Through A Glass Darkly The Strange and Tragic History Of Honolulu

Recommended by 92% of travelers

Oahu, USA

Popular pick

Booked 5+ times last week!

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

What's Included

A well-informed perspective from a life-long Hawaii resident, history teacher, and teller of tales.
Forever access to the largest online trove of Hawaiian history videos (several thousands, all free)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

King Kamehameha I Statue
447 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
We'll meet at 10:45 AM at the King Kamehameha Statue, located right across the street (S. King St.) from Iolani Palace. Abundant free parking in the lots adjacent to the statue on weekends. Your guide is the big guy with the walking stick and lantern.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.10:45 am

Itinerary

King Kamehameha Statue

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Iolani Palace

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Kawaiaha'o Church

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Honolulu Hale (City Hall)

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hawaii State Capitol

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Washington Place

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Cathedral of St. Andrew

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Capitol Modern

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Ali'iolani Hale

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Transportation is wheelchair accessible

Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
Assistance available for those who need help with stairs or inclines
Foldable wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers can be accommodated
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.8

based on 13 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Tour with tour guide Terry

William_B, Feb 2026

Terry was a very knowledgeable and super friendly tour guide. His knowledge of history and his stories were incredible!

Great history with Terry

Jennifer_K, Feb 2026

This was a very nice intimate tour with Terry. He provided great context to how the iolani palace came to be and the history of King Kamehameha and the Hawaiian people. Thank you for that history lesson that most people probably never hear. The weather was saying rain and we made it through the whole tour with no rain!

The Hawaiian history you won’t get in a textbook

CHRISTINE_W, Dec 2025

Terry was a great storyteller of the glossed over parts of Hawaiian history. The walk wasn’t far, but covered many topics.

Great tour for history lovers who want to know about King Kamehameha and local history

EdandGlennda_S, Oct 2025

Terry shared a lot of local history, and being a one-on-one tour, he was able to go into much more detail and expand on his usual talk. He is very knowledgeable and very interesting and it's a tour I would recommend if you're a real history lover

Wonderful guide.

Gayle_R, Oct 2025

Great informative walking tour. There is alot of standing which for some people may be difficult. He tries to keep you in the shade.

Hawaiian history and ghosts

Jill_D, Jul 2025

Very interesting tour around the palace, state houses and churches with stories of history and ghostly sightings. Terry was very kind and humorous. Would highly recommend!

Four Aussies

Bernadette_B, Jun 2025

A good overview of the history of settlement in Oahu. Knowledgable guide. Didn’t expect to hear so much about ghosts.

New perspective

Cynthia_K, Jun 2025

Hawaii isn't just about surfing the waves. It was great for us to learn about the history and stories passed down from generations. Walking this tour and having gone to the Bishop museum we gained a new perspective of the island.