'Iolani Palace | Honolulu, O'ahu

Up for a bit of Hawaiian history? Tour the palace that once housed Hawaiian royalty for a glimpse of what life was like in the late 1800s. You'll get a feel for how King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani entertained guests and dignitaries, what they wore, which rooms they relaxed in, and where they dined prior to the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. 

I recently had the opportunity to tour 'Iolani Palace as well as perform some community service work polishing and dusting some of the furniture (with white gloves on!). Below are a few snaps from my day, but it's worth seeing in person.

the dining room.

the toilet and tub (below)!

parties would take place here. guests would dance here, then move over 

to the dining room for dinner.

replica of one of the queen's dresses.

the gold room. they would play music here.

music player.

cute book stand with original books.

telephone.

king's office/den.

beautiful details on the ceilings.

telephone!

the office...official documents on the desk!

hidden parlor towards the back of the room. see it in the corner?

the king played cards with friends back in that room.

a book pulled out of the archives for cleaning. 

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must see: yes, for hawaiian history

entrance fee: $20-27 for adults, $6 kids (under 4 free)

parking: yes, on grounds, also street parking

bathrooms: yes

good for kids: most areas have fragile items, no running or playing, etc, no personal strollers (you may use theirs)

concession: no as food or drink not allowed,

but there is a small gift shop

approximate time needed: 1-2 hours

suggested items to bring: camera. photography is allowed, but no video.

tip 1: take the guided tour. the docents are very knowledgeable and give you some fun facts you may not hear in the audio/self-guided tour.

what to do after: take a quick look around the state capitol. if you are here during the christmas season, check out the decorated trees at honolulu hale.

364 S. King Street

Honolulu, HI | 96813

Kukaniloko Birthing Stones | Central O'ahu

Located in between the two O'ahu mountain ranges, the Kukaniloko Birthing Stones were said to be centrally located so that it could be seen by chiefs on either mountain range. It was the most powerful birthplace for Hawai'i's royalty. Only Ali'i could walk these sacred grounds and give birth here because the mana, or power, was passed thru to the child. Mothers were put on a strict diet and given a special sap drink to make it a painless birth.

Even though the stones are no longer used as a birthing place, there is still a sense of calm when you enter the park. From the Wahiawa plateau, there is a beautiful view of the Waianae Mountain Range as well as the Ko'olaus in the distance.

the birthplace is clearly defined by tall trees.

the mother never actually touches the stones. indentations in the stones are said to be where helpers placed their feet to steady themselves while holding the mother. 

this is on the way to the north shore. if you are headed that way, it's worth a quick stop to take in the beauty of this historical place.

from the road, it doesn't look like anything...but walk down this path, and you're treated to an amazing view.

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must see: yes, if in area

entrance fee: free

parking: very limited, but people don't stay long.

bathrooms: no

good for kids: yes

concession: no

approximate time needed: 30 minutes

suggested items to bring: camera

tip 1: after the rain, it can get muddy near the parking area.

what to do after: head to the north shore for some fun in the sun. stop at the Aloha General Store in the North Shore Marketplace for shave ice.

Wahiawa, HI | 96786

China Walls | East O'ahu

If you love cliff jumping, there are a few places on O'ahu that might satisfy your craving during your stay. While Waimea Bay is a popular spot on the north shore, you can test the waters at China Walls on the east side first before graduating to Spitting Caves a few blocks up the road. A few words of caution:

- never underestimate the power of the waves

- talk to locals about potential hazards

- keep children away from the edge

- if in doubt, don't jump

- go with a friend

beautiful view of the bay.

the entrance is at the end of this cul-de-sac.

make note of this emergency response location in case of trouble.

note: if the rocks are wet, you are within reach of the waves!

path to the cliffs.

grab a spot and take in the view. amazing place to watch the sunset. you can jump in and swim, but use extreme caution.

the beautiful lava layers.

are you one for extreme sports?

do you like to cliff-jump?

see my periscope video of china walls:

more on katch.

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must see: no

parking: street parking in neighborhood

bathrooms: no

good for kids: no

concession: no

approximate time needed: 1-2 hrs if you plan to swim

what to bring: sunscreen

tip 1: great place to catch the sunset.

tip 2: bring a knife and soy sauce and you can enjoy fresh opihi straight off the rock.

what to do after: shave ice or smoothies at kokonuts shave ice & snacks. or grab a loco moco or zip pac at zippy's.

Hanapepe Place | Honolulu, HI | 96825