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Natatorium Waikiki
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PHOTOS |
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Click on a thumbnail to
see a larger version of the photo |
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OVERVIEW |
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Located
across from Kapiolani Park, next to Kaimana
Beach on the island of Oahu, the War
Memorial Natatorium was completed in 1927 as
a memorial to the 102 soldiers from Hawaii
who were killed in World War I. Built in
Hawaiian beaux arts architecture, the
memorial’s centerpiece is the 20-foot tall
entrance arch featuring four stone eagles.
City planners decided during the late 1920s
that they wanted a “living memorial” and
that an Olympic-sized swimming pool would be
fitting. During that time, all of Hawaii’s
competitive swimming events took place in
the open waters of Honolulu Harbor. So an
enclosed pool was considered to be a worthy
public facility.
Inside the memorial, a 100 meter by 40 meter
saltwater swimming pool was built that was
used as a recreational gathering spot by
local residents as well as a training pool
by Olympian swimmers Duke Kahanamoku, Buster
Crabbe and Johnny Weissmuller.
In 1979, the natatorium was closed for
safety reasons. In the years after, the site
was neglected until in 2000, its exterior
façade was renovated. The archway of the
natatorium can be viewed, but the inside
area where the pool is located remains
closed. |
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DIRECTIONS |
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The War
Memorial Natatorium is within walking
distance of central Waikiki. Walk down
Kalakaua Ave. toward the Honolulu Zoo, on
the eastern end of Waikiki. After Kapahulu
Ave. walk along the right sidewalk and the
War Memorial Natatorium will be on the
right. |
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