There is meter street parking along the street and continuing on the nearby streets. The parking…read moretime is limited to two hours. The different part of the building is under construction. The graduation ceremony law enforcement recruit class (LERC) 25-01 held their awards ceremony there. The auditorium was cleaned and plenty of seating. The air conditioning was working very well. The Sheriff and some of his Command Staff were present for the ceremony.

Originally, we stopped into the Mission Memorial Buildings to look for the Honolulu Mayor's Office…read moreof Culture and the Arts (MOCA) as we were interested in seeing what upcoming events were being planned. However, we came away with a LOT more information and history about these buildings. The Mission Memorial Buildings is a complex comprised of 3 separate buildings which face King Street and its closest neighboring Government building is Honolulu Hale at the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center. Currently, the 3 buildings are identified as the MMB (Mission Memorial Building), MMA (Mission Memorial Auditorium ) and MRC (Municipal Reference Center). Its Neo-Classical red brick structures are the ONLY example of Jeffersonian style in Hawai'i. TIMELINE: - 1915 to 1916: Originally, these buildings were commissioned by the Hawaii Evangelical Association in preparation for the centennial commemoration of the arrival of American Protestant missionaries in 1820. This complex of buildings served as the headquarters of the Hawaii Evangelical Association, part of the Hawaiian Mission Children's Society, a non-profit educational institution and genealogical society whose membership is comprised of descendants of the first American Protestant missionaries to Hawaii. The HMCS is also the parent organization of MissionHouses Museum. The Mission Memorial Building (MMB) site was the previous home of the Kawaiahao Seminary and the Honolulu Mission Printing Office. - 1930: The Municipal Reference Center was established as part of this complex where it houses publications issued by and for the City and County agencies. - 1944: The City & County of Honolulu procured these buildings in an effort to ease the congestion of offices in City Hall (Honolulu Hale). Agency offices were located here for decades. - 2003: The City decided to renovate the auditorium from office spaces to its original state. The auditorium is currently used for City and County of Honolulu departmental activities, local, non-profit organizations can also use it, especially for cultural and arts events. All events must be free and open to the public. - 2010: The Mission Memorial Building (MMB) was renovated and houses the Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts, the Neighborhood Commission Office, and the Information and Complaints branches. The Department of Customer Services' Public Information Center is also located inside the building near the entrance. Okay, so it may seem to be "boring" to visit these agencies but I find it fascinating to discover and learn about the history of my home State of Hawai'i. Go out and see what you will discover today or tomorrow.

Huge, beautiful building in Downtown Honolulu…read more Impressive, modern building with two towers, the Mauka and Makai Towers, located in Downtown Honolulu. The courtyard in the middle is decked with shady trees. Table seating are everywhere. Paid parking. Take your ticket with you and pay at the pay station prior to leaving the garage. You could probably have your parking validated if you have business appt in one of the towers. My destination was at the Mauka Tower, Suite 2200. Nice too that they are just a short walk away from the various stores, shops, restaurants, hotels, and other office buildings in Downtown Honolulu. From one of the conference rooms I had an amazing view of the Aloha Tower (an iconic symbol of Hawaii), the Honolulu Harbor and the cityscape of Honolulu on the other side. Wow, imagine sitting inside the conference room in a meeting... who could concentrate? Seeing that view of the Aloha Tower reminded me of the Hawaii Five-0 TV show... not the reboot but the original version with Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett... my Dad used to always watch the series when we lived in Oahu in the late 70's. I am playing that catchy theme song in my head now... darn it! Review #2626

I had a 1:00pm meeting in one of the Makai Conference rooms and got to the parking lot at 12:50pm…read more Visitor Parking is way too small! OMG... I got the last stall on the 10th + floor - super tight space and walked down to the elevators but it was ridiculously narrow...they lose 2 stars from me!! Other than that, the Conference rooms were nice, tables and chairs were decent. AC worked, restroom was maintained ok, but small/only 1 stall. Fully Validated parking was appreciated. It was a good day.

Honolulu's City Hall is named "Honolulu Hale"…read more.. Hale (pronounced: Hah-lay) is the Hawaiian word for building or house. Therefore, Honolulu House (or Honolulu Building) contains some of Honolulu's important departments... such as the Office of the Mayor. I've been to Honolulu Hale to view the annual Christmas decorations and wreath contests, for early voting, and to pay Real Property taxes. This time, I parked under the building, using an entrance on Punchbowl Street. It was metered parking - pay at the machine. My fellow members of the Rising Phoenix Jaycees and I were invited to the Honolulu City Council Chamber to receive a Proclamation for our 40 years of service to our Community! It was a great honor! Our Past President, Eve E., gathered us together. Council member, Radiant Cordero, spearheaded this event. Council members, Tyler Dos Santos-Tam and Radiant Cordero, read the Proclamation aloud. The event was live-streamed on 'Ōlelo Station and will be uploaded to YouTube. Thank you for this great recognition! We were all excited to be inside the City Council Chamber of Honolulu Hale!

Amazing display of a bowl that is big enough for people to walk in. The one star subtracted is…read morebecause the Honolulu Hale lobby is so dark. There needs to be more light for people to see the details of the bowl. The hallway and seats for the clerks office is dark. Some seniors looked uncomfortable waiting for their turn.

First Hawaiian Center was the most recent addition to the Downtown Honolulu skyline. The 30 story…read morestructure rises more than 429 feet to claim the title of "Hawaii's tallest structure." It's modern design speaks tones to the culture of Hawaii, while paying homage to its future. Boasting more than 645,000 sq. ft of office space, it features views of downtown Honolulu, the harbor, and the most amazing views of the city from its upper floors. It's design incorporates natural light into the structure versus the traditional office space of using artificial light. The ocean side of the building features louvered windows which are meant to frame the sea while the mountain side features vertical windows which are meant to proportion the height. It feature the main branch of the bank on the first floor as well as a satellite location of the Contemporary Art museum. The Bankers Club on the 30th floor is clearly one of the most exclusive points in town (that is for another yelp review). The Walter Dodds Jr. Plaza fronting the building pays homage to the Chairman of First Hawaiian when the building was constructed and he personally undertook many of the aspects of the design of the structure. The center may not seem to incorporate elements of the past at first glance, but go a little search and it will turn up a lot of intricacies set in the design which truly set the building apart from the rest. Yelp 365 Challenge: #12/365

Located on 999 Bishop Street, opened 1996. The tallest building in Hawaii so far…read more I love the South King St. side artificial water falls. It is so soothing to be around water sound. Some benches to rest. There is First Hawaiian Bank headquarter on the first floor, and the part of it is a contemporary museum. YELP 365 - 289/365

It's been a number of years since we've traveled to Philadelphia, PA to visit Independence National…read moreHistoric Park which features Independence Hall, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and nearby, is the iconic Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell is a symbol of of the American Revolution and of the liberties gained as well as a reminder of liberties denied. To visit or view this symbol, visitors must pass through security gates and wait in line as National Park Rangers will allow small groups in at a time. What does this have to do with Hawa'i? While roaming around our State Capitol and its environs, I "discovered" two Liberty Bells. Did you even know that we had ONE? Apparently, in 1950, every State and Territory of the United States received a replica (gift) through a program developed by the United States Department of Treasury who with several private companies had contracted 55 full-sized replicas to be cast. This Liberty Bell is located on the front lawn (Beretania Street) of our State Capitol. It is an EXACT replica of the one in Philadelphia. The interesting story about this replica bell is that it was a gift from U.S. President Harry S. Truman and the U.S. Congress to the then, Territory of Hawai'i in 1950. It was presented on July 4th, 1950. The iconic gift symbolizes freedom and democracy. However, it's ironic why Hawai'i received a Liberty Bell because of the overthrow of its sovereign nation which was backed by economic and political pressures from the United States. You can actually get up close to this replica to read its inscription: "Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof" LEV XXV. v.X . The inscription is a Biblical reference from the Book of Leviticus (25:10). A recent news story ran about this landmark at http://ksnt.com/2015/11/21/lost-piece-of-liberty-bell-replica-recovered-on-hawaii-beach/. It was unfortunate that an act of vandalism marred this symbol of Freedom and I hope that this plaque will soon be replaced. To me, even though this is a replica, The Liberty Bell still symbolizes the Freedoms that we gained as American Citizens. "Let Freedom Ring"!

Same as the flame. Just sitting in front of a building…read more Total skip. Just a copy of the real bell

Notably, the Frank C. Atherton House, which was constructed in 1902, played a vital role in the…read moredevelopment of the College Hills property in Manoa Valley during the early 20th century. The Atherton House, among the first significant homes to be built in the region, was instrumental in launching a trend that ultimately resulted in the transformation of an area that had previously been comprised of taro and dairy farms into a posh residential neighborhood. The first people to call this house their own were Frank Cooke Atherton, his wife Eleanore, and their four children. In many respects, the Athertons were symbolic of a Caucasian elite that controlled Hawaii's economic and political life until the state was officially established. The Athertons were involved in both commercial and civic matters. This social and ethnic group's ascent to power in the Hawaiian Islands during the early 20th century is documented in the form of a home located on College Hill. Lastly, the Atherton Home is notable because it is an example of a bigger shingle-covered, wood-frame house in Hawaii. It shows influences from the late Victorian Queen Anne and Midwestern Prairie Styles. It is an example of a private residence adapted to the tropical climate of Hawaii and maintains a significant amount of its original and historical character.

Took a walk with one of the hiking clubs in the area visiting a number points of interest in this…read morearea which included the Royal Mausoleum grounds. Such peaceful well tended grounds, the final resting spot for Hawaiian Royalty. A number of well kept monuments to view, including an historic building which is now used as a chapel.

Mauna 'Ala is a state monument and part of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and…read moreis described on their website, "The Royal Mausoleum State Monument is the burial place of Hawaiian royalty. It includes members of the Kamehameha and Kalākaua Dynasties with their retainers." The property is taken care of by kahu (keepers/ caretakers) a few that were descendants of Hoʻolulu, chosen to help bury King Kamehameha I's remains. Kamehameha I is not buried here as his body was hidden by his friends Hoapili and Hoʻolulu to preserve the sacred mana (power). This is one of the only places where a Hawaiian flag is flown by itself. There's a tree next to the gate out front which we were told they've tried to cut down a few times, but it keeps growing back. So now it's a fixture. Along the drive way there are palm trees planted that we were told represent a Hawaiian monarch. On the property there are different tombs, crypts and a chapel. In front of the tombs are two golden globes on sticks. These are pūloʻuloʻu or "kapu sticks" used to symbolize forbidden areas (burials, heiau/ temple, residences of royalty), sacredness, and no trespassing. It also symbolized mana, authority and the deceased ancestors of Hawaiian royalty (ali'i). Traditionally they are filled with mementos of ancestors (bone, hair, teeth) wrapped in kapa (mulberry) cloth. These golden globes do not contain mementos and are decorative and symbolic. The first tomb we saw was of John Young 'Olohana who came from Britain. He became an important military advisor to King Kamehameha I. Which helped him unite the Kingdom of Hawaii. He also served as the Governor of Hawai'i Island when King Kamehameha was away. He's the grandfather of Queen Emma. We stopped by remnants of a chain used to secure European cannons that Kalanikūpule (King of Oahu and Maui) used to fight Kamehameha I Kalani Paiʻea Wohi o Kaleikini Kealiʻikui Kamehameha o ʻIolani i Kaiwikapu kauʻi Ka Liholiho Kūnuiākea for the title of kingship of all the Hawaiian Islands (Aliʻi Mo'i). Kalanikūpule had gun ports cut along Nuʻuanu Pali's mountain ridge. Kamehameha's warriors pushed on until Kalanikūpule's men were cornered by Pali Lookout. The cannons led to a stalemate and Kamehameha has some of his men climb the Pali to go around and attack the cannons from behind. This surprise allowed Kamehameha's men to take control. Leading to 'The Battle of Nuʻuanu'. Where Kamehameha's men forced Kalanikūpule's men off the Pali cliff dropping down 1000 feet. Kalanikūpule was captured and sacrificed to Kūkāʻilimoku, the god of war. The next tomb was The Kamehameha Dynasty tomb. It holds Kamehameha II to V and their family members. This includes King Kamehameha IV Alekanetero ʻIolani Kalanikualiholiho Maka o ʻIouli Kūnuiākea o Kūkāʻilimoku (anglicized as Alexander Liholiho) and Queen Emma Kalanikaumakaʻamano Kaleleonālani Naʻea Rooke. Both of which chose this site for Mauna 'Ala and are the founders for The Queens Medical Center (1859). Their mission was to provide healthcare to all Native Hawaiians and to the people of Hawai'i. Their son Prince Albert Edward Kauikeaouli Kaleiopapa a Kamehameha is listed as "Kahaku o Hawaii" on the tomb. A name given by the Hawaiian people. Haku meaning "boss", he was the "little boss". A few of us offered ho'okupu (flower, lei, gifts) to show respect. Next there is a Charles Reed Bishop monument. His ashes are buried in the Kamehameha tomb. He was the husband of Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop (her mission was to provide education to Hawaii's children), a major donor to the Kamehameha Schools, founder of the First Hawaiian Bank and the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. Further down there's the Wiley tomb. This tomb houses Robert Crichton Wyllie, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Queen Emma's birth parents, High Chief George Naʻea and High Chiefess Fanny Kekuʻiapoiwa Kailikulani Leleoili Kulua Kekelaokalani Young Naʻea. And her hānai (adoptive) parents Dr. Thomas Charles Byde Rooke and Grace Kamaʻikuʻi Young Rooke. The last royalty to be buried here is Princess Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa. We were allowed special access into the Kalākaua Crypt and the Chapel. Both of which required shoes to be taken off. These areas are not usually open to the public. Overall, it was a very interesting experience learning about the Hawaiian monarchy and culture. I had the privilege of touring Mauna 'Ala, the Royal Mausoleum to celebrate Heritage Day 2024. On the tour we discussed how it's important to know where you come from, in order to know where you're going. It's a very profound experience and reminds us to be in the moment. To give respect, appreciation, and gratitude to those that came before us. To connect ourselves to our ancestors, to the land, and to the community.

After noticing Jarod & Maggie's check-ins, I was curious about this memorial. It's the familiar…read morelarge boulder at the corner of Pali and Kamehameha Highways as you head to the Windward side from Honolulu via Pali Highway. Thanks to Yelp, I broadened my horizon and improved my knowledge of our Hawaii... If you Google this Memorial, you will not find much. I looked up "Earl M. Finch" of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, who "became an outcast when he went out of his way to befriend the nisei soldiers in 1943." Mr. Finch presented this War Memorial to the Windward Community in 1946. It holds the names of 14 Japanese-American soldiers who were stationed in Earl's hometown of Hattiesburg and were killed in action in World War II in France and Italy. After the war, "the Patron Saint of the Japanese-American GI" visited Hawaii on a trip paid for by many of the soldiers that he had befriended. Like many tourists, he made Hawaii his home and even adopted a couple of Japanese young men - the most well-known was Seiji Finch Naya, the Director of the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism who had been an orphaned college student. Mr. Finch became a prominent businessman whose funeral was well-attended by the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Battalion. Governor John A. Burns delivered the eulogy, stating that, "Unpopular though it may have been with his neighbors, Earl recognized that those who were willing to make sacrifices in the face of adversity deserved no less than the hand of friendship". Earl, the "one-man USO (United Staes Organization)" passed away at age 49 in Honolulu in 1965.