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Palace · Honolulu, Hawaii
ʻIolani Palace
The palace built between 1879 and 1882 by King Kalākaua in downtown Honolulu, residence of Hawaii’s last monarchs and the only royal palace on U.S. soil, with restored state rooms open to visitors.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About ʻIolani Palace
ʻIolani Palace was built between 1879 and 1882 by order of King Kalākaua, replacing an older royal residence. The two-story building, with a style that mixes European influences, had modern amenities for its time, such as electric lighting, telephone and running water. Kalākaua and his sister, Queen Liliʻuokalani, Hawaii’s last monarch, lived there.
In 1893, a group of businessmen and politicians supported by American soldiers overthrew the monarchy. After an attempted restoration in 1895, the queen was held in a second-floor room for nearly nine months. The palace then served as the seat of government for the republic, the territory and later the state, until 1969.
Restored, it opened as a museum in 1978. The visit includes the throne room, the koa staircase, the dining room and the royal chambers, with furniture and objects recovered over decades. In the basement, a gallery displays crown jewels, decorations and items from palace life.
The grounds include the former guardhouse and the coronation pavilion. Across the street are Aliʻiōlani Hale, home of the Supreme Court, with the golden statue of King Kamehameha I, and St. Andrew’s Cathedral.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour and a half for the guided or audio tour and the basement gallery.
Best time
In the morning, when groups are smaller. The palace is closed some days of the week; check the calendar on the website.
How to get there
In downtown Honolulu on King Street, about 7 km from Waikiki, with frequent buses. Admission is paid and tours run on a schedule; see times on the website.
Tip
Reserve the visit in advance. When you leave, cross the street to see the statue of Kamehameha I in front of Aliʻiōlani Hale.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about ʻIolani Palace
Is ʻIolani Palace the only royal palace in the United States?
Yes. It was the official residence of the last monarchs of the Kingdom of Hawaii before the monarchy was overthrown in 1893.
How long does a visit to ʻIolani Palace take?
About an hour and a half, covering the halls, the royal chambers, and the basement gallery.
Do you need to reserve a visit to ʻIolani Palace?
It is recommended, because tours have set times and limited spots, and the palace is closed some days of the week.