HONOLULU (KHON2) — Big changes are coming to Aloha Tower.
The iconic landmark is almost 100 years old and several multi-million dollar renovation projects are in the works to reopen its doors to the public before its centennial in 2026.
Aloha Tower was built in 1926 and its purpose was not always just as a clock tower.
“It used to be a lighthouse,” said Hawaii Department of Transportation director Ed Sniffen. “Then it became a clock tower and then became an icon for, for our, our island and our state.”
Projects are planned to give the building a new fire suppression system, refurbish the second floor mezzanine as well as the 10th floor observation deck, its exterior will be repainted and about 85 windows will be replaced — a new elevator will also be installed.
“And the first thing is going to be to make sure everybody can get back on the tower again, on Aloha Tower again,” Sniffen said.
The price tag for the renovation projects is about $9.83 million — compare that to $160,000 when the tower was built in 1926, which would be about $3 million today.
“Renovations are sometimes more expensive than the original, the original project,” said Doug Askman, Hawaii Pacific University professor of History.
The observation deck has been closed since the pandemic. Leo Guzman and his family business sit right at the foot of the Tower and he can not wait for the landmark to reopen to the public.
“It was really fun. It was one elevator, really small and you would just get packed in with tourists and go all the way up and see. You could see all the way up to all the way up to Ala Moana, I’m pretty sure,” Guzman said.
Askman said the U.S. military took control of Aloha Tower during World War II and even painted the building in camouflage for a few years.
“So, no civilian access was allowed and that actually continued for a couple of years, even after the war ended,” Askman said.
Both businesses and officials told me they are hopeful that a renovated Aloha Tower will bring more foot traffic to the area and economic activity to the establishments.
“And now the Rail is going to be here, too! I think that’s going to be a really good mix honestly,” Guzman said.
“Getting more people up to the deck or having that as a destination would be cool for some of the businesses on the side that depend on that foot traffic,” Sniffen said.
Transportation officials said Aloha Tower will reopen to the public before its centennial anniversary in September, 2026.