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Then came the mighty sailing vessels, and later the
great steamships which shared the harbor with the athletes
of the Healani and Myrtle Boat Clubs. |
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While local youths swam out to greet new arrivals, Duke
Kahanamoku set his first world record in the water at Pier
7. In the meantime, a burgeoning maritime industry was
busy forging a lifeline for a growing Hawaii. At the center
of the activity, Aloha Tower became the welcoming beacon
for visitors and returning kamaaina alike. |
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The arrival of the great ships became a celebration...the
Royal Hawaiian Band played, hula dancers swayed, and thousands
of colorful streamers mingled with the scent of exotic
flower leis to cast a spell over all of Honolulu - Boat
Day! |
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Boat Day! (sometimes known as Steamer Day) was "the
big event" in old Honolulu. People would even leave
work to take part in the fun. The daily life of old Honolulu
revolved around Boat Days until the airplane displaced
the passenger ship as the major mode of travel. |
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Although the harbor remained Hawaii's vital maritime
link with the rest of the world, it was no longer the focus
of the community, and the festive celebrations became only
a fond memory. Then, with the completion of Aloha Tower
Marketplace in 1994, the focus came back, and Honolulu
has returned once again to its beginnings at the water. |
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Listen to the narrative history of Aloha Tower by Hawaii Public Radio's
Bob Wehrman. Click here.
To listen to narrative of Hawaii's other historical architecture from Hawaii Public Radio's series of Shapes of Hawaii, click here. |
