During my final days in Honolulu, I was honored to tour Iolani Palace, the official residence of King Kalākaua and Queen Lili'uokalani, the last in a long line of Hawaii’s royal monarchs. It was built in 1882 and in its heyday was the center of political and social life on O'ahu. Iolani Palace was the first royal residence to have electricity, predating Buckingham Palace and the White House. Hawaii has such a rich history, and a unique place in America as the only monarchy – indeed, the only sovereign nation – to have joined the United States. And Iolani (or “heavenly hawk”) is the only royal palace in the US. The building itself has been restored and is open to the public for visits and events. I am grateful to the caretakers of this magnificent museum for their hospitality.
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