Hawaii has at least one thing that none of the other 49 states in the union can claim: It is home to the only monarchy in the history of the U.S. In fact, the three royal palaces one can see in the U.S. all stand in Hawaii.
Interest regarding Hawaii's royal past is growing among visitors, part of an overall trend among tourists looking for experiences and cultural sites that are particular to their destination.
"Visitors are looking for unique, only-in-Hawaii experiences, and they want to connect in more authentic ways that are unique to the destination," said Robyn Basso, senior director of travel industry partnerships for the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. "The cultural and historical experiences available set Hawaii apart as a destination."
The imprints of the kingdom are all over modern Hawaii, not just in the temples and other historical sites, but also the state's flag and motto. Kamehameha I was the first to unify all of the islands under one rule, first winning control of his native Hawaii Island before conquering the bulk of the other islands in 1795. The remainder joined the kingdom peacefully, and Kamehameha presided over the united Hawaiian Islands until 1819.
The Kamehameha dynasty lasted for five rulers in all, until 1872, and Hawaii functioned as a monarchy until 1893, when Liliuokalani was overthrown by Americans and other foreign nationals living on the islands with the aid of U.S. Marines. After 98 years and nine rulers, the legacy and remnants of the monarchy can be seen across the Islands.
King Kamehameha I Statue (Hawaii Island/Oahu): The Kingdom's founder and first ruler is believed to have been born on Hawaii Island in the town of Kapaau in 1758. He died in 1819, when his eldest son took over. A statue was made in Florence, Italy, in 1880 to commemorate Kamehameha I and his impact on the islands. The statue was lost near Cape Horn during shipping, and a replica was made. The original statue was found at sea in 1912, and stands today at the North Kohala Civic Center near the king's birthplace. The replica is the more well-known statue, standing in downtown Honolulu. The 18-foot bronze statue is decorated with leis every June 11 in celebration of Kamehameha Day.
Iolani Palace (Oahu): There were many royal residences, but the majority have been torn down, destroyed or repurposed. Today, the division of state parks administers three palaces that actually housed a Hawaiian monarch at one point. Finished in 1882, Iolani Palace served as the seat of power until the end of the kingdom in 1893 and then served as the primary government building until 1969 when the adjacent state capitol building was completed. The palace is now a National Historical Landmark and has been open to the public since 1978. Located in downtown Honolulu, exhibits and artifacts related to Hawaii's royal history are housed in the opulent building featuring koa wood floors and Italian architecture.
Hulihee Palace (Hawaii Island): This palace in historical Kailua-Kona was a favorite summer home of the royal family. Hulihee Palace is now a museum highlighting Victorian artifacts from the period of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani. Built out of lava rock, the palace features koa furniture, Hawaiian quilts, portraits and other artifacts of Hawaiian history. One Sunday each month the palace hosts a cultural day on its lawn including a halau hula.
Queen Emma Summer Palace (Oahu): This palace, also known as Hanaiakamalama, was the favored summer retreat for Queen Emma of Hawaii and her husband King Kamehameha IV. Added to the National Register of Historic places in 1972, it is a museum and tourist site maintained by the Daughters of Hawaii.
Bishop Museum (Oahu): Charles Reed Bishop founded Bishop Museum in 1889 in honor of his wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendent of the royal Kamehameha family. The museum houses a broad collection of Hawaiian artifacts and offers insight into the lives of the royal family. There are portraits of monarchs and displays of some of their personal belongings. The museum's "Monarchs Tour" takes visitors through Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace and offers insider tales of the royal family.
Kapiolani Regional Park: Originally a track for race horses built by King Kalakaua, Kapiolani Regional Park, near Waikiki, eventually became Hawaii's first official public space in 1877. The Royal Hawaiian Band, founded by King Kamehameha III in 1836, puts on regular free concerts at the park's bandstand. The 300-acre park attracts leisure walkers, sports enthusiasts and tourists alike, featuring multiple running tracks, nature areas, the Honolulu Zoo and an aquarium.