Follow the story of the Ala Wai Canal — from the streams and wetlands that once defined Waikīkī to the massive engineering project that drained them. Discover how this single construction project transformed the landscape, displaced communities, and set the stage for modern Waikīkī.
The History
Waikīkī Before the Canal
Before the Ala Wai Canal was constructed in the 1920s, Waikīkī was a vast wetland — a network of streams, fishponds, and taro patches that sustained Hawaiian communities for centuries. The name Waikīkī itself means 'spouting water,' a reference to the freshwater springs and streams that once flowed freely through the area.
The Decision to Drain
By the early 20th century, American developers and territorial officials viewed Waikīkī's wetlands as an obstacle to progress. Mosquitoes, flooding, and the perceived 'unproductiveness' of the land drove calls for drainage. In 1921, construction began on the Ala Wai Canal — a 1.8-mile channel designed to divert the streams that fed the wetlands out to sea.
Displacement and Loss
The draining of Waikīkī's wetlands displaced hundreds of Hawaiian families who had farmed taro and fished the ponds for generations. Entire communities were uprooted as the land was sold, subdivided, and developed. The cultural landscape that had sustained Hawaiian life for centuries was erased within a decade.
The Birth of Modern Waikīkī
With the wetlands drained and the land reclaimed, Waikīkī was transformed into the resort destination we know today. Hotels, apartments, and tourist infrastructure replaced fishponds and taro fields. The Ala Wai Canal — originally an engineering solution — became the defining boundary of modern Waikīkī.
What You'll See
- The Ala Wai Canal and its original engineering
- Sites of former fishponds and taro patches
- Archival photographs showing Waikīkī before and after drainage
- The former locations of Hawaiian communities
- Hawaiian royalty residences
- Stories of the families who once called this place home
What to Bring
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen and hat
- Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes
- Light rain jacket (November–March)
- Camera or phone for photos