Iolani Palace

I'olani Palace was the center of the Hawaiian Kingdom and served as the official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliu'okalani during the years of 1882 to 1893. It is the only royal palace in the United States and is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

Iolani Palace, meaning "heavenly hawk," was occupied by two monarchs. King Kalakaua, also known as the Merrie Monarch reigned between 1874 to 1891. His sister Queen Liluokalani's reign lasted just two years between 1891 to 1893.
Kalakaua was a flamboyant and an affable socialite who loved grandeur, luxury, music, and dance. He was fluent in English as well as Hawaiian, and he was also a talented musician. Inspired by his travels and influenced by his royal counterparts, he went ahead to build a new palace to replace the original termite-ridden palace.
The construction of the building began in late 1879 under the orders of King Kalakaua. He took an active interest in the construction of the new palace by implementing his idea that modern elements be installed. At a cost of $350,000, the palace was completed in 1882. It was the first electrified building in Honolulu, even before the White House in Washington D.C. The palace also featured a direct phone line to King Kalakaua's boathouse where he kept his royal yacht. Four months after the completion, King Kalakaua and his Queen Kapiolani moved into their new palace. Besides holding many lavish galas, the palace was the focal point of the political and social life of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
When Kalakaua died in 1891, his sister and successor, Liliuokalani took over as queen until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. During her reign, she set out to work on establishing a new constitution that would strengthen native Hawaiian claims and weaken foreign commercial interests. American interests were considering annexation to Hawaii to establish an economic competitive position for sugar. A group led by Sanford B. Dole sought to overthrow the monarchy. Despite her resistance, the Queen was deposed in 1894 and the Republic of Hawaii was proclaimed. In 1895, Queen Liliuokalani was put under trial and found guilty of concealing knowledge of a rebel support in her favor. She was placed under house arrest and imprisoned for eight months in Iolani Palace. In 1898, Hawaii was officially annexed to the United States as a territory.
After the overthrow of the monarchy, Iolani Palace was the seat of the government for the Republic, the Territory, and the State of Hawaii. In 1969, Iolani Palace was vacated when the new state capitol was completed. It was in a dreadful state of deterioration after years of abuse and neglect. A full-scale restoration of the Palace began that same year by the Friends of Iolani Palace. Its mission was to restore the Palace to the closest original appearance of the late monarchy.
Today, visitors can enjoy the fully restored palace by taking a 45 minute guided tour. The Iolani Palace Gallery in the basement is a self-guided tour where visitors can see the Hawaiian crown jewels and other royal heirlooms.

Iolani Palace
364 S. King Street, Honolulu

Reservations and information: (808) 522-0832
Admission: Adults $12, Children 5-17, $5, children under 5 not allowed in guided tour of palace.
Guided tours of palace every 30 min: Tues.-Sat. 9 am.-2 pm.
Self guided tours in gallery.