This statue is located between the Iolani Palace and the Hawaii State Capital. Queen Lili'uokalani, the last ruling monarch of Hawaii, stands stately looking at the new governing body, the Hawaii State Capital with the old governing body, Iolani Palace behind her.  She carries three documents in her hand.

With her shining golden wedding ring, she shows the way to "Aloha O'e." The next one is the "Kumulipo: The chant of Creation."  The last and most important is the "Constitution of Hawaii, written in 1893."

Yeah, I haven't been in the heart of Honolulu for a while, yet, today I felt prodded to journey here.  I had hoped to complete more than I did, but, 5.53 miles is nothing to sneeze at!  Feeling insignificant surrounded by towering high-rises, I also felt the history that pervades this area.

Called "Mutual Telephone Company," this was the precursor to "Hawaiian Telephone Company."  Built in 1909 and attached to the imposing "Hawaiian Telecom" (as it is NOW known) building, it's barely visible and you would not find it unless someone is privy to the location.

If you are walking around the older neighborhoods of Honolulu (like Kaimuki, or by Kapiolani Park), you might find manhole covers labeled with M.T.C.  These are the last vestiges of the Mutual Telephone Company.

Lucky for us, (my friend, Robbie walked with me today!) the "Royal Hawaiian Band" just so happened to be performing on the lawn of Iolani Palace.  They have been playing since 1836 and are the oldest and only full-time municipal band in the United States!  I love having little surprises like this while doing my "Walking Hawaiian!"

Surrounded by gigantic buildings, this humble two story has the special designation of being the "oldest surviving commercial building in Honolulu!"  Built in 1854 by Gustav Melcher and Gustav Reiners using coral blocks, the "Melcher Building" typifies the earliest period of Western construction in Honolulu.  Purchased by the City and County of Honolulu in 1960, it serves as the prosecutor's office across the street from the police station.

Sitting at a bus stop, this multi-media statue is life size and has benches on either side of him with REAL people waiting for the bus.  Called, "What's next?" it was made by Jodi Endicott, who has other public works of art around the Island.  Do you see what's on his left shoulder?  Look close and don't get squeamish!  Why three?  Maybe they are blind!  HaHa!  Aloha nui loa! (All my love!)

* A special MAHALO (thanks) to Rick for his knowledge and insight which was invaluable for today's blog!