Decades before air travel dominated, the Aloha Tower was Honolulu’s welcoming beacon. Standing here at Pier 9, imagine the year is 1926. The brand-new Aloha Tower opens its doors, or rather, its tower top to the world.
For only $160,000 the Aloha Tower was built. That is about $2,805,206 in today’s money. It quickly became the tallest structure in Hawaii for four decades. Imagine no skyscrapers, just this ten-story tower dominating the skyline.
The Aloha Tower isn’t just tall. It’s a lighthouse. Its beacon shone 15 miles out to sea, guiding ships safely into Honolulu Harbor. Think of it as Honolulu’s Statue of Liberty, greeting immigrants and visitors with the spirit of “Aloha”.
Before air travel became common, ships were the main way to get to Oahu. The word “ALOHA” emblazoned on the Aloha Tower was the first thing travelers saw. It was a true welcome to paradise.
But the Aloha Tower’s story isn’t just sunshine and rainbows. During the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, everything changed. The United States Navy seized control of the Aloha Tower. Its beacon was shut off. The tower was painted in camouflage to blend in and avoid detection by enemy ships. For a time, the Aloha Tower served as a vital control hub for American military convoys in the Pacific.
In 1947, the Aloha Tower returned to civilian control. The camouflage paint was removed. It resumed its role as a welcoming landmark. Today, the Honolulu harbor offices still operate from the tenth floor. Maritime staff continue to use it.
Take the elevator up to the tenth-floor observation deck of the Aloha Tower. The admission is free. From up there you can see stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. You can see the Honolulu city skyline, the waterfront, and Diamond Head. Balconies on all four sides of the Aloha Tower provide satisfying views.
Today, the Aloha Tower is more than just a historical landmark. Hawaii Pacific University now occupies the Aloha Tower Marketplace. It provides student housing and other facilities.
The Aloha Tower continues to welcome visitors. It stands as a reminder of Honolulu’s past. It is a symbol of the Aloha Spirit. A spirit of welcome. A spirit of resilience. A spirit that continues to shine brightly today. So, take a moment to appreciate this iconic structure. It connects us to a rich and fascinating history.