USA, Hawaiian Islands– In the Middle of the Pacific IV.

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Today, we travel to a place that is more known to you. Perhaps you get a clue if we mention that Hawaii 5-0 takes place there… So, our today’s destination is Honolulu which means „calm port “.

Almost 350 thousand people live there and one million if we count the whole metropolitan area. The first European to discover the island of Oahu was a captain of British royal navy, William Brown. He sailed into the Honolulu Bay in 1794. Other ships followed him later and the place gradually transformed into one of an important port on Pacific trade routes. Today it is better known as the Honolulu harbor.

Hawaiian King Kamehameha III ruled the islands in the first half of the 19th century. He recognized Honolulu’s growing importance therefore he intended to modernize the city. It is from this time when the most important sights were built among them St Andrew’s cathedral , ʻIolani palace or Aliʻiōlani Hale.

The United States annexed Hawaii at the end of the 19th century. It was quite beneficial for Honolulu, at least in economic terms as the tourist industry really boomed, especially at the end of the 20th century. In the present it put about 10 billion dollars annually to local budget. Also, we should forget that Honolulu is a huge trade port thanks especially to its geographical location.

The most interesting district in the city is Hawaii Capital Historic District. There are the oldest and the most interesting buildings. However, a European used to beautiful town centers on the old continent may be bit disappointed in Honolulu. However, it doesn’t mean it lacks beautiful nooks. On Merchant Street Market you can try typical Hawaiian meals or traditional American meals in Hawaiian style.

There are also some interesting buildings in the neighborhood such as Bishop Bank. Designed by Thomas Baker it wa build in 1878. By the way, the same architect contributed to the project of ʻIolani palace.

Judd Building is also an interesting structure. Some features of Italian architecture are also recognizable. In the second half of the 20th century some modern features were added. By the way, in 1898, the year the building was finished, it was the first one on Hawaii to have passenger elevator.

(To be continued...)

GPS: 21°19'28.6"N 157°55'31.8"W (airport)

Text: Maxim Kucer

Photo: Pixabay.com, Wikipedia.org: Rytut, Joel Bradshaw, Joel Bradshaw (2), Ajtnk, Daniel Ramirez, Janine