The significance of Lā Ho?iho?i Ea and Thomas Square

HONOLULU (KHON2) – In the ahupua?a of Honolulu, which lies in the moku of Kona here on O?ahu, stands one of the oldest parks in Hawai?i.

We are speaking of Thomas Square.

Thomas Square is the location of where Rear Admiral Richard Thomas had restored Hawai?i’s sovereignty.

For five months, British rogue agent Lord George Paulet seized control over the Hawaiian Kingdom, burning all Hawaiian flags.

Once realizing the injustice, Queen Victoria sent Thomas to restore what was taken from the nation of Hawai?i.

On the morning of July 31, 1843, with warship sails decorating the city’s port, restoration ceremonies began in Honolulu.

The British flag was lowered, and the Hawaiian flag was returned to its rightful place, restoring sovereignty of Hawai?i’s kingdom.

It was later that same day, which is now recognized as Sovereignty Restoration Day (Lā Ho?iho?i Ea), King Kamehameha III declared what is our state motto today, “Ua mau ke ea o ka ?āina i ka pono.”

But image the backdrop of Honolulu being much different compared to now.

Picture not just the lack of buildings and development, but the lack of greenery as well.

Known as the Waikīkī Plain, this section of land within Honolulu is named Kulaokahu?a meaning “plain of the boundary.”

It was an unpalatable stretch of open, dry and baren land that was best known for dust storms and impressive nothingness.

Stories share that unlike today, the view from the square was unobstructed from Diamond Head to Honolulu Harbor.

It was Archibald Cleghorn, father to Princess Ka?iulani, who became largely responsible for the increase in landscaping.

Honolulu celebrated the grand opening of Thomas Square in 1887, and its significance continues all these years later.

Did you know?  Now you do!

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