The Iolani Palace is a National Historic Landmark located in downtown Honolulu .
Iolani Palace was built on August 1882 by Hawaiian government appropriated funds to build a modern palace. King Kalakaua's vision was to enhance the prestige of Hawai`i overseas and to mark her status as a modern nation.
King Kalakaua installed electricity in the palace even before electricity was introduced into the White House.
Additionally, he installed other high tech gadgetry such as flushing toilets, bath tubs, and 200 gallon hot water tanks.
Queen Liliuokalani was also imprisoned within these palace walls during the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
This decorative plaque from one of the four principal Palace gateways depicts the Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Hawai`i and bears its motto: "Ua mau ke ea o ka`aina i ka pono"
"The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."
Here is the menu of tours available. We learned that children 4 and under are not permitted on self guided tours, but they can go on guided tours of the main palace.
Since my daughter is only 2 and we were limited on time , we chose the self guided Basement Gallery Exhibit where you are permitted self guided tours with kids under 4 for 7$.
When we arrived in the basement we were greeted with a nostalgic photo of Queen Lili`uokalani, King Kalakaua, and their family members.
Portrait of King Kamehameha II and Queen Kamehameha.
After the overthrow of the monarchy, Provisional Government officials inventoried the contents of `Iolani Palace and sold at public auction whatever furniture or furnishings were not suitable for government operations.
The Friends of `Iolani Palace, as part of its mission to preserve, restore, and share the spirit of `Iolani Palace, has endeavored to find, recover, and preserve original Palace and monarchy furnishings and objects (like these chairs) , many of which have been scattered throughout the world.
King Kalakaua's beloved canes and accessories.
The Queen's Royal Jewelry display was magnificent and truly memorable.
The Basement we toured was only a fraction of the Iolani Palace. I highly recommend that your family do a complete tour of the palace to get enlightened with Hawaiian history and culture.
The Museum is open:
Monday – Saturday 9am-5pm
Ticket window closes at 4pm
Address:
364 S King St
Honolulu, HI 96805
(808) 538-1471
Located minutes from the Honolulu airport, the Living Art Marine Center is a great way to witness the beauty of Hawai‘i’s underwater ecosystem in one of their many educational exhibits with tropical fish from all over the World.
The exhibits feature the latest in the Marine Ornamental Industry and Aquaculture methods such as Harlequin Shrimp breeding and Post-larvae Capture and Culture.
Tours are given at 10:00AM and 2:00PM every Saturday and Sunday. To book transportation and guided tours from Waikiki click on the following link: Living Art Marine Center.
My daughter and I opted for the self guided tour $5.00 (adult) and $5.00 (child) that comes with a Gyotaku,(Japanese fishprint). The gentlemen I purchased the tickets from explained the Living Art Marine Center was a cross between the Waikiki Aquarium and Bishop Science Center.
Our first stop was the Do-It- Yourself Center where kids can create and decorate a Hawaiian 'ipu, carve their name into a cowry Shell, or make a Gyotaku fish print.
Here my Daughter makes her own Gyotaku fishprint on a her Living Marine Center souvenir t-shirt I bought her for 6$.
After the DIY center, we headed to the Travel the Ocean exhibit that features tropical marine fishes they collect and export from Australia, Philippines, Indonesia, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, and The Red Sea.
At the Voyage Into the Deep exhibit, we learned when capturing fish living at a considerable depth, fishermen need to make sure they bring them up to the surface slowly. An inflated swim bladder or even death can be the result if this is not done properly.
My daughter really enjoyed the jellyfish tank.
The Shark Science and Culture exhibit shows how Sharks are a big part in many cultures around the Pacific Ocean. This misunderstood creature plays an important role in many Hawaiian mo‘olelo (stories) such as the kumulipo and is often heard in oli and mele.
We also learned sharks are threatened by habitat destruction, marine debris, and hunters going after their fins.
Surprisingly, this mako shark head did not freak my daughter out at all. She was more scared of the starfish in the touch pool.
The Hawaiian Art and Culture exhibit was informative and featured many unique weapons used made out of Shark's teeth.
Here is a Hawaiian drum made out of shark skin. One of many tools and instruments on display in this section.
Out side of the main exhibit hall lies the Aquaponics Garden. Aquaponics is a revolutionary system where plants, fish, bacteria, and lots of water are all involved in a sustainable cycle of life.
Here are some tomatoes grown without soil.
In the Hobbyist Center, visitors are treated to a unique peak into the industrial side of the Marine Ornamental Industry. We looked on as warehouse workers packed live ornamental fish to be shipped overseas.
After we were done checking out the Hobbyist center we went over to interact with hermit crabs, sea stars, and other invertebrate animals at the Discovery Center.
My daughter refused to be the first to touch the sea star, therefore I took the plunge.
In the building next to the touch tanks they had a few rooms parents can rent out to celebrate their kid's birthday party. They offer full service packages that include: a party facilitator, guided tour, scavenger hunt, Gyotaku fish print, lunch, drinks, and cake. If you interested in celebrating your kid's birthday here check prices and availability at their website.
The Living Art Marine Center is a hidden gem in Oahu and was an educational experience for our family. It is located in an industrial area near the airport making it convenient for visitors awaiting a flight or locals looking for a fun place to stimulate their kid's minds.
The address for the Living Art Marine Center is:
3239 Ualena Street #100, Honolulu HI 96819, Phone: (808) 841-8080
The USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
I highly recommend bringing the family on a weekday to avoid the crowds and find a decent parking spot.
Following the events of September 11, 2001, new security regulations have been implemented. No purses, handbags, backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags, or other items that offer concealment are allowed in the visitor center or on the Memorial tour.
Baggage storage is available for a small fee at the nearby USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and visitors are encouraged to use it.
Last time I visited the Arizona Memorial, I was in the Navy and the aircraft carrier I was stationed on pulled into the pier near the memorial in 2006. Today, I had the privilege and honor to take my 2 year old to visit this sacred memorial.
On the way to the USS Bowfin Submarine, we spotted 2 Polaris A-3 Ballistic missiles that the Navy used to launch from its submarines.
Here is a panorama view of the torpedoes used during the USS Bowfin's Era.
Here is the USS Bowfin, a retired submarine that the family can tour for 10$, children 4-12 4$.
USS Bowfin (SS-287) is a fleet attack submarine that fought in the Pacific during WWII, and helped to make famous the term, “Silent Service.” Bowfin was launched on 7 December 1942, exactly one year to the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. She was nicknamed the Pearl Harbor Avenger, so it is fitting that she is permanently home ported at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Fifty-two submarine memorials can be viewed at the Waterfront Memorial at Bowfin Park.
One could spend a day reading all the interesting facts and memorabilia on the memorial grounds alone, but there were 2 exhibits that I remembered being fascinated by that I wanted to take my little one to see.
This is a map carved out of marble that shows all tof he attacks on Oahu military targets in chronological order.
This prayer that first lady Eleanor Roosevelt kept in her wallet really moved me. As we toured the monument I received a familiar feeling of admiration and respect for the Americans that perished fighting in WWII.
At the appropriately named contemplation circle, one has a opportunity to gaze over toward the sunken Arizona Battleship and envision what it would have been like to watch the attack unfold.
Off in the distance you can spot the USS Missouri Battleship next to the final resting place of the USS Arizona. The USS Missouri is where the Japanese signed the peace treaty that ended the war.
You can take the family to tour "Mighty Mo" by purchasing tickets near the USS Bowfin Submarine exhibit area. Transportation is provided to Ford Island where you can also check the Pacific Aviation Museum.
Near the 2 exhibits there is a snack shop to pick up sandwiches and beverages. Since it was a beautiful day, we grabbed a sandwich, a can of Hawaiian Sun, and some of my daughters favorite ice cream to enjoy a picnic on the meticulously maintained grounds.
As we were enjoying our picnic in the park area, local birds came in to get a free meal. In the video above, a bird takes off with one of my potato chips. My daughter was very amused. More free entertainment for the whole family.
There are two main exhibits visitors can go into for free. One is the based on the events leading to the war , the other on the attack of Pearl Harbor itself.
Encased in this glass lies the recovered torpedo that pierced the Arizona's forward hull and caused the ship to sink.
Memorabilia to show the ships pride. Boxing was a popular past time for the Arizona's crew members. On display visitors can view one of the robes worn during that era.
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Here is a replica of the Japanese aircraft carrier that the zeros used as launch pad to initiate "the day in infamy."
in addition to the Submarine Tour, Exhibits, and giftshops, there is a ferry that takes visitors out to the site of the sunken Arizona Battleship. I had already seen it on my previous trip and I knew my daughter wasnt going to have the patience. I highly encourage that your family include that portion of the memorial to get the full experience. Its well worth the wait and your time.
The address to the USS Arizona Memorial is Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu - (808) 422-2771
For transportation and tours of Pearl Harbor click the photo above for more information.
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