You can learn a lot about Hawaiian history by spending time tracking down statues. In my post of August 18, 2018, I showed you statues of King Kamehameha 1, King David Kalakaua and Duke Kahanamoku. On our trip last year we found lots more. In the middle of the tourist strip of Waikiki is the International Marketplace. This used to be an area with lots of small stalls mostly selling souvenirs. Now the small stalls have been moved into Dukes Lane and the marketplace is just more "big name" shops. Personally, I think that is a step backwards. The area was once owned by King William Luanalilo who later gave it to Queen Emma, the wife of King Kamehameha IV. In the centre of the old marketplace is a huge banyan tree. In the branches is a small tree house which was the office of the first manager. At the base of the banyan is a statue of Don Ho, one of Hawaii's favourite singers. His statue even seems to sing to small bears. The next courtyard was the garden of Queen Emma. There are statues here of Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma. These two were among the most influential rulers of Hawaii. Among their works were Queen's Hospital, funded by the couple to offer medical services to native Hawaiians, the Anglican cathedral, and St. Andrew's school for Hawaiian girls. Of course there is another musician who loved Hawaii, namely Elvis, who made 3 movies here. His statue is near the convention centre in Honolulu; he doesn't look at small bears who are resting in his hand. I already posted a photo of the Kamehameha I statue in the Capitol district of Honolulu, but here's another. Last in this set, at the entrance of the State Capitol, is the statue of Father Damien, the saint of Molokai. Damien was a Belgian priest who worked among the lepers exiled to Molokai and died of the disease there. There is much to see in the Capitol district; more photos will come when I can stir Dad away from his model ships.... And, of course, after hours of visiting statues what every bear and his Oldies need are some of the splendid cocktails that the bars of Waikiki excel at making.
Labels: Hawaii
