Through A Glass Darkly The Strange and Tragic History Of Honolulu

12 Reviews 4.83 out of 5 stars Based on 12 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 92% of reviewers
92% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Oahu, USA
Book online or call us
Chat now

from $39 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Through A Glass Darkly The Strange and Tragic History Of Honolulu Image 1
Through A Glass Darkly The Strange and Tragic History Of Honolulu Image 2
Through A Glass Darkly The Strange and Tragic History Of Honolulu Image 3
Through A Glass Darkly The Strange and Tragic History Of Honolulu Image 4
Through A Glass Darkly The Strange and Tragic History Of Honolulu Image 5

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 12 (2) days in advance.
1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

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.
    Read more

    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

    See more
    See more

    Reviews

    4.83
    12 reviews

    Average 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 12 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    11
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    1
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

    Loading Options
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 12 (2) days in advance.
    Oahu Activities
    Attractions
    Guides
    Calendar
    View more
    View more

    Similar Tours & Activities

    Passport to Pearl Harbor "Private"

    Passport to Pearl Harbor "Private"

    4.8 (4)
     8 to 9 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $500
    #1 Limousine Guided "USS Arizona Memorial" Half-Day Private Tour

    #1 Limousine Guided "USS Arizona Memorial" Half-Day Private Tour

    New To The Site!
     4 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $899
    Waikiki Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

    Waikiki Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

    5.0 (2)
     1 to 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $4
    Waikiki Starlight Luau on The Great Lawn-Hilton Hawaiian Village
    Likely to Sell Out

    Waikiki Starlight Luau on The Great Lawn-Hilton Hawaiian Village

    3.9 (313)
     1 day 1 hour  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $119

    Travelers Who Bought This Activity Also Bought

    Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

    Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

    4.7 (2,180)
     1 hour  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $46
    Waikiki Beach Glass Bottom Boat Tour

    Waikiki Beach Glass Bottom Boat Tour

    4.7 (841)
     1 hour  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $46
    Waikiki Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Honolulu

    Waikiki Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Honolulu

    4.8 (4,671)
     1 to 2 hours  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $22
    Parasailing Experience in Waikiki, HI

    Parasailing Experience in Waikiki, HI

    4.9 (7,771)
     1 hour  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $44

    Frequently Asked Questions (6)

    Activity name

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Hawaii customers.

    Filter by:

    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).
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is 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).
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this activity?
    A:

    There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible activity?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the Through A Glass Darkly The Strange and Tragic History Of Honolulu is as follows:

    • 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
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Through A Glass Darkly The Strange and Tragic History Of Honolulu will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Hawaii. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024

    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

    Report Product Issue

    Activity name

    Language
    Currency

    Site Settings

    Activity name

    Currency

    Activity name

    Lowest Price Guarantee

    Activity name

    We guarantee the lowest price on all the activities available to book on our site. We'll refund the difference if you find the exact activity cheaper online until 48 hours before your activity starts.

    We Make It Easy!

    Gather your information

    Locate your Cool Hawaii Booking Number and the proof of the lower price you found.

    Send it to us

    Email [email protected] with the documents, your name, and your home address.

    We'll review

    We'll review your materials and get in touch as soon as possible.

    Receive your refund

    If everything checks out, we'll refund you the price difference.

    Refund Terms & Conditions

    The following conditions apply to all lowest price guarantee refund requests:

    • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
    • The lowest price guarantee covers retail and prepaid rates available to the general public. This does not include discounts or promotions you may receive (or be eligible for) from third-party sites or organizations such as AAA or AARP or special offers made as part of a membership program, corporate discount, daily deal, group, or rewards program.
    • Cool Hawaii promotions cannot be combined with the lowest price guarantee.
    • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same activity, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on Cool Hawaii and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
    • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased activity into one or more parts sold separately.
    • Cool Hawaii reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
    • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of Cool Hawaii.
    Activity name

    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).

    Sorting, ranking, and search results

    Activity name

    Cool Hawaii wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

    On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

    If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Hawaii over a 12-month period.

    The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

    Cool Support

    Ask us anything!

    Activity name

    Cool Robot

    Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

    Activity name

    Cool Rewards

    • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

    Earning rewards

    • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
    • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
    • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
    • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
    • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

    Redeeming rewards

    • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
    • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
    • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
    • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
    • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
    • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

    Miscellaneous

    • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
    • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
    • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
    • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.