I moved to Honolulu 4 years ago as an international student and expected stunning beaches, pleasant weather and surfing atmosphere. But what suprised me the most here was the extent of historical depth in this island. There are four historical places in Honolulu that I want to tell you about because these places have helped me to understand Hawaii and its rich history.
1. The Iolani Palace
I visited this palace just couple days ago and it was incredible. Located in the heart of downtown Honolulu, this building served as the official royal residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom during the reigns of King Kalākaua and the Queen. This palace offered me the chance to see the throne room, the dining hall and the room where the Queen was confined to house arrest. It was as if I had entered into a completely different Hawaii, one that was full of grandeur and full of struggle. I definitely recommend to have a guide for the tour because there so much hidden behind all the places artefacts. I really liked the fact that most of the stuff you could se there was a message from King Kalakua about the connection to other countries. Iolani Palace with tour guide is definitely number 1 go to place in within history in Honolulu.
2. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
It´s been a while since I visited this place but I remember how kind of an emotional day it was when I decided to visit Pearl Harbor. This is the place where the Japanese launched a surprise attack in 1941 that led to the entry of the United States into the Second World War. It is almost impossible not to be touched when you find yourself at the USS Arizona Memorial floating over the battleship sunk during the attack. You can also visit museums, view historic submarines or even board a battleship. I would advise you to spend your time here because it is not just for history enthusiasts, but for everybody who wants to know more about the world.
3. Mission Houses Museum
A place where Hawaii meets the West. This place is a bit smaller compare to other building but it honestly suprised me a lot. The Mission Houses Museum is an interesting place to learn about the first Christian missionaries who set foot in Hawaii in the 19th century. You can actually visit the oldest Western-style buildings in the state and learn about how early printing presses helped to establish written Hawaiian language. It is a very interesting amalgamation of cultures and views. They have amazing tour guide who know literally everything about Hawaii and its history. So, visit this place and definitely ask questions!
It has been wonderful to live and study in Honolulu and learning about its history has only made me appreciate the island even more. These three historical sites have helped me to understand how Hawaii became what it is today, from royal kingdoms and world wars to cultural fusion.
If you are in Honolulu, take a break from the beach and go and visit these places. Trust me, it’ll make your time here a lot more meaningful.
