Where to go: Iolani Palace in Honolulu, Hawaii
Built in 1882 by King Kalakaua it was the official home to the royal family of Hawaii until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. The Palace is on the National Historic Landmark and is the only royal residence in the United States.
King Kalakaua
The Palace is understated elegance. One thing I loved was seeing that the King's chair at the dining room table was set on the side in the center. That way he could be sure to have easy conversation with his guests...this is the Hawaiian way. Guests are considered 'ohana' family and the Hawaiian people are extremely welcoming and generous.
The Throne Room is decorated in crimson and gold.
The long poles with cylinders on top made of feathers are called Kāhili in Hawaiian. They are used to represent chiefs and royal families. It is the Hawaiian royal standard that past from one generation to the next. Creating each Kāhili can take more than two to three hundred hours to create and use several thousand feathers.
The original peacock dress was worn by Queen Liliuokalani at Queen Victoria's Jubilee celebration in London in 1887. This is a gorgeous replica.
