USA, Hawaiian Islands – In the Middle of the Pacific V.
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You can get to this royal mansion from King Street which is lined with greenery. The palace itself stands on sacred ground. Once the nobles of native Hawaiian society were buried there. Europeanization of the islands caused the taste of the elites to change. In the 1820s the first royal Western-style tomb inspired by the tombs in the Westminster abbey, London was built here.
In the 1840s, Hale Aliʻi (the house of chiefs) was built here. The current palace is about two thirds larger than Hale Aliʻi. In the 1970s the former palace was destroyed and construction of a new, modern, and more opulent began.
It was equipped with its own plumbing, electric light, or telephone. By the way, the very name of the palace is very noble and refers to a species of Hawaiian hawk and deer. It is an adjective that means heavenly or magnificent.
The tour is possible with a guide or independently with an audio guide. Inside there is the throne room in crimson and gold colors. The king held official diplomatic audiences here, grandiose balls took place here as well. Other interesting part are private royal chambers. Furniture in the bedroom bears apparent traces of Asian as well as European influences. Next to the bedroom there is a study room. There one of Hawaiian first telephones is isntalled.
Moreover, you can see historical tableware, glassware and silver collections bearing royal insignia, or a weapon collection (including remarkable royal sword, helmet or decoration).
There is not much to see on the palace grounds. Basically, only the coronation pavilion built in 1883. Classical music concerts take place regularly next to it. Today, the Hawaiian governor’s inauguration takes place there.
Should you decide to visit the palace then take a look at the official website and browse the calendar . Various events, which may interesting for you, take place here including music concerts, or Hawaiian quilting classes.
GPS: 21°18'24.5"N 157°51'31.7"W
Text: Maxim Kucer
Photos: Wikimedia Commons: Jason Raia, Arjunkrsen, Jason Raia (2), Jason Raia (3), Tokugawapants, Jeff Kern, Jeff Kern (2), WPPilot
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