Monarchs & Missionaries: Hawaii's Royal History
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Port
Honolulu, Hawaii, US
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$189.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Step back in time on this unforgettable visit to the historical highlights of the one-thousand-year-old Kingdom of Hawaii, once a sovereign nation.
Travel into the lush Nu'uanu Valley through a tropical rain forest en route to the world-famous Pali Lookout. The Nu'uanu Pali was the site of the Battle of Nu'uanu -- one of the most critical battles in Hawaiian history, when King Kamehameha I conquered the island of Oahu, bringing it under his rule.
After driving through a spectacular tree tunnel, you'll arrive at Hawaii's sacred Royal Mausoleum -- Mauna 'Ala -- the final resting place of six of the kingdom's last eight ruling monarchs.
Royal history would not be complete without understanding the role Christian missionaries played in shaping the islands. At the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site & Archives (HMH), you will visit three restored houses, two of which are the oldest houses in Hawaii. Here, you'll learn about the research archives, which provide a unique glimpse into 19th-century Hawaii, both on site and online. HMH was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965.
Next, walk to the Kawaiahao Church and the statue of legendary King Kamehameha. A self-guided tour inside a true Hawaiian treasure -- Iolani Palace -- follows. This is the only royal palace in the United States and was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom's last two monarchs -- King Kalakaua, who built the palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Lili'uokalani.
Notes:
Minimum age is 5 years. A moderate fitness level is required. Participants must be able to walk 500 yards on flat sidewalks and inside venues. More than 2.5 hours of standing and/or walking is required on tour. Wear comfortable shoes. Tour does not operate on Sundays and holidays.