawaii is a special place with a rich history! Many important buildings, places, and even ships here are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list kept by the United States government to protect places that are important to history. There are over 340 of these amazing spots across almost all of Hawaii's main islands. They include old houses, schools, ancient Hawaiian sites, and even lighthouses. These places help us remember the past and learn about how people lived long ago.

Discovering Hawaii's Historic Treasures

Hawaii has many historic places, from the small, uninhabited islands in the northwest to the big island of Hawaii itself. These special spots are found in all five of Hawaii's counties. The National Register of Historic Places helps make sure these important sites are kept safe for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

Let's look at some of these historic places, starting from the northwestern islands and moving southeast.

Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: Ancient Secrets

Location of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

Far to the northwest of Kauai are many small islands. These islands are mostly uninhabited, meaning no one lives there now. Even though they are far away, they are part of Honolulu County, Hawaii. Two very important places here are ancient sites:

• Necker Island Archeological District: This whole island is a historic district. It holds clues about ancient Hawaiian life.
• Nihoa Island Archeological District: Like Necker Island, this entire island is also a historic district, full of old sites.

These districts help protect the history of the earliest people who explored and used these distant islands.

Kauai: The Garden Isle's History

Location of Kauai

Kauai is known as the "Garden Isle" because it's so green and beautiful. It's the northernmost of Hawaii's main islands and forms Kauai County, Hawaii with Niihau. Kauai has many interesting historic sites:

• Kilauea Point Lighthouse:
  

  Kilauea Point Lighthouse
  This beautiful lighthouse stands tall on a narrow piece of land on Kauai's northern coast. It has guided ships for many years.
• Cook Landing Site: Near Waimea, this is the spot where Captain James Cook first landed in Hawaii in 1778. It was a very important moment in Hawaiian history.
• Grove Farm: Located in Lihue, this was the home of a famous plantation owner, George N. Wilcox. Built in 1864, it's now a museum where you can see what life was like on a sugar plantation.
• Hanalei Pier: This pier in Hanalei Bay is a well-known landmark. It has been a gathering place for the community for a long time.
• Kikiaola: In Waimea, this is a historic ditch that some legends say was built by the Menehune, a mythical race of small people known for their amazing building skills.
• Old Sugar Mill of Koloa:
  

  The Old Sugar Mill of Koloa
  This mill in Koloa was part of Hawaii's very first successful sugar cane plantation. It shows how important sugar was to Hawaii's economy.
• Russian Fort Elizabeth: Found in Waimea, this old fort was built by Russians in the early 1800s. It's a reminder of a time when different countries were interested in Hawaii.
• Wailua Complex of Heiaus: In Wailua, this area has many ruins of ancient Hawaiian temples called heiau. These were sacred places where Hawaiians practiced their religion.
• Waioli Mission District: In Hanalei, this mission was started in 1834. The Mission Hall, built in 1841, is the oldest church building still standing on Kauai.

Oahu: The Heart of Hawaii's History

Location of Oahu

Oahu is the most populated island in Hawaii and home to the capital city, Honolulu. It's the only major island in Honolulu County, Hawaii. Oahu has the most historic places listed on the National Register, including many famous landmarks.

Molokai: The Friendly Isle's Past

Location of Molokai

Molokai is often called the "Friendly Isle." It's unique because it's split between two counties: most of it is in Maui County, Hawaii, but a northern peninsula forms Kalawao County, Hawaii.

• Archeological Sites at Kawela: The Kawela area on Molokai has many ancient archeological sites. These places hold important clues about early Hawaiian settlements and how people lived on the island.
• Hokukano-Ualapue Complex: This is one of Hawaii's most important archeological sites, located in Ualapue. It gives us a peek into ancient Hawaiian life.
• R.W. Meyer Sugar Mill: In Kalae, this old sugar mill shows the history of sugar production on Molokai.
• Kalaupapa National Historical Park:
  

  Kalaupapa National Historical Park
  This park in Kalaupapa is very important. It preserves the sites of two special settlements where people with Hansen's disease (also known as leprosy) were cared for. It tells a powerful story of courage and compassion.
• U.S. Coast Guard Molokai Light:
  

  Molokai Light
  This lighthouse, north of Kalaupapa, has helped guide ships safely for many years.

Lanai: The Pineapple Isle's Heritage

Location of Lanai

Lanai is the smallest of the main populated islands and is part of Maui County, Hawaii. It's known for its pineapple history.

• Kaunolu Village Site: On the southwest coast, near Lanai City, this was once a busy fishing village. It was abandoned in the 1880s and is now the largest remaining ancient Hawaiian village site. It gives us a great look at how people lived before modern times.
• Pu'upehe Platform: Also known as Sweetheart Rock, this platform is located between Mānele Bay and Hulopoʻe Bay. It's a beautiful and historic spot.

Maui: The Valley Isle's Landmarks

Location of Maui

Maui is the second-largest island in Hawaii and is often called the "Valley Isle." It's the biggest island in Maui County, Hawaii.

• Fred C. Baldwin Memorial Home: In Makawao, this home was built in 1910 to provide housing for elderly people. It shows the community's care for its elders.
• Bank of Hawaii—Haiku Branch: This building in Haʻikū was built in 1931 and served as both a bank and a post office. It shows the growth of small towns on Maui.
• Hana Highway: This famous road, also known as Hawaii Route 360, is a historic district itself. It's known for its beautiful, winding path along the coast.
• Holy Ghost Catholic Church:
  

  Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Kula
  Located in Kula, this unique church is a beautiful example of historic architecture on Maui.
• Iao Theater: In Wailuku, this theater has been a center for entertainment and community events for many years.
• Ka'ahumanu Church:
  

  Ka'ahumanu Church in Wailuku
  Established in 1876 in Wailuku, this church is an important part of Maui's religious history.
• Kalepolepo Fishpond: In Kihei, this ancient fishpond shows the clever ways Hawaiians used to farm fish.
• Lahaina Historic District:
  

  Lahaina Courthouse, part of the Lahaina Historic District
  This large district on the western side of Maui, in Lahaina, includes many historic buildings and sites. Lahaina was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a major whaling port.
• Maʻalaea General Store: Built in 1910, this store in Wailuku is one of the few remaining buildings from a Japanese fishing village that was there before World War II.
• Makawao Union Church: This stone church in Paia, built in 1916, was designed by a famous architect named C. W. Dickey.
• Piilanihale Heiau: Located near Hana, this is a very large and important ancient Hawaiian temple. It's within the beautiful Kahanu Garden.
• Wo Hing Society Hall:
  

  Wo Hing Society Hall in Lahaina
  In the Lahaina Historic District, this building was part of the Chinese Tong Houses of Maui Island. It tells the story of Chinese immigrants in Hawaii.

Kahoolawe: The Uninhabited Island's Past

Location of Kahoolawe

Kahoolawe is the smallest of Hawaii's main islands and is uninhabited. It's also part of Maui County, Hawaii.

• Kahoolawe Island Archeological District: The entire island of Kahoolawe is a historic district. It contains over 500 individual ancient sites, making it a huge outdoor museum of Hawaiian history. It was once used as a bombing range by the U.S. military, but now efforts are being made to restore it and protect its historical treasures.

Island of Hawaii: The Big Island's Legacy

Location of the island of Hawaii

The island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, is the largest island in the state. Its government is Hawaii County, Hawaii, which covers only this one island.

• Hulihee Palace:
  

  Hulihee Palace
  Located in Kailua-Kona, this beautiful palace was once a vacation home for Hawaiian royalty. It's now a museum.
• Kilauea Crater:
  

  Kilauea Crater is in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  This famous volcano is part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's not just a natural wonder but also a place of great cultural and historical importance to Hawaiians.

There are 67 historic properties and districts on the Big Island, including many historic districts and National Historic Landmarks. These places help us understand the long and fascinating history of Hawaii, from ancient times to more recent events.