Iolani Palace: A must-see historic site on Oahu
Oahu is the gateway to Hawaii. It is the most populous of the Hawaiian islands and is dotted with fascinating spots where you can experience Hawaiian history.
A prime example of this is Iolani Palace in Honolulu. Built in 1882 by King Kalakaua, the seventh king of the Kingdom of Hawaii, this building is known as the only palace in the United States. This palace, where King Kalakaua, the last monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, and his sister, Queen Liliuokalani, lived, served as the political center of Hawaii until 1959, when Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States.
Now open to the public as a historical building, portraits of royals and furnishings from that time are on display inside, giving visitors an insight into the glamorous lifestyle of the former royal family. Guided tours are also available in Japanese, so if you're interested in Hawaiian history, be sure to visit. Also in Honolulu, you can visit Washington Place, the mansion where Queen Liliuokalani spent the rest of her life, so be sure to stop by.
Experience Hawaii's history and culture at one of its largest museums
The Bishop Museum, located on the outskirts of Honolulu, is also a place where you can learn more about Hawaiian history and culture. Known as the largest museum in the state of Hawaii, it houses a valuable collection of over 25 million items, including art and crafts handed down from Hawaiian royalty and native Hawaiian crafts. It also displays the culture and history of not only Hawaii but the entire Polynesian Pacific Islands, so you can get a bird's-eye view of Hawaii's long history.
Oahu is also dotted with many historical sites, such as the Queen Emma Summer Palace, which was used as the summer palace of Queen Emma, wife of King Kamehameha IV, and now displays her personal belongings, and Pearl Harbor, which conveys the memories of World War II, so be sure to take your time to enjoy their charm.
Explore ancient Hawaiian history in Lahaina, Maui
If you want to experience Hawaii's history on Maui, the first place you should visit is Lahaina, located in the northwest of the island. This area, with its beautiful streetscapes along the coastline, was the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii until King Kamehameha III moved the capital to Honolulu in 1845. Front Street, the main street of this town, which flourished as a world-class whaling base in the 19th century, is lined with old buildings that give a sense of its long history.
Lahaina is also home to the Lahaina Historic Trail, which takes in historical sites such as the Pioneer Inn, known as one of the oldest hotels in Hawaii, so we recommend taking a leisurely stroll through history.
Maui is also dotted with other must-see attractions, such as Iao Valley State Park, known as the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790, where King Kamehameha I defeated Maui's army and unified Hawaii, and Haleakala National Park, which is still revered today as the setting for native Hawaiian mythology.
Full of natural attractions! Tour the historic sites of Hawaii Island
One of the most famous historical sites on the Big Island is Hulihee Palace, where Hawaiian royalty once spent their holidays. Built in 1838, the palace is now used as a museum, where visitors can see the ornaments and art pieces left by the royal family.
In addition, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, located south of Kona International Airport, is a historical site where you can experience the lives of Native Hawaiians long ago. The park is dotted with heiau (temples), fishponds, and ki'i pohaku (petroglyphs). Guided tours are also available, making it a place where you can deepen your knowledge of Native Hawaiian culture.
On the Big Island, there are also Lapakahi State Park, which partially restored a fishing village from 600 years ago, and Kealakekua Bay State Park, known as the place where Captain Cook lost his life in 1779. Both are typical of the Big Island, rich in nature, so please enjoy Hawaiian history along with the beautiful scenery.
There are also some great photo spots. Historical sites and ruins on other Hawaiian islands
In addition to the historical sites we have introduced so far, there are many other historical sites on the Hawaiian islands that are steeped in history and culture. For example, the Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse on Kauai is a traditional lighthouse that has been in operation since 1913. The area around the lighthouse overlooking the blue ocean is a great photo spot, and it is also famous as a sanctuary for seabirds such as frigatebirds and boobies. Humpback whales can be seen here from December to May each year, making it a popular historical site for animal lovers.
Lanai is also home to Kaunolu Village, a protected area of prehistoric village ruins. If you visit Molokai, we also recommend a visit to Kalaupapa National Historical Park, where people with leprosy once lived in isolation.
The Hawaiian islands are dotted with fascinating historical sites that tell the story of their long history. By visiting these places and deepening your knowledge, your trip to Hawaii will be even more enjoyable. The next time you visit Hawaii, be sure to check out the historical sites.
Comment
Hawaii has a long history, with Polynesians arriving in the island about 1,500 years ago, and many immigrants from Tahiti arriving 500 years ago. Hawaii is dotted with historical sites left by these indigenous people, historical sites from the time of the Hawaiian Kingdom that was established in the 18th century, and historical sites since it became the 50th state of the United States. Being able to enjoy historical sites from various eras is also a major attraction of Hawaii!
*Some content was updated on July 22, 2019.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
