subject: Hawaiian Holidays: The Hawaii Nobody Knows [print this page] Holidaymakers seeking the pleasures of the sun can be forgiven for perhaps playing it a little safe and sticking to tried and tested tourist locations and pastimes.
But to do this when visiting Hawaii is to deprive yourself of centuries of Hawaiian culture and a priceless knowledge of the historical events that contributed to its formation.
Travellers seeking such knowledge and the richness it brings can immerse themselves in a heritage stretching back to the first Polynesian discoverers of the islands. Following the path to a vanished time also brings dividends as it takes visitors to parts of the Hawaiian Islands generally undisturbed by regular tourists.
So if you are looking to lose the crowds and experience the hidden Hawaii then the historic sites of the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu, is a great place to start.
Honolulu was once the home of the Hawaiian monarchy and often referred to as the only royal palace on American soil. Prior to the islands (all except Kauai Island) uniting into one kingdom in 1795, the rule of law was enforced by a reigning high chief on each of the eight islands - Maui, Molokai, Niihau, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Kauai, Oahu, and Hawaii, the big island.
The advent of a monarchy provided some degree of stability for almost 100 years until Queen Liliuokalani (1838 - 1917) was forced to abdicate in 1893 following a coup by businessman and sugar planters (the annextionist club) angry at thwarted attempts at constitutional reform.
Two years later, the Kingdom of Hawaii was dissolved, a republic was declared, and Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States of America. Since then, despite an attempt to restore the monarchy in 1895, the republic has endured and prospered.
Guided tours are available to Iolani Palace, formerly the official residence of Hawaiis monarchy, and to Washington Palace, which once served as an informal prison for the last queen of Hawaii (Liliuokalani) following her overthrow. It is now the official residence of the Hawaiian Governor, although the Governor does not actually stay there.
Providing a look back into history is the last living link to the monarchy era, the Royal Hawaiian Band, which performs free concerts on the grounds of Iolani Palace.
A vanished era for sure; but essential knowledge for those seeking to understand the true Hawaiian story.
by: David Khan
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