The Iolani Palace, a historic and compelling royal palace located in Honolulu,  stirs feelings of majesty and power to all who witness her beauty.

We’re lucky to have our office headquarters located just minutes from the Iolani Palace and other historic Honolulu landmarks, like the King Kamehameha Statue.

If you’re in the area, check out the Iolani Palace for occasional performances by the Royal Hawaiian Band (best of all, the concerts are free!).

The Royal Hawaiian Band performs “Aloha Oe”

In June 2011 we stopped by the palace on a Friday afternoon to watch a performance of Queen Liliuokalani’s “Aloha Oe”.

I like walking the palace grounds during the daytime because at the heart of the bustle of Honolulu is a unique attraction in all of America–Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States.

Tips for visiting the Iolani Palace

• Bring coins (no pennies) for street parking along S. King Street and Richards Street
• Check the schedule for the Royal Hawaiian Band here
• Don’t forget to visit the Kamehameha Statue and the Ali’iolani Hale (located directly behind the statue)
• Bring a mat and lunch for a royal picnic on the palace grounds

More Info

Be sure to visit our Hawaii Travel Guide, you’ll find more information about the Iolani Palace, including the historical summary below:

“Built in 1881, the Iolani Palace was mainly used as a royal residence and main court of Hawaii’s government. Flushing toilets, hot water tanks, electricity—all these amenities filled the rooms ofIolani Palace even before the White House had them!…”

During the APEC Conference, tours of the Iolani Palace have been suspended by the State of Hawaii in order to protect the palace, its exhibits and belongings, as well as its employees.

The regular schedule for Iolani Palace tours will continue on Tuesday, November 15th.

See you in Honolulu!

Read more: Iolani Palace and the Royal Hawaiian Band

When I was growing up my dad collected books about palm trees in Hawaii and across the world. He had books about the most exotic of species and the common ones you’ll find along the highways in Hawaii.

Though I never really studied them nor can I name more than a few types (Cocos nucifer, anyone?), palm trees have never failed to impress, inspire, and intrigue me.

Palm trees at Kaimana Beach

About cocos nucifer

The coconut palm, or niu in Hawaiian, is one of the most important plants to the islands, brought here by Polynesians during their voyage across the Pacific. The niu is one of many “canoe plants”, that accompanied the Polynesians on their long journeys.

The niu is probably the most useful plant in all of the tropics. In addition to simply looking good on any stretch of land, the coconut palm tree can be used for:

• food and drink, including coconut water and meat
• shade and shelter (these trees can withstand strong hurricane winds)
• clothings
• furniture, baskets, and mats
• brooms and fans
• soaps and ointments
• oil for fuel and light

(Did we miss any? Leave us a comment!)

Even more intriguing, Hawaiian fishermen would chew coconut meat, then spit it onto water. This created a calm over the water that made it easy enough to see a fish underwater the surface. The next thing that happened? Dinner was ready to be cooked.

A symbol of Hawaii

Palms trees will forever be a symbol of the Hawaiian Islands. Every visitor who comes to Hawaii will fall in love with these tropical trees. Their abundance is to be admired, and their existence has a richer history than most would expect.

Did you know?

The State of Hawaii removes all coconuts from palm trees located on public space. Why? Because if one falls down it’s dangerous! Palm trees on private land are left liable in the hands of their owners.

Read more: One Thing I Love: Palm Trees in Hawaii

A fun, food-lovin’ update from Discover Hawaii News about Eat the Street: Dia De Los Muertos, a special event celebrating local Hawaii food and culture.

This month, Eat the Street is Latin food in honor of the holiday “Dia de Los Muertos”, a Hispanic celebration of the passing of loved ones into the next world.

Look for these food carts

• Achilles Grill
• Baja Style Mexican Food
• EAT Café
• Koi Catering & Takeout
• Paul’s Poppers
•  

Click here to read more about the event.

Read more: Eat the Street: Dia De Los Muertos in Hawaii

Discover Hawaii News paid a visit to the new Pan Am exhibit at the Pacific Aviation Museum, here’s the review.

The Pacific Aviation Museum unveiled its new Pan Am exhibit on the 75th anniversary of the first paying passengers flying from San Francisco to Honolulu.

During the opening ceremony the audience got a chance to hear from a member of the Board of Directors at the Pacific Aviation Museum and the Pan Am Representative, Ed Swofford, who said,

“This day is one that I’ve dreamed of for some time. I was hoping to get a permanent exhibit for Pan American in a museum for the rest of history.”

Displays at the Pacific Aviation Museum Pan Am Exhibit

Read more at Discover Hawaii News.

Read more: Update: New Pan Am Exhibit at Pacific Aviation Museum

Discover Hawaii News is heading to the Pacific Aviation Museum to check out the new Pan Am exhibit on Saturday, October 22, 2011. Stay tuned for updates on our news site!

The new Pan Am exhibit celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Pan American Airways.

Stay tuned, we’ll be posting a review with pictures of the “Come Fly With Me” Pan Am exhibit grand opening. We’ll be on the lookout for great displays featuring classic Pan American Airways branded items and more…

Read more: Come Fly With Us: Discover Hawaii News heads to the new Pan Am exhibit tomorrow