Over the past century, the beauty and promise of paradise have made Waikiki one of the greatest resort destinations in the world. From the times of legend, to the times of kings, to the vacation hub of paradise, this book tells the story through compelling text and some 350 archival and contemporary illustrations.
The narrative explores the rich history of the Hawaiian Kingdom, detailing the reigns of its eight monarchs from the alii past to the kingdom's overthrow in 1898. It highlights significant events such as Western discovery, foreign diseases, and cultural transformations. Key figures include Kamehameha, who unified the islands, and his descendants, each navigating complex political landscapes. The story interweaves personal tragedies and triumphs against a backdrop of royal splendor, culminating in the poignant tale of Liliuokalani, the last monarch, who fought against her unlawful deposition.
A walk through this famous site from its pre-settlement day, when it was an uninhabited tropical lagoon, to the famous attack in 1941, on to the present where it has become an American icon visited by millions every year. --Amazon