Hawaiian Royalty & US Annexation

In 1882, King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi‘olani of Hawai’I moved into the just finished ‘Iolani Palace. This building served as the official residence of the Hawaiian monarch until the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i. King Kalakaua passed away in 1891, and his sister and heir Lili'uokalani became the last sovereign ruler of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

'Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu on the Island of Oahu, Hawai'i is the only royal palace in the United States and is an enduring symbol of Hawaiian independence. It was the official residence and capitol of the last ruling monarchs of the Kingdom of Hawai'i - King Kalakaua and his sister Queen Lili'uokalani. After the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i in 1893, the building was used as the capitol for the various Hawaiian governments.

Lahaina Historic District, located in the town of Lahaina on the Island of Maui, was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The town was a favorite site of Hawaiian kings and queens, whaling ships, and missionaries. The historic district covers both land and sea and encompasses the entire old town of Lahaina as well as the waters one mile out from the historic section of the town.

Kamakahonu, the residence of Kamehameha I, is located at the north end of Kailua Bay in Kailua-Kona on the Island of Hawai'i.

Washington Place is significant for its association with the changing role of the United States in the world community and as the residence of the last ruling monarch of Hawai'i, Queen Lili'uokalani. From the 1840s through the 20th century, Washington Place has been at the center of pivotal events in Hawaii, including the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893 that led to Hawaii becoming a territory of the U.S.