April 7, 2014 - Honolulu (YRE)

We docked right by the Aloha Tower. We couldn't have been closer to downtown Honolulu. In fact, the ship was closer to downtown than the clock tower is.

The plan for today was to do the state capital volkswalk. We picked up the walk route right there at the clock tower. After a few blocks we reached Honolulu's vibrant Chinatown, with its exotic food markets. We bought some almond cookies at a little hole-in-the-wall bakery.

We walked past a number of historic buildings in Chinatown, then past a Chinese temple to a botanical garden. From there we walked to the YMCA where the volkswalk officially started. Our route continued past a Catholic cathedral built in 1843 of coral blocks from the harbor. The we passed St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral, built in 1867 in the English Gothic style, on the site of the home of King Kamehameha III. Polynesians have probably lived in Honolulu since 1100 CE. King Kamehameha I united the islands in 1795.(Write your own editorial here.)

Washington Place was the home of Queen Lili'uokalani from the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy until her death in 1917. It was not open to the public. I would have liked to see it after having read about it in "The Last Aloha." Shortly thereafter we passed the Queen's Medical Center, founded by Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV in 1859.

Finally, we arrived at the State Capitol building. It was built in 1968 and featured an open design with symbolic elements representing the volcanic origins of the islands, the ocean, palm trees, blue skies and tradewinds blowing through the open courtyard. I found the building confusing, unwelcoming and unattractive. I have now visited 37 state capitols. Most are some variation on the Bullfinch dome theme and clearly state "I am a Capitol." Many have an information desk and in some guided tours are offered. This building didn't even have an obvious entrance. You went into the courtyard and there was an abstract mosaic on the floor in the center, but no explanation as to what it represented. There were elevators on the sides, but you didn't really know whether to go up or down to get to the main part of the capitol. Maybe there was no main part. Signage was very minimal and we had to ask to find even a restroom, which was hidden in a back passageway. I think a state capitol building should be more accessible to the public. You should be able to easily find the legislative chambers and you should not be made to feel that the elevators and restrooms are not for public use.

We then walked past several government buildings to the Honolulu Art Museum and Thomas Square, a large park that appeared to have been colonized by homeless people. Continuing on, we saw the performing arts complex. Then we walked through a high-rent district where we saw dealerships for Lamborghini, Ferrari, etc.  before reaching a missionary house/museum (more coral blocks). Next came the Kawaihao Church, built by the missionary Rev. Hiram Bingham, whose grandson, Hiram Bingham III, discovered Machu Picchu.  Then we saw the Territorial Office Building, the Judiciary Building, and the King Kamehameha statue, honoring the king who unified the islands.

Across the street stood Iolani Palace. Iolani Palace is the only true palace in America. The 4-story Italian Renaissance building was built between 1879 and 1882.

 . . . to be continued

 

Good Night Honolulu!