County set to rebuild the iconic, vermillion bridge in Liliʻuokalani Gardens

The vermillion wooden bridge pavilion, one of the most recognizable structures in Lili‘uokalani Gardens, will undergo a complete rebuild due to extensive termite damage to the current structure.

The bridge is scheduled to be removed Thursday morning, making way for a new bridge that will match the original design. The bridge rebuild is being led by the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Parks and Recreation and the Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the garden.

“Every garden, especially those of a certain age, needs fostering that goes beyond just maintenance,” said K.T. Cannon-Eger, President of the Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens. “To foster Lili‘uokalani Gardens, to carry it forward to the future while maintaining the feeling of the last 108 years, means every now and then something needs to be replaced. This bridge will be rebuilt close to the original design and will continue to be a special place for many years to come.”

The park will be closed to the public all day Thursday for the removal and regularly scheduled maintenance.

The iconic bridge is close to 65-years old and is the third bridge to be built in that spot in the park. The original bridge and its successor were destroyed by the tsunamis in 1946 and 1960, respectively.

The stone base of the bridge will not be removed and the pavilion will be rebuilt by Parks and Recreation carpenters, who have already reconstructed other pavilions within Lili‘uokalani Gardens.

According to the Friends of Liliʻuokalani Gardens, the wooden bridge has been several colors in its lifetime — green, brown, tan, red, and now vermillion. The red-orange color was recommended by a garden designer from Kyoto.

When the bridge is rebuilt it will continue to be vermillion, or “shuiro” in Japanese. The color holds a special significance in Japanese culture and is often used at the entrance to Shinto shrines in Japan or on traditional kimonos.

“This bridge is an important feature of Lili‘uokalani Gardens, and we know there are a lot of memories attached to it,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “By rebuilding, we can ensure the longevity and integrity of this unique structure and its continued connection to the community.”

Lili‘uokalani Gardens is a 25-acre park originally established in 1917 by the Legislature of the Territory of Hawai‘i and dedicated to the memory of Queen Liliʻuokalani. The majority of the park is designed as a Japanese-style garden.

For more information about the park, visit Friends of Liliʻuokalani Gardens in Hilo.