Uncover Honolulu’s tragic history, from Captain Cook to Pearl Harbor. Explore the dark past of this seemingly happy place.
Uncover Honolulu’s tragic history, from Captain Cook to Pearl Harbor. Explore the dark past of this seemingly happy place.
- King Kamehameha Statue - Discover the fascinating and intense tale of King Kamehameha’s conquest of Oahu.
- Iolani Palace - Envision a royal palace in the United States, complete with kings, queens, and thrones, and a rich history culminating in the unfortunate overthrow of the monarchy.
- Kawaiahao Church - Crafted by the notable…
- King Kamehameha Statue - Discover the fascinating and intense tale of King Kamehameha’s conquest of Oahu.
- Iolani Palace - Envision a royal palace in the United States, complete with kings, queens, and thrones, and a rich history culminating in the unfortunate overthrow of the monarchy.
- Kawaiahao Church - Crafted by the notable missionary Hiram Bingham, this “stone church” was anything but ordinary to the Hawaiians.
- Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives - As the Hawaiians say, “the missionaries came here to do good, and they did very well.”
- Honolulu Hale (City Hall) - A charming Italianate Spanish Colonial Revival building with a complex history.
- Hawaii State Capitol - A graceful representation of the aloha spirit, featuring a statue with a story of the queen who personified that spirit.
- Washington Place - The residence of Queen Liliuokalani, where she endured an unhappy marriage and returned after the monarchy’s overthrow.
- Saint Andrew’s Cathedral - Constructed from thousands of sandstone blocks cut in England and shipped to Hawaii, featuring a stunning stained glass nave and a poignant story of a king and his young son.
- Hawaii State Art Museum - Also known as the Hawai’i State Art Museum, originally the Royal Hawaiian Hotel built in 1872, so successful that a second Royal Hawaiian was constructed on Waikiki Beach (the Pink Palace).
- Ali’iolani Hale - Currently the Judiciary Building and home to the Hawaii State Supreme Court, this was the site of the Massie Affair, a significant event in Hawaiian legal history.

- A well-informed perspective from a life-long Hawaii resident, history teacher, and teller of tales.
- Forever access to the largest online trove of Hawaiian history videos (several thousands, all free)
- A well-informed perspective from a life-long Hawaii resident, history teacher, and teller of tales.
- Forever access to the largest online trove of Hawaiian history videos (several thousands, all free)
Who would have thought that such a joyful place harbors such a sorrowful past? Hawaii’s turbulent interaction with the outside world began with the arrival of Captain Cook, who met a grim fate. A few years later, in 1795, King Kamehameha marked his victory over Oahu by sacrificing his own cousin. The missionaries, who arrived in 1820, came with good…
Who would have thought that such a joyful place harbors such a sorrowful past? Hawaii’s turbulent interaction with the outside world began with the arrival of Captain Cook, who met a grim fate. A few years later, in 1795, King Kamehameha marked his victory over Oahu by sacrificing his own cousin. The missionaries, who arrived in 1820, came with good intentions and prospered. Following this, waves of imported laborers arrived to work in the sugar cane fields, leading to significant demographic changes. The monarchy was overthrown, followed by annexation and eventual statehood. Meanwhile, the attack on Pearl Harbor left a lasting impact. And it seems that despite all of this, the story is just beginning.
- Assistance available for those who need help with stairs or inclines
- Foldable wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers can be accommodated
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.