Palaces / Temples, Oahu

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The Byodo Temple is located in the Valley of the Temples. The Byodo Temple is a Japanese temple whose names translates as “Temple of Equality.” The temple was dedicated in 1968 as a centennial commemoration of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. The sacred bell; bon-sho is heard ringing as visitors ring the bell for happiness and longevity. Inside the temple is an 18 foot tall golden Buddha for guests to pray and light incense.

There are gardens surrounding the temple as well as fishponds full of koi and gravesites of the departed.

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Historically, this is one of the most important and interesting places in Hawaii. In the beginning this spot was planned to be the burial site of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma’s son, Prince Albert who died at the age of 4 and was their only son. Then, a year and a half later the king himself dies of asthma. It was decided to bury him beside his son, at the Mauna ‘Ala.
Later Mauna ‘Ala became Royal Mausoleum and all the Hawaiian Monarchs were brought here for their final rest. Only two kings are not buried here: Lunalilo who insisted to be buried at the Kawaiahao Church (right by the Mission Houses) and Kamehameha the Great whose burial place is unknown, following the local tradition of Hawaiian royalty his body was hidden and no one knows where.
From our guide at the Queen Emma’s Palace I have learned that Mauna ‘Ala is the only piece of land in the Hawaiian islands that does not belong to the United States. This is why only the Hawaiian flag is present at the Royal Mausoleum, while anywhere else you’ll always find the American flag as well.
It will take you no more than half an hour to see all the tombs. Once entered, on your left you will find the Kamehameha dynasty tombs and the entrance to the underground crypt will be on the right, hidden. The crypt belongs to the Kalakaua dynasty, its gate is always closed but you can see the site through the iron bars decorated with golden coats of arms.
Getting there is quite easy, if you don’t have a car just take bus #4 from Honolulu downtown and get off at “Nuuanu & Kawananakoa Place”.

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When the Iolani Palacer was completed in 1882, it was the 'architectural marvel' of its period.

Not only did it cost the vast sum of $360,000, but it boasted all of the modern conveniences of the day--indoor plumbing, telephones, electric lights and hot and cold running water--amenties the U.S. White House didn't have!

The palace was home to the last two Hawaiian monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. When the monarchy was overthrown in 1893 it was used as the capitol. In 1963, when Hawaii became a state and after a new capitol was constructed, restoration began on the Iolani Palace.

Docent, Richard McWilliams, conducted us through the palace on our 10:15 am tour. He noted the main stairway, created of Koa Wood and brought back to it's original beauty.

I was impressed with the Throne Room, whose upholstered thrones, though somewhat faded still bear their original covering. They were considered sacred once the royalty sat upon them!

The basement held the kitchen and an interesting display of royal artifacts, such as Kahili (royal feathered standards), ceremonial hair necklaces, vintage photos and the state China service.

pic #2 Guard barracks (1870), now ticket office, restrooms, etc.
pic #3 Children's Polynesian dance group
pic #4 The Royal Hawaiian Band

FYI: The Royal Hawaiian Band performs on the grounds each Friday from 12N-1:00 p.m. and on Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Bandmaster Michael Nakasone is the conductor of this 35 member band. The Royal Hawaiian Band was founded by King Kamehameha III in 1836.

Reservations are recommended. No photography is allowed inside the Palace.

Queen Emma's Summer Palace is ideally located at the top of a mountain where the tradewinds blow through open windows, cooling the structure from one end to the other.

This 3,000 square foot home was actually purchased by John G. Lewis, then sold to Queen Emma's uncle, John Young II. It was prefabricated in Boston and placed on the property in 1848. When Queen Emma inherited it, this two bedroom home was the family getaway. (Emma was King Kamehameha the IV's wife).

A guide conducts you through rooms which are spacious and airy, highlighting special family pieces, such as Prince Albert's canoe-shaped cradle. The royal family must have found relief from their responsibilities in the peace and quiet of this mountain top.

This structure was rescued by The Daughters of Hawaii in 1913 before it was demolished. After renovations, it was opened for public viewing in 1915.

In the yard, huge monkey pod trees offer shade and mango trees drop their fruit outside the door. A gift shop and rest rooms are located on the premises.

Open daily from 9am-4pm; the cost $6.00 less for children. No pictures were permitted inside the palace. The palace was once called Hanaiakamalama.

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Iolani Palace was built in 1882 by King Kalakaua. It housed him and his sister (and successor) Queen Lili`uokalani. It is the only royal palace on US soil.

Walking around the grounds you'll see the gates, palace, the army barracks, coronation pavilion and sacred mound. The palace's website gives detailed information on all of the historic sights.

Tours are held Tuesday through Saturday. Three tours are available, docent-led, audio-guided and self-guided (basement gallery only). They range in price from $20-$6 per adult.

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The Byodo-In Temple is a replica of a 900 year old temple in Uji Japan and it was built to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the island. The temple was built to resemble a phoenix which symbolizes hope and renewal.

The main room is known as the Ho-o-do which houses the image of Amida (the Budha of the Western Paradise). The Amida was carved by a Japanese artist and is the largest carved in over 900 years. He is seated on a lotus flower and measures over 18ft. It is quite an impressive Budha.

You will also find a sacred bell which weighs three tons and is said that "ringing the bell will cleanse the mind of all evil tempations through its listening tones". There are a few wonderful ponds with plenty of Kois and plenty of birds as well.

You will feel an inner peace and tranquility while you are visiting the temple, take your time to savor the beauty and serenity.

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This is not just another church, this is the very first church of Hawaii! It’s located right across the street from the Mission Houses so it’s not hard to guess who built this church.
There are quite a few unique facts about the building and the area around it. Well, first it was built entirely of coral blocks that were brought from the ocean.
Second, look at the fountain on the King Street’s side of the building. It was a spa once and was used by Royalty for both bathing and baptism.
Next to the church there’s a small mausoleum, it’s a burial place of the first elected king of Hawaii.
The main entrance is usually closed, but the back door is always open and you can explore the interior, decorated with portraits of royal families’ members.
The cemetery on the back yard is a significant historic place as well, since missionaries and their family members are buried there.
Names that are mentioned during the tour of the Mission Houses are found on many of the tombstones.
And on Sundays, if you’re interested, you can attend a service in Hawaiian language, another unique experience.

A structure outside the Iolani Palace is not just a lovely terrace; it is actually the coronation pavilion for both Kalakaua and Liliuikalani.
Ironically, King Kalakaua had his official coronation 8 years after he was elected Hawaiian monarch.
It was placed by the palace in 1920, after removing it from its plrevious place where it was facing the King’s street. The King Street got its name at the time of Missionaries’ arrival to the island. While mission houses and the church were built king Kamheamhea used to pass by in his carriage to show his presence to the newcomers.
There’s so much interesting history to this island. 3 weeks weren’t enough to learn it all.