An inscription written on the concrete foundation of a former guard tower at Honouliuli Internment Camp.
NPS photo
Archaeological work at Honouliuli began in 2006 and continued until 2019. Archaeological surveys were conducted by the National Park Service, university researchers and students, partners, and volunteers.
During the excavations, over 215 archaeological features were discovered. Of these, 175 were directly related to the World War II internment and POW camp. Other features, such as two ditch systems, an aqueduct, and rock walls, date back to the Ewa sugar plantation era. Post-war agricultural features, vehicles, and metal power poles were also identified.
Among the discovered features from the internment camp period were shower foundations, latrines, incinerators, guard tower footings, rock walls, and concrete inscriptions. Recovered artifacts include shampoo and aftershave bottles, Coca-cola and beer bottles, buttons, a blue marble, and even a baseball. In addition to physical features and artifacts, oral histories from former incarcerated individuals have been collected, and artwork created by those held in the camp has been preserved.
