Through A Glass Darkly The Strange and Tragic History Of Honolulu
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1h
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About this experience
Who would imagine that such a happy place has such a tragic history? Hawaii's tumultuous encounter with the outside world began with the arrival of Captain Cook, whom they ate, sort of, for his troubles. A few years later, King Kamehameha celebrated his conquest of Oahu in 1795 by sacrificing his own cousin. The missionaries, who arrived in 1820, came here to do good... and did very well. Then there was the demographic bomb of waves of imported labor to cut sugar cane. Then the overthrow of the monarchy, annexation, and statehood. In the meantime, there was Pearl Harbor. And it seems that for all of that, we're just getting started.
Available options
Through A Glass Darkly The Strange and Tragic History Of Honolulu
What's included
A well-informed perspective from a life-long Hawaii resident, history teacher, and teller of tales.
Forever access to the largest online trove of Hawaiian history videos (several thousands, all free)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Learn the amazing (and horrifying) story of the conquest of Oahu by King Kamehameha.
2
Stop 2
Imagine... a royal palace (with kings and queens and thrones and stuff) in the United States... and a storied past that ends with the tragic overthrow of the monarchy.
3
Stop 3
Designed by the infamous missionary Hiram Bingham, this "stone church" (to the Hawaiians) was anything but.
4
Stop 4
As the Hawaiians say, "the missionaries came here to do good, and they did very well."
5
Stop 5
A lovely Italianate Spanish Colonial Revival structure with an unlovely past.
6
Stop 6
An elegant expression of the aloha spirit... and a statue (with a story) of the queen who embodied that spirit.
7
Queen Liliuokalani's home where she lived in an unhappy marriage and where she returned to after the overthrow of the monarchy.
8
A church built from thousands of block of sandstone cut in England and shipped to Hawaii. A magnificent stained glass nave. And a tragic tale of a king and his little boy.
9
Also known as the Hawai'i State Art Museum, this was the original Royal Hawaiian Hotel (built in 1872). So successful that a second Royal Hawaiian was built on Waikiki Beach (the Pink Palace).
10
Stop 10
Now the Judiciary Building and home to the Hawaii State Supreme Court, this was where the Massie Affair, the marquee event of Hawaiian jurisprudence), played out
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Assistance available for those who need help with stairs or inclines
Foldable wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers can be accommodated
Meeting point
We'll meet at 10:45 AM at the King Kamehameha Statue, located right across the street (S. King St.) from Iolani Palace. Abundant free parking in the lots adjacent to the statue on weekends. Your guide is the big guy with the walking stick and lantern.
About Oahu
Oahu, known as 'The Gathering Place,' is the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and home to the state capital, Honolulu. It offers a unique blend of urban attractions, historical sites, and stunning natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a diverse Hawaiian experience.
Top Attractions
Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world, known for its golden sand, clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. It's perfect for swimming, surfing, and people-watching.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Pearl Harbor is a historic site that commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. Visitors can tour the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.
Historical
Half day to full day
Free to $2.00 for the USS Arizona Memorial program
Diamond Head State Monument
Diamond Head is an iconic volcanic crater offering stunning views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. The hike to the summit is moderate and rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views.
Nature
2-3 hours
$5 per vehicle, $1 per pedestrian
Must-Try Local Dishes
Poke
A Hawaiian raw fish salad typically made with ahi tuna or salmon, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made with cooked fish or tofu for a vegetarian/vegan option.
Loco Moco
A hearty dish consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.
Dinner
Can be made with a vegetarian patty or tofu.
Shave Ice
Finely shaved ice topped with flavored syrups and often served with a scoop of ice cream or sweetened condensed milk.
Dessert
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Surfing
ATV tours
Zip-lining
Beach lounging
Spas
Sunset cruises
Luaus
Best Time to Visit
December to March
This is the peak tourist season due to the winter whale-watching season and the Christmas holidays. The weather is pleasant, with occasional rain showers.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
GMT-10:00 (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Oahu is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates in tourist areas. However, visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and take basic safety precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services
- • Avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach
- • Be aware of strong currents and rip tides when swimming
Getting there
By air
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport • 5 km from Honolulu
By bus
Honolulu, Waikiki
Getting around
Public transport
The Bus system is affordable and covers most of Oahu, including major attractions and neighborhoods. Fares are $3 per ride, and day passes are available.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Waikiki
Honolulu
North Shore
Day trips
Kualoa Ranch
30 miles from Honolulu • Full day
Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre nature reserve and working cattle ranch offering a variety of outdoor activities, including ATV tours, horseback riding, and movie site tours.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
10 miles from Honolulu • Half day
Hanauma Bay is a marine life conservation district offering excellent snorkeling opportunities in a protected, pristine environment. The bay is home to a diverse range of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins.
Kualoa Ranch
30 miles from Honolulu • Full day
Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre nature reserve and working cattle ranch offering a variety of outdoor activities, including ATV tours, horseback riding, and movie site tours.
Festivals
Honolulu Festival • March
Merrie Monarch Festival • April
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions like Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat
- Rent a car for at least a few days to explore the island's diverse landscapes and attractions
- Try local dishes like poke, loco moco, and shave ice for an authentic Hawaiian culinary experience
- Pack light, breathable clothing and reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin and the environment
- Learn a few basic Hawaiian phrases to show respect for the local culture and enhance your travel experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
