Historic Register

The National Register of Historic Places, the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places, National Landmarks, and National Monuments are all historic designations which help identify an area’s historic places.

The National Register of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places is an official list of the Nation’s historic buildings, archaeological sites and cultural resources considered to be worthy of preservation.

The list exists to help property owners, communities and neighborhoods recognize their important properties, to offer realistic incentives for preservation and to ensure Federal actions take into consideration effects on these historic properties. The designation in and of itself does not mean that the property cannot be demolished or altered, it does not change the ownership and it does not guarantee funding.

The National Register Program was started in 1966 through the National Historic Preservation Act (Public Law 89-665) and is maintained nationally by the National Park Service.

Hawaii State Register

Like the National Register, the Hawaii State Register is the official list of cultural resources and formally recognizes their significance in Hawaii’s history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and culture. The Register lists buildings, sites, objects, districts, and structures which give a sense of place and identity to those who live in the islands. These cultural resources also give visitors insight into the uniqueness of our island community. Each residence listed on the Hawaii Register serves as a tangible reminder of our complex history and contributes to our collective heritage. The State Historic Preservation Division is the official keeper of the Hawaii Register.