We finally made it to the Parker Ranch Headquarters and felt saddened by what all we saw knowing the history of this area.

Hawaii was once a democratic Nation with a Constitution when some American businessmen such as the Dole's (of Dole Pineapple) and the Parker's came and established a "Provisional Government" and with the help of the United States Military stole the land from the Hawaiians. They did this by putting a big gun Battleship in the harbor and pointed the guns at the Palace telling Queen Iiliuokalani* that she had to step down or she would be fired upon. Then she was put under house arrest and the Provisional Government commenced to steel all the Royal treasurer's. Only about half have been found to this day.
In 1999, the Congress of the United States apologized to the Hawaiians for the actions of the people of the "Provisional Government".

Queen Iiliuokalani wrote the song "Aloha Oy" (Farewell To Thee) and she was the last reigning Queen of a Constitutional Monarchy.

The Merry Monarch Festival held every year in Hilo during the spring is a Hawaiian Dance and Hula competition named after a relative of her's who was called the "Merry Monarch". I have always wanted to see this incredible festival...10 times better than any Luau....