SEAMEN'S HOSPITAL

Built in 1833, the building was first used as a retreat for King Kamehameha III, who, in hiding from the missionaries, could drink alcohol and meet his sister, Princess Nahi'ena'ena, with whom he had an incestuous relationship that fueled much gossip. In 1844, the structure, which was ceded to the United States, became a hospital intended to care for sick sailors, who were very numerous during the whaling era, until the total decline of this activity in 1862. The building was converted for a time into a school and boarding school, but is now closed.