Hawaii Maritime Center
Hawaii Maritime Center was a museum at Honolulu Harbor's Pier 7, showcasing Hawaii's rich seafaring history. Known for its replica royal canoe house and exhibits like a humpback whale skeleton and the historic Falls of Clyde ship, the center offered visitors a glimpse into the islands' maritime past. Although currently closed, it remains a significant piece of Hawaii's cultural legacy.
Hawaii Maritime Center, Oahu
Note: The Hawaii Maritime Center was closed in 2009 due to economic constraints. It is unknown when or if it will re-open.
Hawaii's rich maritime history comes to life at this fascinating museum located at Honolulu Harbor's Pier 7. Located inside a replica of His Majesty King David Kalakaua's own canoe house, the two-level Hawaii Maritime Center houses an extensive collection of artifacts, old photos, models and more. Handy tape machines guide visitors through 30 exhibits covering everything from ancient Polynesian mariners through Captain Cook's arrival and the now defunct whaling industry.
One of the big draws here is the museum's enormous Pacific humpback whale skeleton. The animal's carcass washed up on the shores of Kaho'olawe Island in 1986, and the 159-bone skeleton was later restored and put on display. The whale was named Lei'iwi, which means "Lei of Cherished Bones" in the Hawaiian language.
Admission to the Hawaii Maritime Center used to include the chance to step inside the Falls of Clyde, an impressive full-rigged, four-masted schooner that dates back to 1878. The ship is parked in a prominent location at Honolulu Harbor, but it is badly deteriorated. In 2008, the nonprofit organization Friends of Falls of Clyde became the ship's new owner and they plan to restore the vessel.
From 1899 to 1907, the Falls of Clyde transported sugar from Hawaii to the West Coast and general merchandise from the West Coast to Hawaii. Paying passengers could also be accommodated. In 1907, the ship was converted into a bulk oil tanker with a capacity of 19,000 barrels (3,000 m³). It was then used to transport kerosene to Hawaii and molasses to the West Coast. Today, the Falls of Clyde is the only remaining sail-driven oil tanker. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1989.
Key Features of Hawaii Maritime Center
- Closed since 2009: The museum is not currently open to the public, and its reopening date remains uncertain.
- Historic exhibits: Featured a full-scale Pacific humpback whale skeleton and rare maritime artifacts.
- Falls of Clyde: Home to the last surviving sail-powered oil tanker, designated a National Historic Landmark.
- Replica canoe house: Designed to mirror King Kalakaua's canoe house, housing over 30 interactive exhibits.
- Located at Honolulu Harbor: Adjacent to Aloha Tower Marketplace and central to Hawaii's maritime history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hawaii Maritime Center open to visitors?
No, the center closed in 2009 due to economic constraints and has not reopened since.
What was the main attraction at the museum?
One of the highlights was a full-scale skeleton of a Pacific humpback whale named Lei'iwi.
What is the Falls of Clyde?
The Falls of Clyde is a historic four-masted ship, formerly part of the museum, now awaiting restoration.
Where is the Hawaii Maritime Center located?
It's at Pier 7 in Honolulu Harbor, near the Aloha Tower Marketplace.
What kind of exhibits were featured?
The center offered exhibits on Polynesian voyaging, whaling history, Captain Cook, and Hawaii's seafaring heritage.