Located on the south shore of Oʻahu in Hawaii, the Waikiki Beach neighborhood has become famous for the incredible beach setting that it provides to both residents and visitors. Amidst the tropical backdrop are a series of monuments that depict people and symbols connected to the history and legacy of the neighborhood and all of Hawaii. These attractions highlight how landmarks can enable further connections with audiences of all types.
The Makua and Kila statue, Prince Kuhio Statue and more
While Waikiki Beach has become a modern hub of tourist activity focused on surfing, the area also served as the first capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii. This history as well as the modern identity of the neighborhood is reflected across several monuments located throughout Waikiki Beach.
The Statue of Duke Kahanamoku is the most famous and notable of these pieces, depicting the person who was instrumental in helping to spread the sport of surfing beyond the Hawaiian Islands. The Makua and Kila was inspired by the children’s book Makua Lives on the Beach, both of which highlight the Hawaiian values of love and respect. The Surfer Statue further showcases this surfing legacy.
The Prince Kuhio Statue resides near these pieces. It depicts Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaʻole, who was prince of the reigning House of Kalakaua when the Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown in 1893. A statue of Queen Kapi’olani, who was the queen of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi in the late 19th century, is off the beach but similarly showcases one of the people who is essential to the history of the region and state.
Leis, or necklaces of flowers, are often placed on these statues by locals, further highlighting how they have been embraced by the community. Residents and visitors interact with the pieces in distinct ways, showcasing the power of monuments to enable connections that resonate across communities and eras.
The Legacy of Hawaii
Included in various maps and guides to the neighborhood, the monuments of Waikiki Beach have been able to generate interest and activity on multiple levels. Doing so has cultivated a sense of community that ensures audiences of all types will be able to experience the legacy of Hawaii in the present and future.
