Crowdfunding Proposed to Restore Waikiki's Natatorium War Memorial

A Canadian visitor suggests a global crowdfunding campaign to save the deteriorating historic landmark.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A letter to the editor of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser proposes launching a crowdfunding campaign to restore the Natatorium War Memorial in Waikiki, a deteriorating historic landmark that has lacked a final restoration plan. The writer, a Canadian citizen who has visited Waikiki annually, says he and likely other visitors would gladly contribute to such an initiative to preserve this icon of Waikiki's history.

Why it matters

The Natatorium War Memorial has stood as a symbol of Waikiki's history for decades, but its current state of disrepair has left the community searching for a solution to restore and preserve this landmark. A crowdfunding campaign could provide an innovative way to generate the necessary funds from both local and global supporters who value the memorial's historical significance.

The details

The letter writer suggests that a GoFundMe or similar crowdfunding platform could be used to open up restoration efforts for the Natatorium to the world, tapping into the interest of annual Waikiki visitors like the writer who have developed a keen interest in Hawaii's history over the years. The writer expresses a willingness to contribute personally to such an initiative.

  • The Natatorium War Memorial has stood in Waikiki for decades.

The players

Stephen Flamer

A Canadian citizen who has visited Waikiki annually and developed a keen interest in Hawaii's history.

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What they’re saying

“As an annual tourist to Waikiki for many years, I am disheartened to see that there is still no final plan for the deteriorating icon of Waikiki history, the Natatorium War Memorial. Assuming that funding is a main issue, I wonder if it is possible for some organization to launch a GoFundMe or similar crowdfunding campaign and open it up to the world.”

— Stephen Flamer (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

What’s next

If a crowdfunding campaign is launched, it will be important to monitor the progress and community response to determine if sufficient funds can be raised to support the Natatorium's restoration.

The takeaway

Innovative funding solutions like crowdsourcing could provide a path forward to preserve Waikiki's historic Natatorium War Memorial, tapping into the interest of both local residents and global visitors who value the landmark's significance.