Though many modern buildings found on the islands of Hawaii closely resemble the buildings found on the United States mainland, the historic architecture of Hawaii is a symbol of the rich cultural traditions of the islands. For centuries, Hawaii has been a melting pot, with travelers coming from other Polynesian islands as well as elsewhere around the globe. The architecture was influenced by all of these diverse visitors, creating a uniquely Hawaiian style. The various styles of buildings seen here reflect both Western and native styles that have come to the islands over the years, from early European traders and whalers to missionaries to Polynesians sailing haphazardly from other islands.

The earliest known Hawaiian architecture took the form of simple shacks and huts built by ancient Hawaiians. The patterns in which thatched huts were assembled served to identify the profession and wealth of the resident. With the arrival of missionaries during the nineteenth centuries, the first Western-style frame houses were built in Hawaii. These buildings typically mirrored the simple architectural styles then in use in New England, with clapboard siding and high-pitched roofs. This style soon incorporated traditional Hawaiian elements and became known as Hawaiian Mission architecture. Sometimes, coral blocks were even used instead of wood construction. The Kawaiahao Church in Honolulu is one example of this style.

One of the last native Hawaiian kings, Kamehameha V, favored Hawaiian Renaissance architecture. Many of the buildings built during his reign in the mid 1800s were styled after historic Italian buildings and elegant Roman architecture. By the end of the nineteenth century, Hawaiian Romanesque became the popular architectural style. Dark basalt gave these buildings a uniquely Hawaiian appearance despite their classical style.

Hawaiian Gothic architecture, a style popular after 1910, was known for being quite elaborate. For the first time, stained glass was used in Hawaiian buildings. However, native Hawaiians soon decided that Gothic buildings looked out of place in the Hawaiian environment. Art Deco followed in the 1920s and 1930s, combining Hawaiian motifs and tropical materials with the modern appearance of buildings then being constructed on the mainland.

Since the 1970s, the Hawaiian Plantation style has been one of the more popular designs, combining plantation architecture with trends from California and elsewhere in the Western United States. With wide-hipped or bell-shaped roof styles, Hawaiian Plantation buildings are instantly recognizable, and this style has been used for many new construction projects throughout the islands.

Today, visitors to Hawaii can experience traditional architecture from many different time periods. Much of the famous architecture in Hawaii combines several of the styles popular on the islands throughout history. One of the most famous historic ranches in the entire country, the Parker Ranch, was built in 1847 on the Big Island. Since the mid-1900s, downtown Waikiki has been home to numerous midcentury and modern high-rises built next to rows of palm trees. Countless tourists also visit the Hawaii State Capitol building, purposely built to incorporate nature and the traditional architecture of Hawaii in what became known as the Hawaiian International style of the mid-1900s.

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Category: Arts and Crafts
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