Located in downtown Honolulu, the Iolani Palace is a national historic landmark and was once the royal residence of the rulers of Hawaii. The Iolani Palace was the official residence of King Kalakaua and his sister, Queen Liliuokalani the last reigning queen on the Hawaiian Monarchy. Experience Hawaiian royalty with a trip by yourself or an Iolani Palace tour.
Built in 1882, Iolani palace was heavily influenced by European architectural styles, and was the first royal residence in Hawaii to have electric lights, indoor plumbing, and telephones. Later when Hawaii was made the 50th state, it was used as the capitol building.
Today the Iolani Palace is open to the public. Both professional guided tours and self-guided audio tours are available to the palace Tuesdays through Saturdays. About half of the original furnishings have been restored to the Iolani Palace to give it the authentic look of its royal heyday.
The Iolani Palace is also available as a venue for private events like weddings and special occasions.
Other nearby landmarks in Honolulu include the King Kamehameha Statue, Hawaii State Art Museum, Kawaiahao Church, Punchbowl Crater, Honolulu Chinatown, and Honolulu Academy of Arts.
Tips for Going to the Iolani Palace
- Self-guided audio tours of the first and second floors take about 45 minutes and are available in English, French, Spanish, German, Hawaiian, Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean.
- A shorter tour alternative of Basement Gallery Exhibit is available and lasts around 30 minutes.
- Selfie sticks, tripods, flash photography, and video cameras are not allowed inside the Iolani Palace.
- Make a day of your trip and combine your Iolani Palace tour with a trip to Honolulu Chinatown or the Honolulu Academy of Arts.
