King David Kalakaua had the Iolani Palace built, a magnificent Victorian structure situated in the centre of Honolulu and the only royal palace in the USA.
The Nu'uanu Pali Valley is of great importance in Hawaiian history. It was there that a decisive battle took place when King Kamehameh arrived from Maui and triumphantly drove the troops of the O´ahu chief into the mountains, a battle that gave rise to the political union of the Hawaiian Islands.
Close to Honolulu, Pearl Harbor was the scene of a major military tragedy. During an unexpected attack, practically the whole of the American Pacific fleet was bombed by the Japanese and destroyed. The attack on the U.S. naval base was the ultimate reason that the United States eventually took part in the Second World War.
In winter, the most dedicated surfers collect on Sunset Beach to experience the world's most sought-after waves, some of which are as high as the tallest church steeples. Between Kawela Bay and Haleiwa, each winter the best surfers in the world meet for the Surfing World Championships.
'Aloha!' is Hawaii's magical word. It means 'Welcome', 'Good-Bye' and also 'Love'. Life is so simple in paradise!