The Dillingham Fountain resides in a prominent intersection outside of Kapiolani Park on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. While it has the size and history to make it one of the more notable attractions in the area, the current landmark lacks the distinction to fulfill the potential of the location.
Public fountains on Oahu have a history that stretches back to the 1850s, with the Phoenix Fountain that was installed in Kapiolani Park in 1919 being the most prominent of them all. This fountain was a testimonial of friendship and equality but was destroyed in the 1940s, paving the way for the installation of the Dillingham Fountain.
Gifted to the City by the Walter and Louise Dillingham Foundation, the Dillingham Fountain was constructed in 1967. It was donated in honor of Louise Dillingham, who was a pillar of the Honolulu community thanks to her work as a member of the Board of Parks and Recreation in the 1950s and 1960s.
While the current fountain has become a popular spot for joggers and sightseers, the plain nature of the piece has prevented it from becoming an icon of the area and a hub for the community, like the Phoenix Fountain. Additionally, funding and water crisis challenges have kept the fountain from remaining operational in a consistent manner, further limiting the look and experience associated with the landmark.
The prominent location of the Dillingham Fountain in the center of a roundabout that joins the two directions of Kalakaua Ave highlights the potential of the location and landmark to be so much more. Changes to this plain and simple replacement fountain could enable it to become a monument that is embraced by the community and serves as an attraction for visitors, cultivating the sorts of feelings that the Phoenix Fountain provided. Doing so would allow audiences to connect with the past and present of the entire island and all of Hawaii.
