Bishop National Bank of Hawaii
The Bishop National Bank of Hawaii is a one-story bank building with neoclassical architecture located in Waimea on Kauai island. The structure features Ionic columns, a dentil cornice with decorative molding, and stairs leading to an elevated main entrance, while the concrete exterior preserves its original finish and design details.
The building was completed in late December 1929 and replaced an earlier bank structure that had stood since 1911. It marked the growth of Bishop Bank, founded in 1858, which became one of Hawaii's major financial institutions and expanded its operations across the islands.
The building stands in Waimea as a symbol of the financial institutions that shaped the island's early development and community trust. Its classical design with columns and decorative moldings was meant to convey reliability and permanence to those who conducted business there.
The building is located on Panako Road in Waimea and is easily accessible on foot. The elevated entrance design protects against flooding, a practical feature common to buildings in this area.
The interior underwent heavy remodeling but retains an original coffered ceiling design with a rectangular skylight at its center. This detail reveals the original craftsmanship and attention to design that defined early banking spaces in Hawaii.
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