Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands provide vital habitat for a variety of migratory species, including several species of marine mammals (e.g., spotted dolphins, humpback whales), sea turtles, and over 14 million seabirds that use the ecosystems for nesting, feeding and raising young.Numerous archaeological artifacts found on several of the islands establish a close relationship with the Hawaiian culture, with evidence of both prehistoric seasonal and permanent settlements, as well as use of the area for religious purposes. Some of the religious sites resemble those found elsewhere in the Marquesas and Tahiti, possibly indicating a link to early Polynesian cultures. The more recent history of the islands is one of both commercial and military usage for a range of purposes, from pearling and fishing to guano mining, which wrought significant changes in topography, flora and fauna. This area is also the site of one of the oldest National Wildlife Refuges, the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge, designated in 1909 by President Theodore Roosevelt.
Pacific Ocean Division Regional Visitor Center The Honolulu Engineer District Regional Visitor Center (RVC), located at Battery Randolph, Fort DeRussy, Hawaii is presently closed for renovation. The renovation includes updating of the facility infrastructure and the production, procurement and installation of all new exhibits. The facility is scheduled to reopen to the public during the Spring or Summer of 2002. The RVC, located atop Battery Randolph, is co-located with the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii. The Battery was built as a Coastal Artillery Defense facility in 1911 by the Army Corps of Engineers and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The RVC opened its doors to the general public in May 1983 and has provided visitors with information on the water resources development of Hawaii and other Pacific Islands. The RVC also provides visitors with information on recreational opportunities in the area. Upon completion of the renovation, the RVC will reopen with state-of-the art displays and exhibits, which interact with the visitor to create a stronger and lasting experience. The ultimate goal of the renovated RVC is to make visitors more aware of the breadth of Corps Civil Works water resource developments in the Pacific Region.
Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site The founding of the Hawaiian kingdom can be directly associated with one structure in the Hawaiian Islands: Pu'ukohola Heiau. The temple was constructed to incur the favor of the war god Kuka'ilimoku. Built between 1790-91 by Kamehameha I (also known as Kamehameha the Great), together with chiefs, commoners, men, women and children. As British sailor John Young looked on, the temple was built and dedicated, a chief rival was sacrificed, and the war god Ku was pleased. Kamehameha I waged several subsequent battles using Western military strategy and weapons to extend his control over all Hawaiian Islands. The monarchy he established lasted 83 years, from 1810-1893. Authorized by Congress on August 17, 1972 (86 Stat.562.)Acreage - 85.30; federal 60.93, non-federal 24.37. Pu'ukohola Heiau and property of John Young who fought for Kamehameha during the period of his ascendancy to power.
Pu`uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park preserves the site where, up until the early 19th century, Hawaiians who broke a kapu or one of the ancient laws against the gods could avoid certain death by fleeing to this place of refuge or "pu`uhonua". The offender would absolved by a priest and freed to leave. Defeated warriors and non-combatants could also find refuge here during times of battle. The grounds just outside the Great Wall that encloses the pu`uhonua were home to several generations of powerful chiefs.
The 182 acre park, established in 1961, includes the pu`uhonua and a complex of archeological sites including: temple platforms, royal fishponds, sledding tracks, and some coastal village sites. The Hale o Keawe temple and several thatched structures have been reconstructed.
U S S Arizona Memorial Oil droplets bubble to the surface of Pearl Harbor above the USS Arizona, creating a vivid link to the past. On a quiet Sunday morning December 7, 1941 a Japanese surprise air attack left the Pacific Fleet in smoldering heaps of broken, twisted steel. Here, peace was interrupted and paradise lost. In hours, 2,390 futures were stolen, half of these casualties from the battleship Arizona.
Behind the shadows of destroyed airfields, aircraft, and ships, America fought fear, and a determined enemy responding with an unrivaled war effort. An epic battle for democratic ideals and world freedom would bloody the fields of Europe and the islands of the Pacific over the next four years.
The USS Arizona Memorial as a national shrine symbolizes American sacrifice and resolve. Through national tragedy, a ?sleeping giant awoke? and the United States moved towards its destiny as a global power.
