Hawaiʻi is where rich Polynesian heritage and iconic U.S. history come together.
Across the islands, traces of the past are everywhere. From ancient heiau (sacred temples) and carved petroglyphs to powerful modern memorials, history surrounds you at every turn. Wherever you go, there’s a story waiting to be discovered.
The Hawaiian Islands were first settled by Polynesian voyagers and later governed as independent island kingdoms. The first recorded European arrival was by a renowned explorer whose visit ended in conflict when he attempted to abduct a chief. You can explore sites connected to this era in Kona on Hawaiʻi Island.
The Kingdom of Hawaiʻi was unified in 1810 and ruled by two royal dynasties until its overthrow in 1893. Today, its legacy lives on through preserved royal residences you can visit, including ʻIolani Palace on Oʻahu—the official residence of Queen Liliʻuokalani, Hawaiʻi’s last reigning monarch.
Hawaiʻi has played a significant role in U.S. history. The United States entered World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Spend a day exploring Pearl Harbor and the Pacific Aviation Museum to learn more about Hawaiʻi’s impact during World War II.
Hawaiʻi Island is where you’ll find the best records of Hawaiʻi’s earliest settlers and the unified Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. The City of Refuge (Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau), Hulihe'e Palace, and the birthplace of Kamehameha the Great all serve as fascinating reminders of Hawai'i’s profound history.
On Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi’s royal history is just moments away from key sites in modern U.S. history. Experience both on a Pearl Harbor and Historic Honolulu tour, then visit the Bishop Museum for deeper cultural insight. Stop at the Pali Lookout to learn how Kamehameha I unified Oʻahu.
When on Maui, visit the site of a great battle in ʻIao Valley, learn about the sugar cane industry at Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, and browse through artifacts and exhibits dedicated to preservation of Maui's history.
On Kauaʻi, discover the rich history and lasting legacy of Hawaiʻi’s sugarcane era in places like the Waiʻoli Mission District. Take a journey through time at the Kauaʻi Museum and visit the 1,000-year-old Menehune Fishpond.
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This is not an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the activities, events, or providers. Aqua-Aston Hospitality, LLC or its affiliates (collectively, “Aqua-Aston”) assumes no liability for the products or services furnished by the independent service providers who have no affiliation with the Aqua-Aston business. Additional fees and costs may apply. Activities and events are subject to change. Some activities or events may require the participant to be in good health and have a certain level of skill.