The Waialua-Kahuku War Memorial is the most notable feature of Haleiwa Beach Park, located on the north shore of Oahu. The obelisk commemorates veterans of the area who fought in a variety of conflicts, showcasing how memorials can create connections with a community that resonates on multiple levels.
Honoring Residents of the Waialae-Kahuku Area
Created to honor the residents of the Waialua-Kahuku Area who gave their lives for their country in three distinct wars, the Waialua-Kahuku War Memorial is a white obelisk that stands out from the surroundings. Rising over 30 feet in the air, it honors and commemorates these residents in specific ways.
The monument lists the names of all of the people from the area who took part in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Each marker was dedicated at different times, with the World War II marker coming in 1947, the Korean War marker being installed in 1959 and the Vietnam War piece coming in 1985. Another side of the memorial is blank, providing stakeholders with space to enable further community connections in the future.
Haleʻiwa Beach Park has activities that range from fishing to scuba diving to surfing, providing audiences with a range of options. The Waialua-Kahuku War Memorial gives them something different, providing an especially powerful means of connection that residents and visitors can engage with and experience.
A Literal Part of the Community
By providing the local community with a way to remember and honor the people who defined it, the Waialua-Kahuku War Memorial attracts the attention of residents and visitors for very different reasons. In doing so, it showcases what it can mean for a monument to become an important figurative and literal part of a community.
