Author: AFH
In the middle of downtown Honolulu sits Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States. Built in 1882 by King David Kalakaua and his wife Queen Kapiolani, the palace had electricity and telephones even before the White House. King Kalakaua found inspiration for the design of the palace during his European travels. Indeed, with its high ramparts and commanding presence, one can see in Iolani Palace the influence of European castles. Yet, certain features attest to the fact that the palace was built in a place where the climate invites one outdoors. Walkways encircle the exterior on both the first and second floors, and lanais offer splendid views of the palace grounds.
In January of 1895, Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii, was imprisoned in the palace during the overthrow of her government. Some say you can still hear the Queen pacing back-and-forth in the room where she was held captive. The palace then served as the capitol of the territory when Hawai'i was annexed to the United States, in 1959. In 1969, restoration began, and today the palace is a museum to the era.
Iolani Palace is an ever-present reminder of the royal heritage of the Hawaiian Islands. Their Gallery is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-4pm. The Palace also offers tours Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-2pm. Photo Credits:Photo2: Courtesy HVCB, Photo3: Peter French; courtesy HVCB, Photo4: Warren Bolster; Courtesy HVCB ©2003-2004 Media-HI, Inc. All rights reserved. |
