Waikiki – Beautiful Invisibility

Diamond Head

Diamond Head is one of the many systems of cones, vents, and associated eruption flows which geologists have categorized as the Honolulu Volcanic Series. They were part of eruptions from the now dormant Koʻolau Volcano. Other well-known volcanic landmarks, include the Punchbowl Crater, Hanauma Bay, Koko Head, and Mānana Island.

Ghandi Statue

Photo of statue of Mahatma Ghandi — A statue of Mahatma Ghandi is placed right in front of the zoo. Selecting the image opens a larger view in a new browser tab.

A nice surprise at Waikiki beach is the statue of Mahatma Ghandi that is placed near Waikiki Beach in the Queen Kapiolani Park near the zoo. I love that he is draped with leis.

Queen Emma’s Summer Palace

We stopped here on our way to the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout. Queen Emma was the wife of King Kamehameha IV from 1856 to his death in 1863. Selecting any photo will display it in a new browser tab.

Photo of Queen Emma's shorter hatstand. — A hatstand in the entry hall of the summer palace, built specifically for Queen Emma, who stood only 5’2”.

Photo of one of Queen Emma's beds. — One of Queen Emma’s beds — this one from when she was young. Note the pullout drawers for personal items.

Photo of hand carved cradle — The beautifully carved wood cradle of Prince Albert Kamehameha, Queen Emma’s only son, whom they named after Queen Victoria’s Prince Albert. The post held mosquito netting. Not also the large washing bowl, a gift to the King and Queen from the Ming Dynasty in China.

Photo of The bed of King Alexander ʻIolani Liholiho — The bed of King Alexander ʻIolani Liholiho (Kamehameha IV) at the Summer Palace. As beds for kings go, this is pretty modest.