Wet Waikiki

Our very last day in Hawaii, and the rain absolutely pelted down! I have waited ten years to visit the Iolani Palace here in Waikiki, but in that rain it was not going to happen, because we had a couple of blocks to walk after alighting from the bus. One of us didn't have their spray jacket, and neither of us had an umbrella, so a soaking was very likely. Instead, we enjoyed some coffee and a wander around.





Once the rain eased, we took a local bus to the palace, a good half hours drive away. It is very beautiful, not as grandiose as the British and European ones we have seen, but for its time, very much so. It's actually not even as grandiose as Como House or Ripponlea here in Melbourne. The story of the Hawaiian royalty is a sad one, the last queen was unjustly imprisoned by local business men here on the island, who were primarily American citizens, and native born Hawaiians of American descent. Despite being directed by the American president at the time to hand back power to the Queen, they virtually took over Hawaii, and the rest is history. Hawaii became the 50th state of the USA in 1959.





The palace was equipped with electricity before the Whitehouse in America,
and was very advanced with water closets, and plumbing for the times.






A bus trip took us back to our motel for our last dinner and sleep before being picked up at 8 am for our trip back to the airport, and the long flight home.

Another great holiday over and done with, and as is my usual practice, I left something behind...my iPad charger this time :(





Our last night mouse, but on closer inspection, perhaps it's not a mouse at all, any suggestions anyone?

Location:Daniell Drive,Castlemaine,Australia