Built in 1882 by the last King of Hawaii, King David Kalakaua, the Iolani Palace is a testament to the islands' past monarchy. It was the seat of government and the only official state residence of royalty ever established in the United States.
While the sovereignty of the Kingdom lasted, this was the center of Hawaiian social and political activity. The last royal to live in the Palace was the King's sister and successor, Queen Lili`uokalani. She made this her home until the monarchy was overthrown in 1893. She was later charged with sedition and imprisoned here for eight months in 1895.
Until 1969, Iolani Palace served as the capitol of the Provisional Government, Republic, Territory and State of Hawaii. It was subsequently vacated and underwent restoration to turn it into a museum.
Today, the Palace serves as a reminder of the grandeur of the past and Hawaiian history and heritage. Formally declared as a National Historic Landmark, it operates under the direction of the nonprofit Friends of Iolani Palace. Following meticulously restoration efforts, its first and second floors have been open to the public for guided tours since the 1970s.
On the ground level are public reception areas, including the Grand Hall, which runs the entire breadth of the Palace. Also found here are the State Dining Room, smaller reception rooms, and the crimson and gold Throne Room. The second level has private rooms, such as the King's and Queen's suites, the Music Room, the Princesses' chambers and the Imprisonment Room.
It is easy to imagine visiting diplomats, artisans, sportsmen, and entertainers meeting here. Staircases made of native woods, paintings of Hawaiian kings and queens, priceless vases and statues, ornately carved sliding doors, massive Davenport sideboards, a portrait of King Louis Philippe of France, and sturdy mahogany furnishings are just a few of the artifacts on display.
The land on which Iolani Palace stands in downtown Honolulu also has historic significance. It was once the site of an ancient heiau (place of worship). The entire area was originally enclosed by an eight-foot high coral block wall with wooden gates, lowered to 3'6''in 1891 and topped with the current iron fence.
The four main gates display the Coat of Arms of the Hawaiian Kingdom, and each served a special purpose for ceremonies, tradesmen, servants and private use of the royals. A royal tomb area is located in the southeast Palace grounds. The Halekoa, or Iolani Barracks where the Royal Guard was based, now houses the museum ticket office, the Palace Shop, and a video theater.
Iolani Palace is open to the public for guided tours, audio tours and gallery tours, as well as special community events. Hours are 9am to 5pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays, with admission ranging from $6 to $20 for adults, and discounts available for children, locals, seniors and military personnel. On Kama'aina Sundays, the facilities are open to the community free of charge, and on most Fridays, the Royal Hawaiian Band performs free concerts on Palace grounds.
Iolani Palace is located in at the corner of King and Richards Streets in the downtown Honolulu. The vehicular entrance is via Likelike Mall, just off King Street, between the Palace and the Hawaii State Library.
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