Hawaiian Architecture Reveals History Of The Islands

Hawaiian Architecture Reveals History Of The Islands

Author: Alice Lane

Although various styles of Hawaiian architecture possess a striking resemblance to many structures and homeplans found on the mainland of the United States, it is also a symbol of the rich cultural tradition of the land and its people. It is easy to trace its evolution over the years during specifics eras such as the kingdom, territory, statehood years and all that is yet to come.

Hawaii continues to be a melting pot with people from all over the world calling it home. The more simple house plans of the past were regularly influenced by the diverse visitors to the island and represent a sharp contrast to the luxury home plans that you will see popping up over the Hawaiian islands today. Everyone from traders, fur trappers, missionaries, whalers and more seems to have contributed to the rich history of Hawaii architecture.

The Parker Ranch on the big island exhibits some of the best house plans ranch in the area. The ranch was built in 1847 and it one of the most famous historic ranches in the United States. With thousands of acres across the island, it represents one of the largest cattle ranches in America. After the death of a Parker forbear in 1992, the ranch became a trust to benefit the local Waimea community, including organizations such as The Parker School Trust Corporation, North Hawaii Community Hospital and Hawaii Preparatory Academy and others.

Another building icon of the Hawaii islands is downtown Waikiki where row after row of high-rise hotels, apartments, offices and condominiums have been erected next to palm trees. In 1962 the 19-story First National Bank Building was erected and broke the six-story mark that was previously shared by the Stangenwald Building and the long spires of the Honolulu Hale and the Aloha Tower.

Another architectural point of interest is the Hawaii State Capitol. This building is a new take of the Bauhaus style. Most state capitols are designed to emulate the United States Capitol. The Hawaii State Capitol is a rare exception to the rule, showing the unique natural elements of Hawaii. The reflecting pool on the capitol´s grounds represents the Pacific Ocean that surrounds the islands; cone-shaped legislative halls mirror the shape of the many inactive and active volcanoes found on the island. But, perhaps, the most striking feature of the capitol is found when positioned in the center of the building. Chandeliers, representing the sun and moon are seen through glass walls, allowing visitors to experience the sky as Hawaii´s unique capitol rotunda.

Hawaiian homeplans certainly reflect the history and culture of the islands, but more traditional house plans ranch and luxury home plans can also honor the islands in their own unique way. For more information about building your dream home, whether it is on the Hawaiian Islands or your hometown visit House Plans and More.