Thomas on Islands | profile | all galleries >> == Oahu Albums == >> Mauna ‘Ala, Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii | tree view | thumbnails | slideshow |
2261 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu.
An Aloha Oe to the King.
This Mausoleum is the resting place of most of the Hawaiian kings and is considered sacred by many Hawaiians. Most visitors to Oahu are oblivious of this site, partly because so many tourist guides or books about Oahu do not mention this place at all. You can reach the mausoleum off Pali Highway via Wylie Street or Pauoa Road. In the chapel we shared a lecture about the history of this mausoleum and the Nu'uan Valley with a visiting class from a local school. The lecture was given by kahu (caretaker) in 6th generation, William Kaihe'ekai Mai'oho. Refer also to image 2428 for interesting details about the Hawaiian Stuffs (Kapu markers) at the tomb of Kamehameha Dynasty. Our visit was very special because we met a small group of Hawaiian Royalists! Yes, they exist! The caretaker opened the fence to the crypt in which King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani are buried. So we also had the rare opportunity to see the crypt from the inside. After a prayer in the crypt, one of the ladies sang a solemn Aloha Oe for the King. She had an exquisite voice that soared around us, and everyone was in tears by the time she finished. Our visit to this shrine was a very moving and emotional experience. Every time we explore the Islands something extraordinary happens. Hawaii will always welcome us to her shores and invite us to explore her further. |
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