Aloha Tower Celebrates Centennial with “Anchored in Aloha” Community Events, Oct. 15-16

HONOLULU - The Hawai'i Department of Transportation (HDOT) invites the community to celebrate a century of Hawai'i's maritime history at the Aloha Tower Centennial Celebration on Oct. 15 and 16.

Opened on September 11, 1926, at Pier 9 of Honolulu Harbor, Aloha Tower has served as an iconic landmark and welcoming beacon for Hawai'i. Standing 184 feet tall across 10 stories, it reigned as the tallest structure in Hawaiʻi for four decades. With the word "ALOHA" etched on its exterior to greet arriving passenger ships during the historic "Boat Days" era, the tower remains a vital symbol of hospitality, maritime heritage and connection for the islands. During World War II, the tower was painted in camouflage and served as a crucial military control center for Pacific convoys before returning to civilian life.

Centennial Celebration - Anchored in Aloha

Centered on the theme "Anchored in Aloha," the anniversary festivities will kick off on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 10:30 a.m. with a blessing of the newly renovated 10^th floor observation deck, which will be reopened to the public for the first time since the COVID pandemic.

In addition to panoramic views of Honolulu Harbor and downtown Honolulu, visitors to the observation deck will see the extensive harbor activities that drive Hawai'i's critical supply chain. The interior of the 10^th floor will feature a historic timeline exhibit of Aloha Tower and Honolulu Harbor. A separate exhibit of historic artifacts from the Falls of Clyde also will be on display. The observation deck will be open from dusk to dawn daily and admission is free.

On Friday, Oct. 16, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m., the public is invited to a centennial pā'ina that will feature live entertainment, local food trucks and a spectacular aerial drone light show illuminating the sky over Honolulu Harbor. In addition to HDOT, the Friday event is sponsored by Supply Chain Hawai'i and the Hawai'i Harbors Users Group. The event is free and open to the public.

Aloha Tower Rehabilitation

In anticipation of the centennial, Aloha Tower has undergone a $8.5 million rehabilitation. The renovations and repairs, which were not structural in nature, included replacing the tower's elevator and fire suppression system, repairs to the HVAC system, repainting the tower's exterior, as well as upgrades to the observation deck that included new mast cable support for the lanai, replacement of restroom fixtures and ADA accessibility modifications, installation of interpretive signage and new interior lighting fixtures.

After the centennial celebrations, additional work will include replacing the tower's 84 windows, which will improve the weatherproofing of the tower, as well as replacing the mast at the top of the tower. During this work, there may be intermittent closures to the observation deck.

Harbor Special Revenue Funds were used for the majority of the improvements. In addition, approximately $1 million from the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit's (HART) historic preservation fund was used for exterior repairs and painting. A $2 million federal grant through the Congressionally Directed Spending Program will be used for the next phase of improvements including renovations to the third to eighth floors.

"Preserving and maintaining the historic Aloha Tower is an important part of ensuring the vitality of Honolulu's waterfront, which serves as the main supply chain for our entire state," said Hawai'i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. "Nearly 90% of all goods that Hawai'i residents and visitors consume pass through Honolulu Harbor, all under the watchful gaze of Aloha Tower. Our goal is for the public to come to Aloha Tower and visit the newly renovated observation deck, to gain an appreciation for Honolulu Harbor's extensive maritime operations that sustain our daily needs and keep our economy growing."

Aloha Tower Centennial Celebration Events

The events are free and open to the public.

Thursday, October 15, 2026, 10:30 a.m.

Aloha Tower, Pier 9

Blessing and opening of the Aloha Tower observation deck, performance by Royal Hawaiian Glee Club, display of Falls of Clyde artifacts

Friday, October 16, 2026, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Aloha Tower, Pier 9

Aloha Tower Centennial Celebration featuring live entertainment (Waipuna, Simple Souls, Ka Mo'i Jazz Ensemble, Hawai'i Pacific University International Vocal Ensemble and more), local food trucks and drone show. Tours of the observation deck will be available from 5:30 p.m. until 15 minutes before the drone show which is scheduled to start at 8 p.m.

Photos

Photos of Aloha Tower can be found here: Aloha Tower Centennial - Google Photos

Photo credits: For historical photos, please credit Hawai'i State Archives. For current photos, please credit Hawai'i Department of Transportation.

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