*This story was originally published on Mar. 17, 2020. It is another warm Saturday morning in downtown Honolulu. Gentle streams of light pour through the windows of ‘Iolani Palace’s former archives building and into the cool, air-conditioned room. Dozens of women are busily setting up space amongst the tables and chairs, arms full of […]
In the basement galleries of ʻIolani Palace, I’m accompanied by six other visitors, all of us pulling on shoe coverings to prevent damage to the palace’s wooden floors and carpets. The subject of this specialty tour at the palace is King Kalākaua, known as the Merrie Monarch for his appreciation of the Hawaiian arts and
The Islands are home to a diverse collection of museums, vibrant galleries and important memorials where locals and travelers alike can see artifacts from early Polynesian settlers and works by local and international artists. And you don’t need to be a history buff or art aficionado to appreciate Hawaiʻi’s culture—both past and present. These 10
Since the beginning of the pandemic, over two years ago, the Royal Hawaiian Band has not been able to perform for the public due to the size of the band and COVID-19 regulations. However, on March 4—that’s today!—the band will make its grand reappearance at ʻIolani Palace for its popular lunchtime concert series starting at
On Oct. 15, Hawaiʻi reopened to travel—but that doesn’t mean all your favorite attractions will be open, too. Here’s our list of 18—we know there are more!—of the top visitor attractions, from state parks to museums, across all islands, and how—or if—you’ll be able to visit them. ʻAkaka Falls State Park, Hawaiʻi Island Photo: David
Like most visitor attractions in Hawaiʻi, ʻIolani Palace closed in March due to the spread of COVID-19. But the iconic landmark in Honolulu is planning to reopen on Friday, June 19, albeit with new regulations (face mask requirements, temperature checks) and adjusted hours. “While we are eager to say ‘e komo mai’ once again, the
Hawaiʻi’s not all pretty beaches and tropical weather. OK, it’s a lot of that, but scattered throughout the Islands are historic relics and sites, in all shapes and sizes. It helps that so many significant events have occurred in Hawaiʻi, from the arrival of Captain James Cook in 1778 to the unification of the islands
Maybe you canceled your vacation to Oʻahu this year. Or maybe you’re just looking for something cool to do while you’re quarantined at home. ʻIolani Palace, the only official residence of royalty in the U.S., launched free virtual experiences and online educational resources that allow you to tour the palace without leaving your living room.
This is literally a gingerbread house fit for royalty. The culinary team at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa spent two months planning, baking and constructing a gingerbread structure inspired by Iolani Palace, the only official state residence of royalty in the U.S. and home to the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs, King
In the era of modern hula, organized competitions such as the Merrie Monarch Festival have increasingly become the standard by which the reputation of halau hula (hula schools) are measured. After all, the spirit of competition is one that inherently encourages passion, unity and ingenuity. But 40 years after the first dancer graced its stage,
The camera’s light flashes. White gloved hands shift King Kalakaua’s pipe ever so slightly. Beside us is a room filled with relics, not often seen on display. Having belonged to Hawaii’s kings, queens and noble people, these are no ordinary antiques. Every delicate piece comes with a story, bringing history to life. Take a look
Take a trip back to yesteryear with these photos from the Hawaii State Archive’s photograph collection, and see what has changed and stayed the same in some of Hawaii’s most recognizable places. 1. Front Street, Lahaina Front Street, Lahaina. Photo: Hawaii State Archives, circa 1910s. While the buildings may have changed a bit, most people familiar
