Monarchs & Missionaries: Hawaii's Royal History
Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Step back in time on this unforgettable visit to the historic highlights of the 1,000-year-old Kingdom of Hawaii. Join this fun and interesting adventure to see the crown jewels of this former sovereign nation.
Travel into the lush Nu'uanu Valley, through a tropical rainforest 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 important battles in Hawaiian history, in which Kamehameha I conquered the island of Oahu, bringing it under his rule.
After driving through a spectacular tree tunnel you arrive at Hawaii's sacred Royal Mausoleum,"Mauna 'Ala", the final resting place of six of the kingdom's last eight ruling monarchs.
A self-guided tour inside a true Hawaiian national treasure, Iolani Palace, is next. 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. A quick walk will bring you to additional sites of interest including the legendary King Kamehameha's statue and the unique Kawaiahao Church, "the Westminster Abbey of Hawaii".
Royal history would not be complete without understanding the role Christian missionaries played in shaping the islands. At the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives (HMH) you will visit three restored houses, two of which are the oldest houses in Hawaii. Here you'll learn about research archives which provide a unique glimpse into 19th-century Hawaii both on site and online. The HMH was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965.
At the conclusion of the tour, you'll reboard your vehicle for a short ride to the pier.
Points of interest
Pali Lookout
Iolani Palace
Schedule
Special Notes
Minimum age is 5 years. Guests must be able to walk 800 yards on flat sidewalks and inside venues. There is over 2.5 hours of standing and/or walking involved so comfortable shoes are recommended. Bring a hat and bottled water. No wheelchairs, scooters or walkers due to no storage compartments on the vehicle.
This tour is not available on Sundays or holidays when the Iolani Palace is closed.
Exceptional Value
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Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Step back in time on this unforgettable visit to the historic highlights of the 1,000-year-old Kingdom of Hawaii. Join this fun and interesting adventure to see the crown jewels of this former sovereign nation.
Travel into the lush Nu'uanu Valley, through a tropical rainforest 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 important battles in Hawaiian history, in which Kamehameha I conquered the island of Oahu, bringing it under his rule.
After driving through a spectacular tree tunnel you arrive at Hawaii's sacred Royal Mausoleum,"Mauna 'Ala", the final resting place of six of the kingdom's last eight ruling monarchs.
A self-guided tour inside a true Hawaiian national treasure, Iolani Palace, is next. 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. A quick walk will bring you to additional sites of interest including the legendary King Kamehameha's statue and the unique Kawaiahao Church, "the Westminster Abbey of Hawaii".
Royal history would not be complete without understanding the role Christian missionaries played in shaping the islands. At the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives (HMH) you will visit three restored houses, two of which are the oldest houses in Hawaii. Here you'll learn about research archives which provide a unique glimpse into 19th-century Hawaii both on site and online. The HMH was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965.
At the conclusion of the tour, you'll reboard your vehicle for a short ride to the pier.
Points of interest
Pali Lookout
Iolani Palace
Schedule
Special Notes
Minimum age is 5 years. Guests must be able to walk 800 yards on flat sidewalks and inside venues. There is over 2.5 hours of standing and/or walking involved so comfortable shoes are recommended. Bring a hat and bottled water. No wheelchairs, scooters or walkers due to no storage compartments on the vehicle.
This tour is not available on Sundays or holidays when the Iolani Palace is closed.