The colorful lanterns in various shapes and sizes were a favorite of Kalakaua, an innovator who quickly adopted inventions that he thought worthwhile.

"In 1887, he had this building completely rewired for electricity," [curator Stuart Ching] said, which meant the palace had electric power before either the White House or Buckingham Palace.

The palace also had the "modern" conveniences of indoor plumbing with hot and cold running water, as well as a telephone.