Hawaii History

The History of Hawaii: From Kingdom to Statehood, and beyond

The present makes more sense when you understand the past. As this department grows, expect ASD to explore pre-contact Hawai‘i, Hawaiian Kingdom history, U.S. Annexation, Territorial days, Pearl Harbor, Statehood, the Hawaiian Renaissance and on into the modern era. We will celebrate the cultures, the people and landmarks that have made us who we are today.

55 years of Kāhala Mall

The first enclosed, air-conditioned shopping center in the Islands celebrates its 55th anniversary in October.

Stephanie SalmonsOctober 01, 2025

Lopaka Kapanui brings ghost stories to Hawaiʻi Theatre

What do ghosts, storytellers and the symphony have in common? They will be gathering for a one-night-only show at Hawaiʻi Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 18. Storyteller Lopaka Kapanui shares a behind-the-scenes look at his upcoming collaboration with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra.

Katie HellandSeptember 25, 2025

Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i set to celebrate 175th anniversary

Founded in 1850, the chamber — the second oldest chamber organization west of the Rockies — will mark its 175th anniversary in October. To celebrate the milestone, the chamber will host "An Evening of Legacy" gala on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom.

Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 25, 2025

Kaukonahua’s Haunted Drive

The tree-lined two-lane connecting Wahiawā to the North Shore just might be home to the ghostly presence of a doomed bride.

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiSeptember 24, 2025

The mana remains at Pu‘u o Mahuka

Above Waimea Bay on O‘ahu stands the island's largest heiau, Pu‘u o Mahuka. Dedicated to the war god, Kū, the place still holds special power. Is it any wonder people have had some intensely strange experiences there?

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiSeptember 17, 2025

Hauntings at Hawai‘i’s Biggest Mall

With a long history of Hawaiians living in the area prior to Ala Mona Center's development, the shopping center has been home to many strange and eerie sightings.

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiSeptember 10, 2025

"Chief of War" actor Siua Ikaleʻo shares journey to playing Nahi

He didn’t plan to try out for Nahi, the little brother of Kaʻiana, played by Jason Momoa, in “Chief of War.” But the casting team for the Apple TV+ mini series asked actor Siua Ikaleʻo to audition for the role after casting him as a villain didn’t seem to be the right fit.

Katie HellandSeptember 04, 2025

The Haunting of Kinau Hale

Is it ironic, or fitting, that the government office that hands out death certificates may be haunted by multiple spirits? Strange things have been experienced at the corner of Punchbowl and Beretania.

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiSeptember 03, 2025

Mysteries of Hawai‘i competes for nation's Best Ghost Tour

"We're humbled and excited to be running for Best Ghost Tour in the nation for the third year in a row," the Kapanuis told Aloha State Daily.

A. Kam NapierSeptember 03, 2025

September marks inaugural Hawaiian History Month

Learn about some of the groups coming together to mark the occasional with events and activities.

Katie HellandAugust 30, 2025

Former Blue Angels pilot John Hiltz leads local nonprofit museum

Get to know the new CEO of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, who was appointed by the board of directors in June to take the organization into its next phase.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 27, 2025

Watchful eyes at Makiki Temple

Only Hawai‘i can claim to have had two monarchs who sat as masters of a Masonic lodge during their reign: King Kamehameha IV and King David Kalākaua. Freemasonry offered brotherhood and a moral code — and a sense of mystery, with a strange tale emerging about the Makiki Temple.

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiAugust 27, 2025