Participants of the inaugural public tour at the Honouliuli National Historic Site on July 18. (Photo: Courtesy of HNHS)
WAIPAHU, Hawaii — The Honouliuli National Historic Site recently welcomed visitors as part of its inaugural public tour, marking a significant milestone for the park.
For the first time and in partnership with Hawaii’s Plantation Village, the public can visit the Honouliuli National Historic Site through limited guided tours as the park marks 80 years since the American concentration camp closed in 1946.
Tours are part of a series of special events and activities taking place through September, developed with community partners to commemorate the site’s history and expand public access.
“This inaugural public tour is a significant milestone for the park and is a result of the hard work of many people and partners,” said Superintendent Christine Ogura in an official statement. “A big mahalo for your continued support and for being part of celebrating this wonderful park milestone and achievement together!”
Honouliuli National Historic Site is the location of what was once the largest and longest-run prisoner of war camp and incarceration site in the Hawaiian Islands during World War II.
At its peak, it held 4,000 prisoner of war of Japanese, Korean, Okinawan, Italian and Filipino descent, as well as 400 American civilians, primarily of Japanese descent with some Europeans.
Public tour reservations are open on a first-come, first-serve basis, and seats are limited by the amount of shuttle space and docents available. Tour reservations will close after 26 people have signed up. All minors must have an accompanying adult at all time, and strollers are not allowed.
Reservations for a tour will close the Thursday prior to its scheduled Saturday date. The tour is completely outside and there are no facilities at the park and no places to sit or rest. Total miles walked on the tour can range from 1-1.5 miles.
For more information on the Honouliuli tour, visit https://www.nps.gov/hono/index.htm.