Journey Through Oahu's Maritime History

An article about Oahu Island entitled Journey Through Oahu's Maritime History. See also more Article About Oahu and our Oahu Travel Guide.

The island of Oahu, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, has a rich maritime history that dates back thousands of years.

The Polynesian migration to Hawaii and the discovery and settlement of the remote islands in the Pacific was a remarkable achievement. At that time, Europeans were sailing close to the coastline of continents before developing navigational instruments that would allow them to venture into the open ocean. By the time European explorers entered the Pacific Ocean in the 16th century, almost all the habitable islands had been settled for hundreds of years. Today, the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) carries on the tradition by retracing the early voyages while relying on celestial navigation.

Captain James Cook discovered the natural treasures of the Hawaiian Islands for the West in 1778. From there, Oahu became host to other explorers, missionaries, whalers, commercial vessels, tourists, and the United States military.

Matson Navigation Company was welcomed as they carried goods and connected Hawaii to the world. Their long association with Hawaii began in 1882 when Captain William Matson sailed his three-masted schooner, Emma Claudina, from San Francisco to Hawaii carrying 300 tons of food, plantation supplies and general merchandise. Increased commerce brought a corresponding interest in Hawaii as a visitor destination, so Matson included passengers among his precious cargo as early as 1908.

As the early cruise ships began arriving in Honolulu, passengers were greeted by locals who would go out on small boats to meet the cruise ships, climb aboard and sing to the people on the ship. In addition to the music, hula dancing and lei greetings, the Aloha Tower, built in 1926, stood just over 184 feet tall with A-L-O-H-A etched in big letters signaling passengers they had reached the tropical destination of Oahu.

Home to Pearl Harbor, Oahu is also an important strategic base in naval history. The USS Arizona Memorial welcomes millions of visitors each year in remembrance of the 1,177 sailors who lost their lives on December 7, 1941 and symbolizes the United States entry into World War II. Next door, the USS Bowfin Submarine and Museum tells tales of the critical role submarines played in winning the war. Finally the USS Missouri (nicknamed Mighty Mo), permanently stationed at Pearl Harbor, completes the triangle with the signing of the peace treaty on the deck symbolizing the end of the war.

Today, many boats cruise in the waters off the shores of Oahu for diving and fishing charters, vacationing yachters, whale watching tourists, weekend sailors and more. Kayakers and outrigger canoe paddlers and even surfers enjoy Oahu’s inviting waters. More than 125 beaches grace the shores offering visitors and locals the best the islands have to offer.

Once on land, the cultural diversity of Oahu creates the spectrum of dining options, from world-class chefs to ethnic hole-in-the-wall eateries to satisfy every taste and budget. The cultural history comes alive not only in the food, but also in the attractions and activities abundant on Oahu. Whether it be arts and culture, shopping, natural beauty, or nightlife, the island of Oahu offers something for everyone.

Resource

Hawaii Tourism Authority / Oahu Visitor's Bureau / July 1 2015

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