Aloha Tower, Honolulu

The Aloha Tower opened in 1926, at Pier 9 of Honolulu Harbor. For over forty years, it was Hawaii's tallest building, at 184 feet tall with a 40-foot flag mast. It started out as a welcome for boats of tourists during the 20s, when Hawaii was considered one of the most fashionable places for the wealthy and famous to vacation. The tower itself is built in a particular type of Gothic Revival style that's specific to Hawaiian architecture. It is considered Hawaii's most famous landmark, after Diamond Head.

When Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japanese soldiers during WWII, coast guardsmen were ordered to defend Aloha Tower to keep it from being taken over. To better protect the tower, it was painted in camouflage so it would be virtually invisible at night. Since then, its color has been restored.

Tip:
Go to the clock tower and take the free lift to the observation deck to get a 360-degree view of Honolulu and surrounding neighborhoods, the Harbor, and the downtown eclectic mix of old & new buildings.
While there, you can take a short walk down to the Falls of Clyde vessel which is docked at the Maritime Museum. This is the only steel-hulled sailing ship in the world and was the last oil tanker powered by sail. It is truly a unique ship, even though it has seen better days.