Iolani Palace
Arts & Culture · Honolulu, HI
About
The hardwood floors gleam underfoot as you slip on protective booties at the entrance. Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States used as an official residence by a reigning monarch. Built for King Kalākaua and completed in 1892, it later became the site where Queen Lili'ūokalani was placed under house arrest after the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The guided tour is the best way to take in the fascinating history. The basement holds a photographic display of the palace, the Hawaiian crown jewels, and regalia once worn by high chiefs. Out of respect, appropriate attire is requested. Many original furnishings were sold after the overthrow; some have been reclaimed, though many remain missing.
You'll find the gift shop and bookstore in the basement, convenient for picking up a memento. The palace is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm. If you only have time for one guided tour on Oahu, make it this one.
Located in Waikiki near Richards Street, Iolani Palace is a short walk from the main Waikiki strip, making it an easy cultural stop during your Honolulu visit.
Features
- ✓Guided and self-guided audio tours available
- ✓Basement exhibit of Hawaiian crown jewels and regalia
- ✓Bookstore and gift shop on site
- ✓Protective booties provided for hardwood floors
Good for
Practical
What people say
Rated from 848 reviews. 4 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“Only Royal Palace in the US”
Iolani Palace was the royal residence where the Hawaiian monarchy lived and governed before being overthrown by the US government. King Kalakaua had it built, with construction completed in 1892, and the last monarch to live there was Queen Lili'uokalani, who was placed under house arrest and forced to cede control of the islands to the US as battleships were positioned offshore aimed at the island. The palace is magnificent and beautiful; many original items were sold or auctioned after the takeover, some of which have since been recovered, though many are still missing. Visitors are asked to dress appropriately and wear protective booties on the wood floors. I recommend the guided tour or audio guide, as there is a wealth of history about this former great monarchy. A recent film titled "Princess Ka'iulani" features many scenes shot at the palace.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Iolani Palace? +
The palace is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm.
Is Iolani Palace LGBTQ+-focused or LGBTQ+-owned? +
Iolani Palace is a historical site open to all, not an LGBTQ+-specific venue, but it is LGBTQ+-friendly and welcomes diverse visitors.
What kind of exhibits are at Iolani Palace? +
The palace features original furnishings, a photographic display, Hawaiian crown jewels, orders and decorations given by monarchs, and regalia of high chiefs.
More Arts & Culture in Honolulu
Polynesian Culture Center
3.9
Arts & Culture · $$$$ · 23 mi
Honolulu Zoo
3.7
Arts & Culture · 3.5 mi
Sea Life Park Hawaii
3.2
Arts & Culture · $$$$ · 13 mi
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum
Arts & Culture · $$ · 6.7 mi