HONOLULU, Hawaii – Military spouses spent the afternoon touring the historic Iolani Palace thanks to the Military Affairs council.

During the tour the spouses walked through the rooms once used by King Kalakaua and Queen Lili’uokalani. Many of the items in the palace are still the same ones that were there over 100 years ago. While some of the furniture was rebuilt after most the items were auctioned off after the monarchy was over thrown in 1893.

In 1962 Iolani palace was designated a National Historic Landmark and the restoration was overseen by The Friends of Iolani Palace which was founded by the grand-niece of Queen Kapi’olani.

Michella McKenna, spouse of Sergeant Major of Marine Forces, Pacific Paul McKenna believes you must go on this tour to truly appreciate Hawaii. “The palace and furnishings are breathtaking, but the stories that are shared are the true gems,”

“What I enjoyed the most was learning something that I didn’t know before,” said McKenna. “Like how progressive this remote island was and that the palace had electricity before The White House and Buckingham Palace.”

After the tour the spouses were treated to a lunch sponsored by the Military Affairs Council.

“It’s just great to be able to hold this event here today in honor of you, the military spouses.” Tom Lee, the Military Affairs Liaison to the Governor of Hawaii said. Lee told the audience how grateful he is to the spouses because he himself was in the military and served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“To the weeks and months-long training and events, and even year-long deployments, the military spouse endures a lot in service for our nation with not nearly enough recognition,” said Lee. “To everyone who made this day possible thank you for understanding that there is a great need to ensure that we take time and recognize all of our military spouses as well.”