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The US Army Museum of Hawaii

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The US Army Museum of Hawaii 0:0

Address

http://hiarmymuseumsoc.org
2055 Kalia Rd
Honolulu , HI 96830
(808) 955-9552

Hours

Tues-Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Review

Even if you’re not a military history buff, a visit to the US Army Museum is worthwhile. Located just outside the Waikiki core the structure appears almost nondescript with lawns, trees, and gardens surrounding it. The low profile of the building is not accidental. Known originally as Battery Randolph, it was a turn of the century fort, part of the "Ring of Steel" surrounding Oahu to defend from battleship attack. The fort was designed to withstand a direct hit by a 2,000 pound artillery shell. When it was decided to demolish the structure in the 1970s, it couldn’t be done, at least not without extreme dynamiting in downtown Waikiki. Thus Battery Randolph the fort "too tough to die" became the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii in 1976.

Though WWII is a large part of the display, as it is at other military museums on Oahu, this museum presents a much broader look at the history of warfare on Hawaii and puts a very personal perspective on the stories of those who went to war. In a series of collections you’ll follow the history of Hawaiian warfare. You’ll be introduced to the warfare of the Polynesians of 1,000 years ago up to the invasion of Waikiki by Kamehameha in 1795, culminating in his unification of the Hawaiian Islands in 1810. Following the timeline, you’ll see displays on WWI, WWII, The Korean Conflict, Vietnam, and the Gulf and Iraq wars. Located in the Gallery of Heroes the personal stories of those rare individuals selected for the country’s highest military honors will be revealed.

For those who are fascinated by the machinery of war, there’s plenty to see. From the entrance grounds of the museum, behind the beautiful circle of totems you can walk around actual tanks and helicopters. Inside are displayed sections of planes, artillery pieces and hand weapons. You’ll also be able to walk into preserved rooms of the original fort with explanations of how the giant shells were moved into place for loading and firing.

Not just for artifacts of war, the museum has rotating displays of art and civilian memorabilia. Attention is also given to the former ethnic grouping of military personnel, particularly the Hawaiian born Japanese-American troops which performed with such extraordinary distinction in WWII. The gift shop offers excellent publications on history and the machines of war and it’s worth spending some time there even if you’re just browsing.

Behind the museum; the landscaped grounds, cool elevated lawns, and shaded arbors front the dazzling white beach with its popular sidewalk. Thousands pass this way each day; many enjoy the shady rest areas, why not walk a few more steps around to the entrance and enjoy this very accessible and fascinating museum.

"The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii tells of the men and machines which shaped that heritage; warriors who built a kingdom, soldiers who defended an island, citizens who served their country and sacrificed to keep it free."
Written By: Bud Hardwick
On: 5/8/2009

Directions

From Honolulu; take Ala Moana Blvd (Hwy 92) into Waikiki and turn right onto Kalia Road. The US Army Museum of Hawaii will be on the right.

Map

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