I've talked before about this site here that has panorama views of all kinds of places. From the Moon to Easter Island they have 360° panoramas (Note that you need the QuickTimeTVR plugin and a compatible browser to view the images.).
I recently went back to the site to take a look around and found this panorama here of the statute of King Kamehameha that is in front of the building called Ali'iolani Hale. By turning in the opposite direction, you can also see across the street the only royal palace on US soil - 'Iolani Palace.
Ali'iolani Hale, was built in the 1870s to serve as residence for then King Kamehameha V. Tragically, the king died before moving in. Having no children, the Kamehameha dynasty came to a heart breaking end with his death in 1872.
Approximately 20 years later, in 1893, on the very steps of Ali'iolani Hale where I now work, American interests, with force of arms illegally overthrew the remaining monarchy and established one of their own as President of Hawai'i.
Sometimes, as I walk the halls that Hawaiian kings and queens have trod, I am filled with sadness over what once was, but will probably never be again.
Aloha!
