We are drawn to Hawaii for the beaches, natural beauty, and flawless resorts the archipelago provides. However, the state is not lacking in history and Oahu’s Iolani Palace is one of the best places to deepen your knowledge about Hawaii’s regal past. In addition to exploring such sights as Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and the Puu Ualakaa State Park, add touring the palace to your Oahu travel itinerary.

A brief history of Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace is conveniently located in downtown Honolulu, the capital of Oahu. Built in 1879 by the architect Thomas J. Baker with input from Charles J. Wall and Isaac Moore, the structure is the only example of American Florentine architecture. This one-of-a-kind order plucks inspiration from Italian Renaissance design and fuses these with Hawaiian elements. 

Originally, Iolani Palace served as the royal residence for Hawaii's reigning monarch. The property hosted lavish functions and received dignitaries from all corners of the world. Queen Liliʻuokalani acquired the throne from her brother, King David Kalākaua, in 1891 and resided in the palace for two years. However, in 1893 the monarchy was overthrown and Liliʻuokalani relinquished her claim to the throne. Upon her trial, she was subjected to eight months of imprisonment in one of the upper chambers within the palace.

What do you think of when you imagine Hungary? While the country does have delicious food, exciting traditions, a unique language, and a distinctive culture rooted in folk traditions. Any season is a good time to visit Hungary, the warm weather of summer brings more tourists to the area, but in the fall and winter, you can experience one of the many Christmas markets. 

Delicious Food & Local Wines

Hungarian culture is deep-rooted in its culinary traditions, and the best example is a piping hot bowl of Goulash, a hearty stew packed with meat and vegetables. Goulash can trace its origins back thousands of years to a soup made by Hungarian shepherds and is just one of Hungary's nationally prized dishes.

It's easy to find a locally grown wine to pair with your meal, as Hungary boasts seven wine-growing regions. The many vineyards offer tours complete with tastings, making Hungary an appealing destination for wine enthusiasts and couples.

Culture in Budapest (including folk culture)

Budapest is a hub of culture and offers all the amenities of a European capital city with the charm of a small town. Chic pubs and trendy stores dot the streets of this architectural wonderland. Everyone is sure to find something of interest. Hungary's rich folk culture is still going strong, too, with many museums and local artisans keeping alive craft techniques that have been passed down through the generations.

Kauai earned itself the nickname “Garden Isle” due to the lush tropical rainforest that blankets most of Hawaii’s fourth-largest island. This dramatic hinterland teems with waterfalls, mountains, and canyons while the coastline is fringed with golden beaches and plunging coastal cliffs. Here is what to expect from the stunning Hawaiian island of Kauai.

Beaches of Kauai

Located on the southern coast of the island, Poipu Beach is a wonderful spot for swimming, snorkeling, and wildlife watching. Basking monk seals and sea turtles are frequently sighted on this beach. 

To the north, Hanalei Bay is a long crescent of sand bordered by mountains. Gentle conditions make this a prime spot for swimming and paddle boarding. Meanwhile, a short drive north of the bay brings you to the tidal pool formed by lava rocks known as the Queen’s Bath.

Kee Beach was used as a movie location in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. The presence of a reef results in calm waters and phenomenal snorkeling opportunities. On land, it is not unusual to spot the occasional chicken roaming the shoreline! 

Weighing as much as 200 kg, gorillas are the largest ape species. There are two distinct kinds of gorilla: eastern and western. Among these, the four gorilla subspecies are eastern lowland gorillas, eastern mountain gorillas, western lowland gorillas, and western cross river gorillas. What links all subspecies is that they reside exclusively on the African continent. You have the possibility to see these remarkable, endangered mammals when you book a gorilla trekking excursion in the following African countries.

Rwanda

Mountain gorillas dwell across the Virunga Mountains in this small Central African nation with the Volcanoes National Park providing the highest possibilities for a sighting. Rwanda is considered one of the best countries for observing gorillas in their natural habitat. Trekking conditions are somewhat demanding and you will be exploring a high-altitude area. As the bands are nomadic, they are constantly on the move. However, primatologists and trackers are skilled at keeping abreast of their whereabouts. 

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is considered to be both the most accessible as well as the most luxurious destination in Africa for gorilla trekking. With a personal butler service provided to all guests and views that stretch across the park and Musanze Valley, Virunga Lodge is a deluxe accommodation option for gorilla trekkers.