Waikiki's History

It is thought that the first inhabitants to settle in Waikiki came from somewhere in Polynesia in 600AD when it was just lush vegetation and a series of fresh water streams rich in fish and crustacea.

Waikiki's
History

The style of Ancient Kings

Submarine Excursions
Polynesian Galley

A sailing nation.

The Polynesian
Cultural Center

Situated over the on the North Western coast of Oahu, about an hour's drive from Waikiki this centre details the history of Hawaii and its Polynesian settlers.

Set in 42 acre lagoon park the park consists of seven reconstructed villages representing the ancient lifestyles of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.

Early Waikiki:
The early Polynesians first discovered Hawaii back as far as 200AD and by 600AD many had settled in Waikiki (meaning 'spouting water'), its fertile land being ideal to grow bananas, cocnuts, taro and other crops that the settlers introduced.

As they deveoped they adopted the family-based 'ohana' social structure with the Ali (chief) system of rule.

1000-1400:
Around 1000AD the Tahitians came to Hawaii as the first colonists. By 1400 they had developed elaborate agricultural systems and a new style of colonial rule and religious beliefs. As they were no longer struggling for survival they started struggling amongst themselves for more power and land - chiefs leading tribe against tribe.

Ma’ilikukahi wasone such chief, who gained control of Oahu aided by some of his relatives in neighboring districts. Ma’ilikukahi moved his home and seat of power from Ewa to Waikiki. This initiated a period were Waikiki would be the center of power in Hawaii for the next four hundred years.

1400-1900: Waikiki loses influence.
The Ali (chief) system of rule survived into the 1770s, but then Capt James Cook arrived in the islands and a period of British influence began. Cook named Hawaii 'the Sandwich Islands' after the Earl of Sandwich, a sponsor of his expeditions.

During this time power shifted to the Big Island under the rule of King Kamehameha, a famous warrior, who, although instrumental in Cook's death, forged close ties with the British. The Union Jack still forming part of the Hawaiian flag.

Through the 1800s the islands became important for whaling and a whole industry sprang up around them, Lahaina on Maui becoming the key town.

1900 onwards
Much of Waikiki had become swampland due to the abundance of freshwater from the streams and springs. In 1920 the reclaimation programmes began with the construction of the Ala Wai Canal. This transformed a community of taro farmers into one of land developers and tourism entrepreneurs.

Soon small low-rise hotels started to appear and tourism in Waikiki was born.

Today Waikiki is the tourism suburb of Honolulu and is visited by millions from around the world every year.