During a number of our previous visits to Columbus, Ohio, our son, Carl, had recommended that we see the Supreme Court Building of Ohio. His glowing reports of the beauty of this structure piqued our interests, so we made plans to explore this attraction during our current visit. Located on Front Street (just off of East Broad), along the Scioto River, this is officially known as the "Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center." Originally constructed in 1933, the building, at that time, was known as the Ohio Departments Building, housing the Industrial Commission, the State Library, and several other state administrative departments. For a time during the early 1990's, the building was also home to the Ohio House of Representatives while the Statehouse was undergoing renovations. Finally, in 1998, the General Assembly agreed to renovate the building into the Ohio Judicial Center, with the main occupant being the Supreme Court of Ohio. This court consists of seven members (a Chief Justice and six Associate Justices) elected by the general public for six year terms (with one third of the court being up for re-election each two year cycle). Besides being home to the highest court in the state, this building is one of the most beautiful municipal structures we've seen, decorated in the American Realism style. Forty-five minute tours of part of the building are available, or you can just explore it on your own (not every part is open to the public however). This is such a fun place to visit.

Facing the Scioto River, this is home to the highest court in Ohio

This thirty foot long steel structure, created by Andrew Scott, is considered to be the world's largest gavel.

Even these ornate glass entrance doors impress visitors to the beauty to be found inside.

The Native American room on the ground floor is dedicated to the history of Ohio's America Indians.

Close up of the ceiling art work.

Here, you can see several carvings of legendary native Americans, such as Little Turtle, Chief Military leader of the Miami Native American tribe.

In the rotunda , this dome ceiling really catches your eye.

Like reception rooms in palaces we've visited throughout Europe, this main court room is exquisitely decorated.

We loved the carved-wood bench for the Justices of the Supreme Court.

Even the ceiling paintings are unbelievable!

...and the seating gallery gives the impression of being in the presence of royalty.

In addition to being one of the largest Supreme Court law libraries in the United States, these murals also make it one of the most beautiful .

We think that folks trying to research law decisions would become distracted by the decorations surrounding them.

But if you are a dedicated researcher, there is plenty of reference material at hand.

Each time that we come to Columbus, Ohio, we enjoy making a visit to the Park of Roses section of Whetstone Park. This is such a peaceful and beautiful area, even in the dead of winter. Founded in 1953 in the Clintonville section of Columbus, the park is owned and maintained by the Columbus Parks and Recreation department, but is funded by the Columbus Park of Roses Foundation. With free admission, this 13 acre site is open to the public every day from dawn to dusk and displays over 12,000 roses from over 400 species. It is one of the largest municipal rose gardens in the United States and one of just 133 public gardens certified by the All-America Rose Selection, Inc. While the most spectacular time to visit is during the annual Rose Festival (second weekend of June), we've found it delightful throughout the year. To acknowledge this, we photographed the Park of Roses over time, during our visits in both summer and winter (which are displayed below).

Situated in front of the Clintonville branch of the Columbus Library, this sign indicates the entrance access to the Park of Roses (taken during one of our late summer visits).

Just a short distance within Whetstone Park is this entrance to the Park of Roses.

A favorite site for wedding receptions and private functions, the Whetstone Shelter House is located at the front of the rose gardens.

This gazebo just inside the Park of Roses is a popular photo spot.

Winter view of many of the rose beds ...

...and how it's looks when in bloom.

Another favorite photo stop is this bandstand area near the center of the gardens.

This is such an unbelievably peaceful place...

...and so beautiful when in bloom.

The flowers are spectacular!

I would love to know their secrets about growing such fantastic beauty.

Whether it is winter...

...or summer, even the trellises add a lot to the ambiance of the area.

Even while visiting in late winter/early spring, this wrought iron gazebo was popular with photographers.

Twice per year (i.e. March and October) we have to return to the United States to see our doctors. During the March visit, we also stop in Columbus Ohio to take care of our federal taxes (since we don't have any residence, we don't pay any state taxes). We always enjoy our trips to Columbus because our son Carl, his wife Valerie, and their children, Lucy and Eamon live here. Columbus is one of the most family friendly communities we've experienced. Not only is it the capital and largest city in Ohio, it is the fourth most populous capital in America. From 1663 until 1763, this area was known as "Ohio Country" under the French Colonial Empire. Over the years, it was frequently caught between warring factions of Native American Indians and the Europeans. Under the Treaty of Paris of 1763, this area was ceded to the British Empire. Following the American Revolution, it became part of the Virginia Military District. By 1803, Ohio had achieved statehood, but it had no state capital because of constant political in-fighting and competition between various communities. The State Legislature resolved the issue the issue by choosing the Columbus area because of its central location and proximity to major transportation routes (the Scioto and Olentangy rivers). Prior to this, Columbus, itself, did not exist. Thus, in 1812, the city of Columbus was founded. Before the Civil War brought an end to slavery, the Underground Railroad was very active in Columbus. At one time, the city was also known as "The Buggy Capital of the World" because there were more than two dozen buggy factories here. Due to all of this great history, Columbus, Ohio is truly a fun place to visit.

    The following photos have been accumulated from various visits over the past few years:

Downtown Columbus with the 47-story Art Deco LeVeque tower in the background.

Columbus' City Hall as it looks today...

...and how it originally looked.

The Great Southern Hotel in downtown was built in 1897.

One of the great neighborhoods to visit is Columbus' Short North.

The Greek Revival styled Statehouse was built between 1839 and 1861.

Popular amongst locals, the "Book Loft" in the German Village section is a fun place.

Don't forget to visit the Columbus Museum of Art, founded in 1878.

And, of course, Columbus is home to Ohio State University and its iconic University Hall.

     From time to time, we like to pass along tips we've learned that have made our travels a bit easier.

    Since the start of these adventures, we carry a minimal amount of "stuff." So packing a suitcase in order to maximize space, becomes an important issue. Carl packs both his and my suitcase with great care, as these items are all we own. Most of our clothing are rolled so as to take up the least amount of room and, hopefully, cut down on wrinkling. I own two pairs of slacks, three tops, five pairs of socks, a dozen sets of underwear, one nightgown, a spring jacket, a hoodie sweatshirt, a winter hat, one pair of mittens, and one pair of sneakers (which don't get packed because I'm wearing them). In addition, I have a backpack which contains my medications, sunscreen, hair brush, electric toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, as well as a couple of bars of soap, extra toilet paper, ledgers to keep track of our expenses, a few pens, a plastic rain poncho, and my Kindle. As you can see, this isn't much, but all of the clothes fit into my 21 inch roll-away suitcase which fits into the overhead compartment on the airplane. We try to avoid checking the suitcases so as to minimize the chances of them getting lost. After all, these are all the clothes we own. This also helps us to get off the plane and out of the airport faster.

     Carl's clothes are two pairs of slacks, three shirts, four handkerchiefs, five pairs of socks, five sets of underwear, one woolen sweater, a spring jacket, a multi-pocket vest, one winter hat, a pair of gloves, and one pair of sneakers. In his backpack are his medications, toothbrush and toothpaste, a small amount of toiletries, a plastic rain poncho, a portable blood pressure cuff, and an IPad.

    We always rent apartments with a washer/dryer (sometimes there is no dryer, just a drying rack). So each day we wear, wash, and have a spare top. It works out well. In cool countries, we layer with our shirt tops, sweater or hoodie, and jackets. In Istanbul, Turkey, we bought our winter hats and gloves as it was in the 30's and 40's during January. A summer hat is necessary in Australia and Singapore. So we each have one of those.

   Now remember, this is what we've found works for us. Tailor your packing according to your own style. Keep in mind, though, the lighter you pack, the easier it will be to travel.

Carl's suitcase with Lori's hoodie sweatshirt rolled up on the side...

...and with his woolen sweater on top.

Lori's suitcase with her jacket on top.

We saved the best for last: The USS Arizona Memorial. This was the ONE place in Honolulu, above all else,that we wanted to visit. My uncle Anthony, a fighter pilot, died during World War II, so to honor his memory, we wanted to visit the most important US Memorial to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. Previous visitors to the Arizona Memorial advised us to arrive as soon as the gates opened at 7:00am because the crowds could be overwhelming. Since it was at least a forty-five minute bus ride (the No. 2 bus) from our apartment, depending on traffic, we got up at 5:00 am, while it was still dark. Even then, the line to get in was long. Fortunately , once the gates opened, the line moved quickly and we made it. Officially known as the "WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument", this actually comprises four separate museums; the USS Missouri; the USS Bowfin; the Pacific Aviation museum; as well as the USS Arizona Memorial. While admission to the Arizona is free, the other museums do require a fee. The tradition of hoisting and lowering the American flag over the Arizona resting place began in 1950 by Admiral Arthur W. Radford, the then Commander of the Pacific fleet. Twelve years later, the permanent memorial, in the form of bridge floating across the width of the ship (but not touching it at all) was constructed. This 184 foot long structure can accommodate 200 people. Timed ticket access (and they only give out a 1000 per day) to the memorial is by naval boat, weather permitting( which was a concern to us because we'd heard that the three days prior to our visit, no boats took visitors to the Memorial as the waters were too choppy). Prior to boarding the boat, visitors sit through a short orientation video, which included actual footage from the 1941 attack. At the far end of the memorial is the shrine room listing the names of all those who died on board the Arizona during the 1941 attack. Being in this room was like being in a church; the only voices heard were from the volunteer narrator explaining what we were seeing, and Park Rangers giving visitors directions about how to proceed. It is hard to explain how you feel being there; solemnity and honor don't fully capture it. Survivors can request that, upon their death, their ashes be interred with their comrades in a very moving ceremony. The first one to make this request, did so in 1982. Three navy divers escort the urn with the ashes away from the dock and toward the ship, and sink slowly below the surface, while holding the urn high. Finally, they are interred in gun turret No. 4. One point of information that really impacted us was learning that, by custom and not by any formal rule imposed, sailors on board ships passing the Memorial, line the sides in silent tribute to those interred below. The one question we had was why the Arizona was singled out for this monument? Unlike many of the other ships that were sunk or damaged during the attack, the Arizona was irreparably torn apart when its powder magazine was blown up by a bomb. As a result, 1,177 of its officers and crew are still entombed in its wreck.

A short distance across the complex is the battleship, USS Missouri, aka "Big Mo." This Iowa-class battleship was the last one commissioned by the United States. It was aboard the Missouri that the Empire of Japan surrendered, ending World War II. So, the events that both started and ended the war are portrayed in this one complex. That was amazing to us.

One year to the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Bowfin was launched and was nicknamed the "Pearl Harbor Avenger." Following nine patrols throughout the Pacific and having sunk 44 enemy ships, the Bowfin returned to Pearl Harbor and was designated a National Historic Landmark. I am not particularly claustrophobic, but I don't think I could have spent a whole patrol in such cramped quarters.

Ranked among the top ten aviation-related attractions in the United States, the Pacific Aviation Museum contains 43 aircraft, most relating to the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor. Even the hangers are part of the display, exhibiting the original bullet holes in some of the glass windows.Perhaps the most iconic attraction here is not an aircraft at all, but rather its 158-foot control tower, featured in such movies as "Tora, Tora, Tora" and "Pearl Harbor."

Plan on getting here early, as the crowds can be quite large, and spending pretty much the whole day, as there is so much to see. Granted, Lori and I were war babies, being born in 1944, so we felt we had a connection to the history involved here. But, even if you were born during a different period, you should plan a visit here. Reading about this place in a book is not the same experience as actually being here. It is living history. Some service men and women who were stationed here on December 7, 1941 and survived the attack, are still here, serving as volunteer historians.

"Lest We Never Forget". One of the world's most memorable monuments to those who died in the service of their country: The USS Arizona Memorial."

From the Internet, an aerial view of the orientation of the Memorial Shrine to the Arizona itself.

Remnants of Arizona's gun turret No. 3. Submerged just beyond is gun turret No. 4 in which ashes of survivors of the 1941 attack are interred, at their request, in one of the U.S. Navy's most poignant ceremonies.

In the middle of the Memorial is this diagram indicating the orientation of the Memorial to the final resting place of the USS Arizona.

At the far end of the Memorial is the shrine room in which the names of the more than 1100 sailors and marines who died on board are listed. The small walls to the left and right of this picture list the names of the survivors of the sinking of the Arizona who have been interred with their comrades.

Nearby are markers of other Naval vessels that were hit during the attack.

Also part of the complex is the battleship USS Missouri...

...the last of its class to be commissioned by the Navy...

...but best known as the site of the surrender of the Empire of Japan ending World War II.

Here we are at the actual site at which the surrender signing took place.

Partially lost to history, because it occurred on the same day the President, Franklin Roosevelt, died (April 12,1945), was this burial-at-sea ceremony compassionately honoring a Japanese Kamikaze pilot who had attacked the Missouri earlier. Historians believe they have identified this young Japanese pilot; 19 year old Petty Officer 2nd Class Setsuo Ishimo. There was still some anti-Japanese sentiment because of the Pearl Harbor attack, so some complained about this ceremony. However, "Big Mo's" commander compassionately told the crew that this pilot had been someone's son and was serving his country just like they were. So, he should be honored for his devotion.

Launched one year to the day after the Pearl Harbor attack, the USS Bowfin was part of the attack submarine fleet patrolling the Pacific during World War II.

During its nine war-time patrols, the Bowfin sank 44 enemy vessels.

By today's submarine standards, life aboard the Bowfin was not very "luxurious."

Located on Ford Island, the Pacific Aviation Museum displays aircraft of all sorts, but mostly related to World War II...

...including planes from Jimmy Doolittle's raid on Tokyo

The airfield's 158 foot tall control tower was featured in such films as "Tora, Tora, Tora" and "Pearl Harbor."

Getting ready to "defend" Midway Island...

"Captain" Lorraine fighting off the enemy ("Now where did that enemy plane go?").

Constructed of coral blocks, chiseled from off shore reefs, between 1836 and 1842, the Kawaiaha'o church (meaning "water of Ha'o at a spring") was the first Christian church on Oahu. Originally, this was barren, flat land (a dust bowl, really) except for a small spring oasis that was reserved for tribal chiefs' use. One of those tribal heads was High Chiefess Ha'o and the spring was named after her. When the first missionaries arrived on Oahu in 1820, the monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii gave them land around the spring to build their homes (now the Mission Homes Museum site) and their church. Originally, the missionaries constructed four thatched roof churches on the land next to their mission homes. The more formal coral stone church was completed and dedicated in 1842. At one time, the Kawaiaha'o Church was considered the National Church of the Kingdom of Hawaii, frequented by the tribal chiefs of the island and included a chapel for the Royal Family. Today, this is thought to be the mother church of Hawaii, in which the Hawaiian language is still used during its services. In 1962, the site comprising the original Mission Homes and the Kawaiaha'o Church was designated a National Historic landmark, and considered by many to be Hawaii's Westminster Abbey. Since the church and the homes are next to each other, this is an easy one day excursion. Make sure to visit the cemeteries next to the church, there is one devoted to the missionaries and one to native Hawaiians. These grounds are well kept and make for a fascinating historical experience.

Considered by many to be Hawaii's Westminster Abbey, the Kawaiaha'o church was the first Christian Church on Oahu.

This is the spring that sat in the middle of the barren, flat dust bowl that was reserved for use by tribal chiefs. Once the first missionaries arrived, this land was given to them to create their mission and homes.

The interior is quite spacious...

...but it's simplicity impressed us with its elegance.

King Lunalilo (1835 to 1874) chose to be buried in this simple, but beautiful chapel on the grounds of the Kawaiaha'o Church rather than the traditional Royal burial ground elsewhere.

Plaque outside the chapel explains some of King Lunalilo's story.

Beside the church is the requisite cemetery. This one is devoted to native Hawaiians...

...while this one directly behind the church was dedicated to the original missionaries who came to Hawaii in the early 1800's.

Almost as historic as the church are some of the trees on the grounds.

Originally built in 1847 as the private residence for sea captain John Dominis, Washington Place became better known as Queen Lilioukalani's home when, in 1862, the then Princess married John Owen Dominis(the sea captain's son, who would later become the Royal Governor of Oahu). Prior to this(1849-1854), William Little Lee,an American lawyer who became the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for the Kingdom of Hawaii, had rented rooms here from Captain Dominis(Lee was to play a major role in the integration of western style law - based on the Massachusetts model - with Hawaiian law). Later, in 1893, when the monarchy was overthrown, Queen Liliuokalani was arrested at Washington Place and then imprisioned in Iolani Palace. After ten months, she returned to Washington Place, where she spent the rest of her life. Eventually, Washington Place would become the official residence of the Governor of Hawaii, at least until 2008, when a new Governor's residence was built on the grounds behind the historic building. Washington Place was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2007 and is well worth a visit.

The historic Washington Place, built by a sea captain, and later, home to a Queen.

An 1891 photo of Washington Place when Queen Lilioukalani was in residence.

Like many grand old mansions, the parlor was the center of social life.

Queen Lilioukaloni was an avid musician and composer, so it was natural that her home would have a music room. Notice the two Kahili feathered staffs by the windows. These were considered a staff of state that only Hawaiian Chiefs could display.

For more casual and informal get-togethers, this enclosed sun porch was a favorite space.

The "Diplomatic Reception Room was used for more formal occasions .

Of course, on State Occasions, the formal dining room was THE place to be.

While not quite as ostentatious as those we've seen in the palaces of Europe, we still felt that this Queen's bedroom had an element of elegance in its simplicity.

Perhaps one of the most recognizable images of Hawaii is the King Kamehameha I statue. To those devotees of the television series, "Hawaii Five-O" the building behind the statue is also recognizable as the headquarters of this special task force under the governor of Hawaii. In actuality, this is the Supreme Court of Hawaii. In the Hawaiian language, the building is known as "Ali'i olani Hale" (The House of Heavenly Kings) because it served as the former seat of the government of the Kingdom of Hawaii , and later, the Republic of Hawaii. Built in 1872, it was designed as the royal palace of King Kamehameha V. However, the king recognized that his growing kingdom needed more government office space, so part of the palace was designated for use for this purpose. The king died before the transitions could be completed. In 1889, a portion of the building was dedicated as the "King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center" with a focus on Hawaii's legal history, as it transitioned from its traditional "kapu" set of rules and prohibitions for everyday life, to a 19th century western style legal system. The center includes a restored 1913 courtroom ( site of the famous Massie Murder Trial). Today, in addition to being the home to the Supreme Court and the Judiciary History Center, the building houses Hawaii's largest law library. This is definitely worth seeing,especially since admission is free. Just don't expect to see "Commander Steve McGarrett" nor his "staff" roaming the halls.

The Supreme Court building (aka "Hawaii Five-O" headquarters) behind the King Kamehameha I statue

This stunning view of the main entrance was taken from the second floor balcony. The Judiciary History Center is off to the left of this picture, on the first floor.

This is the actual chamber in which the Hawaiian Supreme Court hears cases.

Model of the original Supreme Court building.

As Hawaiian law transitioned towards the 19th century western style, cases began to be decided by juries rather than by tribal chiefs. This Chinese bamboo jury chair was one of the first to be used during this transition.

The Palace, later to become the Supreme Court building, was originally built of coral blocks chiseled from offshore reefs.

These judges chairs were among the earliest used after the introduction of western style law.

One of the main exhibits in the Judiciary History Center is this restored 1913 courtroom.

Following the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, law in the Hawaiian Islands changed drastically. It became martial law under military tribunals...

This was one of the more iconic images of that time period.

Eventually everything returned to a form of normalcy. The King Kamehameha V Judicary History Center provides a record of all of these changes for folks like us to see.

     As we were traveling to visit the Foster Botanic Gardens, we happened upon yet another hidden gem (literally next door to the gardens); the KuanYin Temple. This oldest Buddhist temple in Hawaii (established in 1880), is dedicated to Kuan Yin ( an abbreviated name for "One who sees and hears the cries of the human world"). She is not a Buddhist goddess, but rather a "budhistatta", or one who does delay elevation to nirvana in order to save suffering beings. Devotees of Kuan Yin trace the origins of their religion back to the twelfth century. The temple's architecture is in the traditional Chinese style of red-painted pillars and a green roof. While modest in size, compared to other Buddhist temples we've visited, it none-the -less is beautiful. We were fortunate enough to visit this temple at a relatively quiet period, when Tali, the priestess, could spend time with us and explain the ins-and -outs of their devotion. I suppose in Christian religions, Kuan Yin would be called "a patron saint", as she is noted for providing comfort for women, the troubled, the sick, the lost, and the unfortunate. Kuan Yin is also said to be the protector of farmers, travelers, and seafarers. A busy gal! According to Tali, there are temples all over the world dedicated to Kuan Yin. We really enjoyed the visit and felt much safer knowing that this "...slender and graceful..." Buddhist was watching out for us.

This sign on the sidewalk is what caught our attention. Situated next door to the Foster Botanic Gardens, we felt it would be worthwhile spending some time looking at it. We were not disappointed.

Compared to other Buddhist temples we've visited, this one was not very large (i.e. only one room)...

...never-the-less, it was still fascinating.

Tali was gracious enough to spend a half-hour with us in order to show us around and explain some of her religion.

The donation of fruits plays an important part in their devotions. Tali explained that the end of each day, she gives the fruit away to the poor and homeless.

As with other Buddhist temples we've visited, the burning of incense is part of the prayer ritual. Thus, incense pots, like this one, are found everywhere throughout the temple.

We love to find "Hidden Gems", and the Foster Botanic Gardens are one of Oahu's best kept secrets. Located an easy 15 minute walk from our apartment on Bishop Street, this 14 acre Garden is one of five Public Gardens (and the oldest) on the Hawaiian islands. Queen Kalama leased the original 4.6 acres to Dr. William Hillebrand, an avid botanist, in 1853. After he built his house on, what today is called the Upper Terrace, Hillebrand began to plant trees and to introduce new plant species to Hawaii. In 1884, Hillebrand decided to return to his native Germany and sold the land to Thomas and Mary Foster. Also avid botanists, the Fosters expanded the property. Upon Mary's death in 1930, the land was donated to Hawaii, with the proviso that it be preserved as a public garden.

Today, Foster Gardens has one of the largest collections of tropical plants (over ten thousand species)in the United States and has been the backdrop for several films (including "The Beginning of a Garden" - the story of Hillebrand's efforts). The Upper Terrace, which we previously stated is the oldest part of the gardens) includes a "Sacred Fig Tree" - a clone descendent of the Bodhi tree that Buddha reportedly sat under in order get inspiration. In 1988, the Foster Botanic Gardens were placed on the Hawaii Register of Historic Places. If you ever get to Honolulu, be sure to include these gardens on your itinerary. You'll be pleasantly surprised. It is well worth it.

Because we found the gardens to be so beautiful, there will be very few captions attached to the following pictures, so as not to detract from your enjoyment.

The "Daibutsu" sculpture commemorates Japanese immigration to the islands.

This Chilkai Indian totem pole (Alaska) was donated to the gardens in 1970.

Several sculptures decorate various parts of the gardens. This "Beautiful Butterflies" sculpture was donated by the Butterfly Society of Hawaii.

The Sacred Fig Tree.

Businessman Charles Reed Bishop, in 1850, married Princess Pauahi, the last legal heir of the Kamehameha dynasty. When she died in 1884, Bishop decided to build a museum to honor her memory and her life of philanthropy. Founded in 1889, the Bishop Museum was constructed on the grounds of the original campus of the Kamehameha Boys school (which itself had been created under the sponsorship of the Princess in order to benefit native Hawaiian children). By 1940, the school had moved to a new location, allowing the museum to take over the whole property and expand. Today, with over twenty four million artifacts, it is the largest collection of Polynesian cultural and natural specimens in the world. Along the walls of the "Hawaiian Hall" (the original building) are display cases made from prized Koa wood (the second most common tree in Hawaii). These cases are now considered to be worth more than the cost of the original building. Many of the first pieces given to the museum came from private collections of Hawaiian royalty. Situated next to the "Hawaiian Hall", is the Watumull Planetarium. Built in 1961, it is the first (and, thus, the oldest) planetarium in Polynesia, and, itself, sees over six million visitors per year. Getting to the Bishop Museum for us in central Honolulu was relatively easy. Depending upon traffic conditions, it was a comfortable twenty-to-thirty minute ride on the #2 bus. While bus system rides in Hololulu generally cost $2.50 per person, , for seniors, it is only $1.00 per person (after showing our Medicare card). There certainly is enough to see at this museum to make it an all day excursion, and we felt it was well worth it.

Businessman Charles Reed Bishop had originally planned to create a museum to house family heirlooms given to him because of his wife's royal lineage...

...when his wife of thirty four years. Princess Pauahi, died in 1884, he decided to honor her memory and life of philanthropy with the museum.

Located on the grounds of the original Kamehameha Boys School in the historic Kalihi district of Honolulu, the Bishop Museum has been designated the Hawaii State Museum of Natural and Cultural history, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"Hawaii Hall" was the original museum building, and was opened in 1889.

Like many palatial style buildings of its era, the entrance hallway included a grand staircase.

The walls of this main exhibit hall are lined with display cases made from Koa wood, which are now considered to be worth more than the original construction costs of the building itself.

The traditional "Hale Pili " (i.e sleeping house") grass hut was one of several such structures that made up a Polynesian compound.

This model depicts how the hut would be constructed. The skeleton of the hut was made of posts from "... The dense native wood uhiuhi, and lashed together with cordage...".

Throughout Polynesia, the rank of Chief was symbolized by the wearing of feathered capes and hats such as these.

The "Kahili" standard, signifying power from the divinities, has been the symbol of the Hawaiian ali'i Chiefs and noble houses of the Hawaiian islands for centuries.

Portriat of King Kamehameha the Great.

Found in 1880, it is unknown. Just how old these stone bowls actually are.

One of the more dramatic demonstrations is at this lava flow exhibit in the Mamiya Science Adventure Center (designed as a learning center for volcanology and marine science).

Many villages throughout Polynisia used wooden slit drums like these during ceremonies, and occasionally to communicate with other nearby villages.

Pineapples -so named because of their resemblance to pine cones - were introduced to Hawaii from South America sometime in the early- to mid-1800's (although it's actual arrival date has been lost to history). Missionaries Castle and Cooke were among the first to grow this plant, with its edible fruit, commercially on the islands. By 1899, a 22 year old James Dole moved to Oahu from Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts (after he had earned a degree in agriculture from Harvard University) under the sponsorship of his cousin, Sanford Dole, who, at the time, was governor of Hawaii. James bought sixty-four acres of land on Oahu and began experimenting growing different crops. Eventually, he found that the pineapple actually flourished here. By 1901, his "Hawaiian Pineapple Company" had begun to grow. A smart entrepreneur, Dole developed the first nationwide advertising campaign to promote his company and began investing in mechanical technology to improve the efficiency of harvesting his crop. Twenty-one years later, his business had become so successful that Dole bought the island of Lana'i and turned it into a vast 20,000 acre pineapple plantation. Castle and Cooke bought twenty-one percent of the Dole company in 1932. The two companies finally fully merged by 1960 under the "Dole Company" name. Today, the original Dole Plantation ( about a one hour bus ride from Honolulu) has been turned into a working museum . While a bit touristy, this was still a fun historical visit.

The main Dole Plantation building as seen from the entrance driveway.

One of the main attractions is the Pineapple Express..

...a twenty minute train ride through the working part of the property...

...while pineapples are the number one crop grown here...

...sugar cane is also grown...

...as are breadfruit...

...and coffee...

...bananas and several other crops.

Dole was a heavy investor in mechanical technology, such as this Boom Conveyor Harvester, to improve the efficiency of bringing his crops to market .

One of the other main attractions on the property is the "Pineapple Garden Maze."

Aerial view of this two-and-a-half acre maze, recognized in 2001 as the world's largest maze...

...and in which you can get easily confused.

In addition, there are some very beautiful gardens on the plantation...

...with exquisite landscaping to rival the best Botanical Gardens in the world.

You can also watch a demonstration of the "proper way" to carve a pineapple.

Since this is an all day excursion, you'll probably want some lunch. While there are eateries within the Dole Plantation itself, we found that the best, and the cheapest place was right next door, at the Helemano Plantation...

...where you can enjoy an "all-you-can-eat" buffet for ten dollars per person.

Hmmm...now which way is back to our apartment?

The first missionaries, members of the Park Street Church in Boston and led by Reverand Hiram Bingham, arrived in Hawaii, in 1820 and were welcomed by the monarchy. Land was granted to them in order to build their missions and to develop their Christian religious goals with the locals. On the 100th anniversary of their arrival, the "Hawaiian Children's Society" established the Mission Houses Museum to help educate the public about their goals and their time in Hawaii. Located a short distance from the Iolani Palace, the three restored homes depict the lives and times of the 1820 to 1863 Missionary Period. Two of these homes are the oldest in the state. Built in 1821, the "Oldest Frame House" was constructed from materials that were measured, cut, and transported around Cape Horn, from Boston.. This would become the principle home of Daniel Chamberlain and his family. From time-to-time, however, it was also occupied by as many as five other families (must have become pretty crowded!). In 1831, the "Chamberlain House" was constructed to serve as a store house and separate residence for the family. Coral blocks cut from off-shore reefs were used in the construction of this building, along with lumber salvaged from ships. Ten years later, the "Print House" was built for the first printing press in the Pacific. It was here that the first printed matter in the Hawaiian language was created. Be aware that anyone can walk around the grounds on their own, but only guided tours are available for the interiors of the structures. Still, this is well worth the visit.

Located in the heart of downtown Honolulu, just a short walk from the Iolani Palace, the restored Mission Houses Museum provides some insight into 19th century missionary life in Hawaii.

The Oldest Frame House, The Print House, and the Chamberlain House comprise the heart of the museum.

Built in 1821, this is the oldest of the three buildings ( and one of the oldest in the state). For this construction, the design was created as if it was being built in New England ( e.g. With narrow windows to help keep the cold out and the heat in). All of the materials were measured and cut in Boston and then transported around Cape Horn for assemblage in Hawaii.

While the furnishings were fairly sparse, they were of typical New England style and quality.

Ten years after the first house was built, the "Chamberlain House" was constructed for use as a storing supplies for the missionaries, as well as a separate residence for the Chamberlain family.

The basement area was utilized as the storehouse...

...while the upper floors were residential areas...

...as well as a "doctor's office."

The very first printing press in the Pacific was located here in the "Print House" ....

...where the first Hawaiian language material was printed.

Typical of pretty much most early 19th century homes, fresh water was obtained outside, by means of a well and a hand pump.