Hawaii's Royal Palace

A short walk from the State Capitol in downtown Honolulu is the seat of Hawaii's former government.  Built in 1882 for King Kalakaua, 'Iolani Palace is the only restored royal palace in the United States.  Until 1893 when the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown, this Renaissance-style building was the official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Lili'uokalani, Hawaii's last two monarchs.

Following the overthrow, the palace was stripped of its furnishings and used by territorial and state governments as an executive building.  In 1969 when the State Capitol was completed, the Palace was vacated and The Friends of 'Iolani Palace began a $7.5 million restoration of the building. During the 76 years the palace was used as a government building, more than 10,000 artifacts were sold at auction.  About 4,000 of them have been recovered.

Visitors learn quickly that they are expected to enter the palace with proper respect for both its past and present.  No water, no candy, no gum.  No bail point pens, no photos. beepers and cell phones off.  Keep your booties on at all times.

The tour begins in the Visitor Center located in 'Iolani Barracks where a short video of the palace history is shown.  Once inside the palace, a magnificent curved staircase made of hand-carved Hawaiian woods and leading to the second floor living quarters of the royal family comes into view.  Built at a cost to the Kingdom of Hawai’i of $360,000, the palace features 7,000 feet of koa wood.  The first floor contains the state dining room, the throne room and the blue room.

The throne room, decorated in crimson and gold, was the scene of royal balls and receptions.  But it was not always the scene of merry-making.  In 1895, Queen Lili'uokalani was put on trial in this room after she was accused by the Republic of Hawaii of misprision (knowledge) of treason.  She was imprisoned for eight months in a bedroom on the second floor of the palace.  Later she was confined at Washington Place, until recently the official residence of Hawaii's governor.  The queen appealed to U.S. President Cleveland asking that the wrongs against Hawai’i be corrected.

"That day has never, never come," said a palace tour guide.

Guided and audio tours are available Tuesday through Saturday.  A wheelchair ramp leading to the palace and an elevator inside the building are available.  There is an admission fee and reservations are recommended.  Call 522-0832 for more information.

In addition to the palace tour, a self-guided tour through galleries installed in the basement of the mansion is available.  The galleries showcase the crown jewels of Hawaiian royalty and a collection of ancient regalia.  Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Tuesday through Saturday.

NOTES:  Driving there is simple and it's not that hard to find parking, however, my personal recommendation would be to take The Bus from Waikiki.  It's a simple ride and you won't have to worry about parking time. Several buses will get you there, just ask at your hotel desk.

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Photo taken by myself, information courtesy of 101 Things To Do Oahu.  You can find this Publication and many others at  My Store