Day 346: Waikīkī War Memorial Natatorium, Honolulu, Hawai’i’
📌 APIA Every Day (346) - The Waikīkī War Memorial Natatorium was built in 1927 to commemorate the 10,000 Hawai‘i residents who served in World War I, including 102 who died. Designed by architect Lewis Hobart in the Beaux-Arts style, it includes a monumental arch and a 100-meter ocean-fed saltwater pool, making it a rare example of this type of facility. The site functioned for decades as a public swimming venue and hosted notable athletes such as Duke Kahanamoku and members of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. It also served as a key location for public swim instruction and local recreation until its closure in 1979 due to structural deterioration.
Following its closure, the site became the focus of a long-standing debate between preservation advocates and those favoring demolition. Mo Radke, a Navy veteran and president of the nonprofit Friends of the Natatorium, became involved in efforts to restore the structure after learning about its condition in the early 2000s. Advocates have cited its historical, cultural, and architectural value in making the case for rehabilitation. The site was listed among the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “11 Most Endangered Historic Places” in 1995.
In 2019, the City and County of Honolulu released a final environmental impact statement supporting the restoration of the natatorium. The recommended “Perimeter Deck” alternative would preserve key architectural features, allow ocean water circulation, and address environmental concerns such as sea level rise and water quality. The estimated cost of the project exceeds $30 million, with funding to be raised in part by Friends of the Natatorium. The restoration is targeted for completion by 2027, aligning with the memorial’s 100th anniversary.
LEARN MORE:
National Trust for Historic Preservation: Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium
Historic Hawai’i Foundation: Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium Background
PBS Hawai’i: Waikīkī Natatorium War Memorial | Insights on PBS Hawai'i
Civil Beat: Catherine Toth Fox: Closed Since 1979, Waikīkī Natatorium May Be Restored
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