Buckingham Palace. The Louvre. The Kremlin. The Forbidden City. All Grand Palaces around the world. There’s no such thing in the good ole USA though right? We were a democracy from day one and don’t have any of that fancy stuff right?
Wrong.
Did you know there is a royal palace in the United States? I had no idea.
Did you know there used to be a Royal Family in the United States? I had a vague idea (the hubby knew…curse him) but no real knowledge.
Well guess what? The answer to both questions sits in the heart of Honolulu.
Iolani Palace. Main palace of the royal Hawaiian family up until the end of their reign. This was the first real stop of our `Ohana Time on O`ahu. After circling the Palace three times in an ever widening circle (not on purpose, it was our first attempt at navigating in Honolulu) we finally parked under some absolutely huge trees (I think they were Banyan Trees, but frankly I was so amazed I forgot to ask what they were). We then wandered up to the entrance and met our guide. We were given some shoe covers for our shoes and in we went.
Now don’t worry, I’m not going to sit here and list off all the rooms we went in, that would be boring, and Iolani Palace was anything but boring. First off, it was absolutely amazingly beautiful. Everything you think of in a “Palace.” Beautiful hardwood floors. Grand sweeping staircases. A dumbwaiter (no, they didn’t let the daughter ride in it) and it was huge. We were led throughout the palace for over an hour, hearing the history of the palace and the royal family right up until the time they were deposed (yeah, deposed). The last reigning queen, Liliuokalani, was actually imprisoned in the upstairs bedroom on house arrest for over a year.
The one room I will talk about is the throne room. I will probably never get to see the throne room in Buckingham palace, since they probably still use it and all. But you walk in this room and you know immediately that it is a THRONE ROOM. There was the raised dais, the throne (duh) and the grand trappings that let you know this is a palace.
After the guided portion of the tour, we were let loose to wander around the basement on our own. Now don’t get me wrong, this isn’t like your basement or mine. This was where the kitchen and storage rooms and chamberlains office were. There were swords and medals and some of the amazing royal jewels on display.
I’ve said before, and I will say again, Hawaii is so much more than beaches and surfing. There are surprising discoveries around all over this amazing state. The next time you are on O`ahu, make the time to visit this amazing historic landmark.
About Iolani Palace
Take a tour of Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil and official past residence of Hawaii’s monarchy. The detailed opulence, innovative architecture, and sophistication tells of a time when their Majesties, King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, walked its celebrated halls.
For more information on Iolani Palace or to book a visit connect with them through the social media outlets below.
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE
Are you ready to book a family trip and build memories for a lifetime? Connect with the O`ahu Visitors Bureau through the social media outlets below.
There is still so much more to come. Remember to follow along as we uncover our adventures in O`ahu. Watch for #VisitOahu and #OhanaOahu to pop up!
Disclaimer: I was sent on an all-expense paid trip to O`ahu, Hawaii courtesy of the O`ahu Visitors Bureau and its island partners to experience the island and a series of other events. Regardless, all opinions expressed are still 100% my own.
Experience and post by Heather from Pink Ninja Blog.
