Review of the 'Iolani Palace
Revised
4/2021
Dear
Polite Traveler,
The more we visit the islands of Hawaii, the more
I feel compelled to learn more about the culture and the past, including the politics of various time periods. Consequently, we have visited the Polynesian Cultural
Center a few years ago and this year, the ‘Iolani Palace.
I thought I knew much of the history behind
Hawaii becoming a state and its previous relationship with the U.S. What
I knew was just a split second of Hawaii’s true history. What I
learned on our guided tour would be too much to share here, but I can share my
opinion and impression of Queen Liliuokalani and the tour’s accuracy.
Upon King David Kalākaua death, her
brother, Queen Liliuokalani became
the true leader of the Hawaiian Islands. Ultimately, she was
overthrown by, what are basically businessmen from the U.S. She
became a prisoner in her own home—the royal residence. It’s what she
did with her time isolated from her people that I find most
interesting. She created the most beautiful quilts and wrote an
amazing amount of music, much of which is still played today.
I believe many of us would have balled ourselves
up with hate and despair instead of creating beauty and joy. Perhaps
that is the real lesson to be learned from the Queen: love each other and be
kind. Please
share your experiences! |
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