Although its soils are the youngest in the Hawaiian chain, the Big Island's chronicles are at times epic, tragic, and heroic, but always fascinating. Modern Hawai'i is filled with tradition and mythology, accommodating influences as diverse as its inviting landscape. Kamehameha stood tall to mold this nascent region into a unified kingdom and others fought to sustain it, while outside forces molded and shaped this island in astonishing ways.
The Fillmore District's transformation highlights its rich cultural history, once thriving with Jewish and Japanese communities, vibrant entertainment venues, and a renowned Jazz District. This diverse neighborhood, filled with synagogues, bakeries, and theaters, faced significant upheaval due to redevelopment efforts aimed at widening Geary Boulevard. This ambitious project drastically altered the landscape, displacing thousands and reshaping the community, reflecting broader themes of urban change and the impact of civic decisions on local populations.