The Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial was built in 1927 to honor Hawaiian residents that supported and served during WWI. At the time, Hawaii was not yet a state and many of the 10,000 Hawaiians that served, faced prejudice. The Natatorium is a unique outdoor, salt water swimming pool to the east of Waikiki. The facility was used for years, however, in the 1980's, was closed due to major structural and safety issues. The beautiful arched art-deco walls stand as reminders of once was. On-going discussions to make expensive modifications and restorations ensue. In 2018, the site became designated as a World War I Centennial Memorial. There is some parking used by beach goers. The facility is sadly locked up, but interesting. read more

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This is a historical landmark that is situated along Waikiki Beach shore. It was built as a living memorial dedicated to "the men and women who served during the great war. It was closed to the public in 1979 and is is bad shape and really needs some TLC. There is some limited parking there and there is also some street parking within a reasonable walking distance available. There is not much to the site and not much to do there. It has a couple of informational posters to read, but they are in poor shape. Outside of the posters and the run down restrooms, the memorial building is strictly a visual attraction. There have been many calls to either restore or demolish the dilapidated building. Obviously, no action has been taken yet. It would cost about $25 million to restore the structure, which is the main hang up to its restoration. Personally, I hope that the site is restored to its orginally glory and reopened to the public. The memorial was built in 1927 in the form of an ocean water public swimming pool, even though it is hard to see. if you were able to look inside, you would find a 100-meter by 40-meter saltwater swimming pool. The site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places listings on August 11, 1980. If you do choose to visit this memorial, it definitely will not be a long stop. It will probably take 10 minutes to view and pay your respects. With that being said, I would recommend making a stop here part of a larger itinerary or on your way to or from another of the many attractions in the area. read more

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Historical landmark in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii... It's sad that this used to be a salt water pool where people could learn to swim. Located next to Kaimana Hotel, The Natatorium is currently closed to the public. There's controversy in regards to the restoration of this structure... Safety, cost of restoration, sentimental value, historical significance, etc. are all being considered. While there are other salt water pools like this, ours is the only one in the USA. Back in 1927, The Natatorium opened with Gold Olympic Medalist, Duke Kahanamoku (The Father of Modern Surfing) taking the first ceremonial swim. The intention of this War Memorial was to acknowledge the sacrifices of the 10,000 Citizens of Hawai'i who participated in World War I and the 101 who died in the Great War. Every time I park here, I thank our Military Personnel - past and present - for their contributions to our country and ask for continued blessings on them, their families and loved ones. Keep in mind - if you park here for free, the walk to the International Marketplace is about a mile. Also - it's only one way in and one way out. read more

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Let's say you're riding a bike on Kalākaua Ave, away from central Waikiki and towards Diamond Head; you might notice the "Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial" on the ocean side of the street, across from Kapi'olani Regional Park. The Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial is a war memorial in Honolulu. It was built in the form of an ocean water public swimming pool. The natatorium was built as living memorial dedicated to "the men and women of Hawaii who served during the great war". It was completed in 1927. It has been closed to the public since 1979. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. A draft study in 2018-2019 estimated that it would take around $26 million to renovate the memorial. Money was allocated. Work started--but stopped in 2001 because of an opposition group. Things have been at a standstill since. (I only mention this in case you wonder why they haven't "done anything".) Nowadays, there's a lot of fencing to prevent the public from entering and getting injured. I wouldn't make a special trip to visit this site. But when I am on a bike ride in Waikiki, I do swing by. You can take nice close-up pictures of the architectural features. But in its current state, it's a bit unimpressive. At this time, it seems that the ocean is taking its toll and wants to claim it. read more

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This war Memorial is no longer open to the public. What remains is beautiful, but it is such a shame they are not able to properly maintain this incredible piece of architecture, it's history and purpose. Built to honor the 10,000 Hawaiian citizens who served in World War I, the large ocean water swim basin served as a living memorial allowing locals and visitors to swim and enjoy water traditions that the indigenous people have long enjoyed. The archway is gorgeous from both sides, but when this Was open to the public, the arch opened up to a massive set of bleachers on the ocean side that overlooked the saltwater basin. There were bathhouses, statues and other gorgeous neoclassical architectural features. Sure wish they would restore the Natatorium War Memorial back to its original glory and honor so people could once enjoy this magical place. Located next to the Kaimana Beach Hotel and Sans Souci Beach, there is metered parking on Kalakaua. If you are staying at a hotel in the Waikiki area, it's a lovely walk on the stone path that runs between the beach and the park, just continue past the zoo. You can't miss the giant pink structure. read more

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One Of The Wonderful Things that happens here, as a Hawaii Tradition, is "FIRE JAM", - with Resident Dj & Music Missionary Man : "Sean Til Dawn" & Jeremiah "Fire Soup" FIRE JAM Happens Every Thursday Evening. Starting 8pm Ending at 9:50pm FREE It Is rumored the DJ G-Spot particles, participate once every Glorious Year. Professor "MM" telepathically is Letting Ya Know FIRE JAM's blessed tenure is well over (10) Ten years. WHY LEAVE THE PARTY read more

Lots of history here and it sad that there has not been the political will and financial commitment to either repair or demolish this historical site. The book The Three Year Swim Club by Checkoway has a chapter on the Natatorium that brings the history of the Natatorium alive. I recommend those interested in learning about the Nat to read or hear the first chapter of her book. Looking forward to the day the Natatorium is restored to its former glory. read more

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Fabulous historic site. Wish it would reopen or at Least be renovated so entrance would be possible. read more

We were here on the 4th of July for a bbq and the fireworks. It's right next to the Waikiki Aquarium and the parking sucks. You drive in and it's a dead end half loop. There's about five or six parking spaces fronting The War Memorial gate that people take pics of. Other than that, parking is on both sides of the half loop. The beach is on one side of the loop. There's a semi wall in the water that I saw people jumping off of. On the other side of the loop is a grassy area, which is a great place to barbecue. There's a paved walkway on the aquarium side. That's where everyone watched the fireworks. It's a good spot to catch the fireworks. You can see it clearly, without it being overly crowded. read more

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This is super-cool and the huge shame is that it's closed instead of repaired and open for tours. For goodness sake, it's a WWI Memorial *and* a large outdoor saltwater swimming pool. Or was. It was visited by presidents back in the day. And now, it's barricaded and crumbling. What a huge shame. read more

Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Looks a little worn down. Very interesting history reading from WW1 to the famous Duke swam there. It is a shame that the state let this historic site get so run down with so much history to pass on. Was well worth the walk to check it out! read more

Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I have never had the pleasure of swimming at the Natatorium growing up, but I have heard lots of stories from my mom growing up. The Natatorium is where she learned how to swim, went after cutting out from school and fell in love for the first time. Looking at the Natatorium today I can only image the tales and stories these old walls hold. It was a cool concept back in the day and from what my mom would say it was the place to hangout. I hope someday the Natatorium can be restored to its old glory. It's definitely a landmark here in Waikiki and sometimes we just need a little walk down memory lane. read more

Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial - Nice - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

A nice place to come in to reflect on the pass I'm So thankful for the people they have given their lives so we can have the freedom that we enjoy read more

Five stars for the memories of those who sacrificed defending our freedom. This priceless landmark has been neglected over the years but will always be a tribute to our heroes and a gateway to our HAWAIIAN O'hana to enjoy the picturesque setting of the ocean, sail boats and sunsets. read more

It's really a shame. It should be a glowing memorial dedicated to the 10,000 veterans and Hawaiian citizens who gave so much to protect our country during WWI. Instead it's a dirty, dilapidated, crumbling building that frankly, looks more like it should be of public health and safety concern than a dedication of any sort. No one's made of money so I understand that it can be hard to maintain spaces like these but the shape this place is in is downright disrespectful and to be located in such a central area where there's millions upon millions of tourist dollars flowing, there should be the something allocated to the upkeep of the memorial that currently lands further from honor and closer to disgrace. I came down here expecting a much more fitting tribute and was sorely disappointed. Meant to be a beautiful ocean water swimming pool, you'll now see rusted gates, garbage floating in brown, frothy water, litter everywhere and the walls themselves in ruins. Its more or less an area for people park at this point. The photos you'll see online aren't at all what it looks like today, sadly. There are efforts being made to rehab this memorial and if you'd like to find out more you can Google it or go here: https://savingplaces.org/places/natatorium/updates/support-the-waikiki-natatoriums-future#.WCvgMeErL6a. read more

Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial - Closed gates - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Cool to see if you're already there. Really cool building. We saw it while we were at the aquarium so we swung by and took a look. Public washrooms attached to it which is nice. read more

Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

It's so sad to see this War Memorial in such disrepair and this once glorious landmark has become mired in years of political and community group preservation "football". There are groups who wish to see this now decaying memorial torn down for safety and to provide for additional public access to Kaimana Beach. But, there are others who wish to preserve and restore the memorial to its original luster. Consider the historical and cultural values of this memorial. The idea behind the War Memorial is simple...it was built as a living memorial that was dedicated to "the men and women who served during the Great War". All of the political and community actions started in 1918. It started in March 1918 when the Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors first proposed a memorial to honor the more than 10,000 male volunteers from the Territory of Hawaii who served in the Great War (known as World War I). In November 1918, the Honolulu Ad Club agreed with the idea and appointed a War Memorial committee. A 1919 Territorial Legislative Bill was passed on acquiring the estate of William G. Irwin as site for the memorial. In 1921, Territorial Senator L.M. Judd introduced a Bill for the construction of a War Memorial and expanded the initial concept for honoring the men of Hawaii who died in service during World War I. The architectural beauty and style of this structure is considered Hawaiian Beaux-Arts with its entry arch flanked by 4 stone eagles, as was typical of this style. Inside is a 100 meter x 40 meter salt water pool. Its design was made to then-Olympic proportions. On August 27, 1927, local Olympic Gold Medalist Swimmer, Duke Kahanamoku made the first swim to commemorate the natatorium's opening day. Following Duke Kahanamoku's swim were swim meets that featured World Record Holder and Olympic Gold Medalist Johnny Weissmuller and another local Olympic Gold Medalist, Buster Crabbe. During and after World War II, the War Memorial was taken over and used for training by the U.S. Army. It was continually used and maintained until its official closure in 1963. In years since its closure, preservation groups and the City and County have tried to preserve, repair and reopen this historic War Memorial. The Natatorium has been named as one of America's Treasures by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. As for me, I remember the Natatorium as a wondrous place where my parents would take us to swim, relax and spend the day in local Hawaiian history and greatness. I always admired the grandeur of this facility as my parents would tell us stories about its history. My parents were really good swimmers and my older siblings followed them like "fish". I don't know what happened to me...because I don't feel comfortable in water that's higher than chest level or if I can't touch the bottom! read more

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A truly amazing memorial to veterans of the Great War. Unique in that it had a functional purpose as a competition swimming pool. Been closed since the 1960s. Seems that the state, county, and city would return it to its former glory in time for the 100th anniversary of the allied victory in November of 2018. It really is a bit irritating that so many folks put their time and money into memorializing those who fought for freedom to only be forgotten because memories fade and we forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. In a state with so much history related to military, I'm amazed and saddened to see this beautiful memorial in its present state. Even the danger and no trespassing signs are disrespectful. My 5 stars are because we should never forget...regardless if our leaders have. read more

Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial - WWI War Memorial in Waikiki - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Growing up in Hawaii during the 1980's, you see the Waikiki Natatorium and don't think much of it. I've come to rediscover it during my time spent in 2016 and it serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifices that the many men in uniform who served in the United States armed forces during World War I, who all were from Hawaii. It's a solemn place that's usually there for all to enjoy at any time of the day or night. 10,000 men and women fought valiantly in the first World War, of those, 101 of them gave their lives for their country. In 1918, the Waikiki natatorium was built and dedicated in 1927. The Olympic swimmer and godfather of the ocean, Duke Kahanamoku, dived into the swimming pool for the first ceremonious swim. The natatorium is basically a salt water swimming pool that's linked to the ocean. Nowadays, it has fallen into disrepair and the subject of ongoing controversy due to what to do with the natatorium and the future of the site. It still sits as a war memorial though, but some want to have something more financially viable to be built there or preserve the pool to be used other than a war memorial. Nowadays, its closed to the public for further notice due to safety and unsanitary conditions in the water. I don't blame them though. I wouldn't want to be swimming in whatever is floating in there until it gets cleaned up. The overall experience here is that of mix emotions. I honor those who gave their lives for the price of current day freedoms we have in the United States. Even though the natatorium is currently in a state of disrepair, I hope that it will be somehow preserved for the future generations. The Waikiki natatorium sits just outside the famed Waikiki strip of hotels along the world class Waikiki beach, where millions of people have come and gone for business, pleasure, and everything else in between. It's located pretty much next to the Waikiki Aquarium on Kalakaua Avenue, across the street from the Kapiolani Park and nearby Honolulu Zoo too. For y'all who drive, there's plenty of street meter parking across the street fronting Kapiolani Park and one set of the tennis courts. There's also street parking wherever you can find it nearby. Come for the aquarium and visit the natatorium afterwards. The best thing about the Waikiki natatorium is that it's FREE to look at. No admission fee is required. I would suspect that whenever they (state and local government) do get around to funding the repairs, it would be something to be proud of in Waikiki and not just something in the background. I wouldn't call it a tourist attraction, but it can be for those who take that extra mile to pay their respects and remembrances while on vacation or business here. For y'all who are like me, TheBus routes 14, 19, and 20 come through this side of Kalakaua Avenue and stops directly in front of the Waikiki aquarium. You just need to walk about 100 meters or so before you can spot the Natatorium nearby. The stone arch is merely the entrance way to the Natatorium / swimming pool, while the entire structure itself is just a means of identifying property lines. It really does suck that the state and City & County of Honolulu are allowing it to be in such disrepair, but I guess that's how politics goes nowadays. Hoping something gets done within my lifetime, but I don't think so. It's been like this since the 1960's and continues to fall deeper into disrepair every single day. I happened to come upon the Natatorium when I was visiting the Waikiki aquarium and one of the places that was nearby on my Yelp app, was in fact the Waikiki Natatorium. There are groups out there who want to tear the Natatorium down to make room for other development for the area, while there are groups out there who would want to preserve this war memorial for future generations. I do hope that they preserve the war memorial, but do so in a cost effective way. It would be a waste if ithey did really demolish it in my lifetime and replace it with some ocean front luxury condo project or more beach space for tourists and locals to enjoy. While development and jobs are good for the economy, sometimes it's not so much the case when it comes to the Waikiki Natatorium. It's a memorial to honor the men and women who served in World War I from Hawaii. Taking that away would be a travesty in its own right. Still, something needs to be done, or else the Waikiki Natatorium may be on its last legs and its up to the policy makers at the State and City levels to make a decision on the future of this historical landmark. 5 stars obviously, for the service and dedication made by the Hawaii men and women in uniform during World War I, and 101 of those who gave their lives in defense of our freedoms we live today in Hawaii and elsewhere in the world. Support local! A+ read more

I am giving this place 5 stars because it's an important place. I was really sad to see it in such poor repair. Please restore it, it is historical to Waikiki & it's a monument to the people who served in WWI. read more

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This is an awesome old salt water pool that has become old and decrepit. It isn't much to see these days but is still an awesome reminder of the older Hawaii when it was flourishing. The war memorial is still very pretty to look at. The arch can be seen from the road and draws people to see what it is. The World War I Memorial sits just away from the main Waikiki strip of the local shops and hoopla. It is very tucked away and underestimated. I like coming here in the early mornings for the peace and quiet. This memorial is there to remind us of the men and women who fought during the war from Hawaii. read more

Any reviewer who would demand this be torn down may not be aware that this is a war memorial. The memory of those who gave their lives in the cause of WWI cannot be bulldozed. There are both moral and legal issues at work here. Restoration is the only honorable course. In addition, there is no beach without the War Memorial. The memorial has created the beach. It is all too easy for people to forget where they came from, and take for granted things like liberty, when others paid the ultimate cost for it. Just like a beach that came into being in the shelter of the War Memorial. Never forget. read more

Just stumbled upon this place when I was out for a walk. Ran into a local who told me about it. It's a shame it's in disrepair. It's sad to see it in such rough shape but you have to figure their isn't much money laying around to fix stuff like that. I hope it doesn't become a condo. It is truly an interesting piece of history! read more

I wish that they would re-open this! Would be amazing to have a salt water pool like this right by Waikiki.

I give 5 stars for honoring the veterans of WWI. So often we forget the sacrifices our military has made to keep our liberty intact. However, the current structure has been standing idle for over 40 years and it's current deteriorated state certainly does not properly honor those brave men and women. And it is an embarrassment to our fine city and to one of the world's finest beaches. We could spend millions to restore the pool. But is there really a demand for such a structure today? Mitch better to tear it down, restore the beach, and either move the memorial arch forward into the park or construct a new memorial that would show respect and honor to our vets. read more