Formerly a US Army installation, the Fort DeRussy park in Waikiki was established when threats to Honolulu diminished in the 1950s. It's one of five Fort DeRussy locations in the United States, and today, the beautifully landscaped greenspace is designated as a recreational area for the military, although it's open to all.
Within the park is located the U.S. Army Museum, and on its outskirts is Hale Koa, a hotel that caters to military personnel. A beach is available for use, along with picnic facilities, restrooms and courts for volleyball and tennis.
Fort DeRussy — Photo courtesy of Jason Helle
This DeRussy, nestled in the heart of Honolulu, was named for General Rene Edward De Russy (1789–1865). Rene and his brother Lewis were both graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Lewis was the oldest West Point graduate to serve in the Confederate Army, while older brother Rene served on the Union side.
Located on Waikiki Beach, very near Oahu's historic hotels Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Moana Surfrider, the former Shore Battery Randolph was used as a site for servicemen on rest and recuperation (R&R) during the Vietnam War. Fort DeRussy was one of a number of shore batteries on the island of Oahu designed to provide coastal defense.
Most of the guns on these sites were retired during the early 1950s. The 14-inch guns of Shore Battery Randolph were fired once in a practice shortly after the attack on nearby Pearl Harbor, shattering many of the windows in the Royal Hawaiian and Moana. They were not fired again.
Memorial at Fort DeRussy — Photo courtesy of Jason Helle
