Fort Kamehameha

Fort Kamehameha is a military installation at the Pearl Harbor entrance, consisting of five concrete coastal batteries and 33 residential buildings. These batteries were artillery positions designed with different firing capabilities and ranges.

The United States Army established this fort in 1907 to defend Pearl Harbor, constructing its main artillery installations between 1911 and 1920. The fortification was part of early American defense planning for the Hawaiian territory.

The fort's name honors King Kamehameha I, chosen in 1909 after local requests led to a renaming from its original Fort Upton designation. Today, this connection to Hawaiian history is visible through its name and the stories people share about the site.

Some residential buildings at the site are located within the accident risk zone of Honolulu International Airport and may face demolition in the future. It is wise to check the site's accessibility before visiting, as access and availability may vary due to airport safety regulations.

Battery Selfridge held eight 12-inch (30 cm) mortars, while Battery Closson featured two 12-inch (30 cm) rifles with complete 360-degree firing capability. These different gun types demonstrate how the fortifications were designed for varying defense scenarios.

Location: Honolulu

GPS coordinates: 21.32333,-157.95944

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:59