Through A Glass Darkly The Strange and Tragic History Of Honolulu

11 Reviews 4.82 out of 5 stars Based on 11 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 91% of reviewers | Oahu, USA

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 12 (2) days in advance.

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

Who would imagine that such a happy place has such a tragic history? Hawaii's tumultuous encounter with the outside world began with the arrival of Captain Cook, whom they ate, sort of, for his troubles. A few years later, King Kamehameha celebrated his conquest of Oahu in 1795 by sacrificing his own cousin. The missionaries, who arrived in 1820, came here to do good... and did very well. Then there was the demographic bomb of waves of imported labor to cut sugar cane. Then the overthrow of the monarchy, annexation, and statehood. In the meantime, there was Pearl Harbor. And it seems that for all of that, we're just getting started.

What's Included

  • A well-informed perspective from a life-long Hawaii resident, history teacher, and teller of tales.
  • Forever access to the largest online trove of Hawaiian history videos (several thousands, all free)

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    South King Street
    Honolulu, HI 96813, USA

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    King Kamehameha Statue

    Learn the amazing (and horrifying) story of the conquest of Oahu by King Kamehameha.
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    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Iolani Palace

    Imagine... a royal palace (with kings and queens and thrones and stuff) in the United States... and a storied past that ends with the tragic overthrow of the monarchy.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Kawaiaha'o Church

    Designed by the infamous missionary Hiram Bingham, this "stone church" (to the Hawaiians) was anything but.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives

    As the Hawaiians say, "the missionaries came here to do good, and they did very well."
    Read more

    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Honolulu Hale (City Hall)

    A lovely Italianate Spanish Colonial Revival structure with an unlovely past.
    Read more

    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Hawaii State Capitol

    An elegant expression of the aloha spirit... and a statue (with a story) of the queen who embodied that spirit.
    Read more

    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Washington Place

    Queen Liliuokalani's home where she lived in an unhappy marriage and where she returned to after the overthrow of the monarchy.
    Read more

    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    The Cathedral of St. Andrew

    A church built from thousands of block of sandstone cut in England and shipped to Hawaii. A magnificent stained glass nave. And a tragic tale of a king and his little boy.
    Read more

    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Hawaii State Art Museum

    Also known as the Hawai'i State Art Museum, this was the original Royal Hawaiian Hotel (built in 1872). So successful that a second Royal Hawaiian was built on Waikiki Beach (the Pink Palace).
    Read more

    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Ali'iolani Hale

    Now the Judiciary Building and home to the Hawaii State Supreme Court, this was where the Massie Affair, the marquee event of Hawaiian jurisprudence), played out
    Read more

    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Show 8 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (6)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Through A Glass Darkly The Strange and Tragic History Of Honolulu?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-5516950P3

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.82
    11 reviews

    Average 4.82 out of 5 stars based on 11 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
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    Loading Options
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    On average, this is booked 12 (2) days in advance.

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    What's Included

    Activity name

    • A well-informed perspective from a life-long Hawaii resident, history teacher, and teller of tales.
    • Forever access to the largest online trove of Hawaiian history videos (several thousands, all free)

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Assistance available for those who need help with stairs or inclines
    • Foldable wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers can be accommodated
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

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    Free Cancellation

    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).

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