Discover Deeper Hawaii History
Discover the stories that shaped Oʻahu through three distinctive historic sites.
Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design
One of the most unique cultural sites on Oʻahu. Perched on the oceanfront near Diamond Head in Honolulu, the museum was originally the private home of American heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke. It is the only U.S. museum dedicated to Islamic art.
Duke collected and commissioned artworks from across the Islamic world, eventually assembling nearly 4,500 objects including ceramics, textiles, woodwork, and glass from regions like Syria, Morocco, India, and Central Asia. The hidden gem of Diamond Head, visits are usually arranged through guided tours that depart from the Honolulu Museum of Art. Guests explore the house’s courtyards, gardens, and galleries while overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Statue of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole
Located along Kalākaua Avenue in Waikīkī, this statue honors one of Hawaiʻi’s most beloved historical figures, Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, known as the “People’s Prince”.
Statesman, Surfer & Heir to the Hawaiian Throne. While in Congress, he helped pass the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1921, which set aside land for Native Hawaiians—one of the most significant pieces of legislation for the preservation of Hawaiian communities. Each year on Prince Kūhiō Day (March 26), the statue becomes the focal point for parades, cultural ceremonies, and tributes honoring his enduring legacy in Hawaiʻi.
ʻIolani Palace
The only official royal palace in the United States and one of the most important historic landmarks in Hawaiʻi. Located in downtown Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu, it served as the residence and seat of government for the Hawaiian monarchy in the late 19th century.
Today, ʻIolani Palace has been carefully restored and operates as a museum where visitors can explore its grand halls, royal apartments, and historic artifacts. The palace offers a powerful glimpse into Hawaiʻi’s royal heritage and the pivotal events that shaped the islands’ history.