June 10th marks Portugal Day, a celebration of Portuguese history, language, and global cultural impact.
In Honolulu, several public spaces bear testimony to the vibrant contributions of the Portuguese community. Here are just a few places where Portugal’s legacy lives on:
Azores Street – Punchbowl
Named after the Azores Islands, this street honors the many Portuguese immigrants from this archipelago who settled in Hawai‘i in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Coelho Way – Nuʻuanu
This street commemorates Senator William Joseph Coelho, a figure of political influence and one of the early leaders of Portuguese descent in Hawai‘i.
Funchal Street – Nuʻuanu
Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is honored here due to the significant number of Madeiran Portuguese who made Hawai‘i their home. It reflects the strong ties between the islands of Madeira and O‘ahu.
Lisbon Street – Punchbowl
A direct nod to Portugal’s capital, Lisbon Street recognizes the homeland of many who helped shape Hawai‘i’s cultural and labor landscape, particularly in the sugar plantation era.
Concordia Street – Punchbowl
This street honors the Concordia Portuguese Musical Society, an important cultural institution that brought music, language, and heritage into the lives of Portuguese immigrants and their descendants.
Many parks and landmarks throughout the islands also reflect the contributions of Portuguese Hawaiians—whether through community centers, churches, or festivals that continue to this day.
The Portuguese community brought much more than names—they brought music (like the ukulele, adapted from the Portuguese braguinha), food (malasadas), and a deep commitment to family and faith.
As we celebrate Portugal Day, let’s take a walk down these streets and remember the rich cultural threads that Portuguese immigrants have contributed to the Hawaiian landscape.
