Thomas Square

Thomas Square is a 6.5 acre public park near the Neal S. Blaisdell Center and the Honolulu Academy of Arts in Downtown Honolulu. A central fountain surrounded by banyan trees highlights the center of the park, where schoolchildren and Hawaii residents come to picnic during the day. Thomas Square attracts activities and festivals like Hawaiian plant sales and family events.

History

Reports of unjust treatment of Britains living in Hawaii brought British Admiral Lord George Paulet to the islands on February 11, 1843. Paulet threatened to attack Honolulu if Britain wasn’t granted control of Hawaii, and King Kamehameha the III—for fear of bloodshed—gave Paulet power over Hawaii.

Over the course of five months, Paulet destroyed all Hawaiian flags he could find, raised the British Union Flag in place of the Hawaiian Nation flag, and removed 156 residents from their land.

Admiral Richard Thomas—Paulet’s superior—heard of Paulet’s behavior and immediately set sail to Hawaii. In fact, it was Thomas who gave Paulet permission in the first place to protect British citizens in Hawaii. But Thomas didn’t agree with the actions Paulet took to resolve the issue. When Thomas arrived in July 1843, he immediately restored power to the Kingdom of Hawaii. A celebration ensued, and King Kamehameha the III again ruled over his island nation.

• Location: Downtown Honolulu, Oahu.
• Amenities: Shaded fountain surrounded by banyan trees, a perfect place to picnic.
• Insider Tip: If you’re with the kids at nearby Honolulu Academy of Arts, stop here for a relaxing picnic lunch.
• Fun Fact: Hawaii’s state motto was first spoken here when Kamehameha III thanked Admiral Richard Thomas.
• What To Expect: Downtown Honolulu landmarks, people on their way to work, the Neal Blaisedell Center.