Iolani Palace: Why America’s Only Royal Palace is a Must-See in Honolulu👑

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Iolani Royal Palace Honolulu Hawaii

Go beyond the beaches and connect with the deeper history and culture of the Hawaiian Islands on your vacation with a visit to the Iolani Palace.

When you think of Hawaii, images of pristine beaches and hula dancers are probably the first things that come to mind. But there’s so much more to this island paradise than its postcard-perfect scenery. 

In the heart of downtown Honolulu stands the beautiful Iolani Palace, the only royal residence in the United States.

It’s a powerful symbol of Hawaii’s rich and complex history. Visiting the palace offers a deeper understanding of Hawaii’s monarchy, cultural identity, and journey through colonization and statehood.

If you’re planning a visit to Oahu and want to truly appreciate Hawaii beyond its stunning beaches, Iolani Palace is the best place to start.

Tip: The awesome Bishop Museum is another great place!

That’s why I consider it one of the best things to do on Oahu. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.

Why is Iolani Palace Unique?

Built in 1882 by King Kalākaua, Iolani Palace served as the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchs. The palace showcases a blend of European architectural styles with Hawaiian influences, reflecting King Kalakaua’s vision of modernization and Hawaiian pride.

From hosting opulent royal gatherings to its role in political unrest, Iolani Palace was the epicenter of Hawaiian kingdom life. The palace was a technological marvel, well ahead of its time.

It had electricity, indoor plumbing, and even a telephone before the White House and Buckingham Palace. (I was especially impressed with the luxurious bathrooms during our vist!)

Bathroom Iolani Palace Oahu
One of several modern bathrooms in the palace

I’m embarrassed to admit that despite many visits to Oahu before we moved here, I was not fully aware of Hawaii’s history and how it became a state.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice.  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

Sadly, it’s not a pretty story. But it’s an important story to learn to better understand Hawaii’s rich heritage and culture beyond those palm-fringed beaches.

The History of Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace was home to the last reigning monarchs of Hawaii: King Kalakaua and his sister, Queen Liliuokalani. The palace served as their center of power and symbolizes an era where Hawaii moved from ancient traditions to a modern kingdom’s heartbeat, all before the sun set on its royal sovereignty.

Oahu Things to Do Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace, Honolulu

The palace was the home of Queen Lili‘uokalani, Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, who was overthrown on January 17, 1893 by American forces. 

The beloved Queen was a renaissance woman—a musician and an activist who penned the song ‘Aloha Oe‘ which reverberates to this day. Her imprisonment within the palace in a small upstairs room after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy is a heartbreaking reminder of Hawaii’s contested past.

Her dedication to her people and hope for their future is palpable within the palace confines, making her story a compelling tale of compassion and composure etched permanently onto Hawaii’s cultural canvas.

Restoration of Iolani Palace

After falling into disrepair following the overthrow of the monarchy, Iolani Palace underwent a meticulous restoration in the 1970s. Historians and artisans worked tirelessly on the restoration of the palace to return it to its former grandeur. 

Archival photos and records were used to meticulously recreate original furnishings and decor. In 1978, the palace opened to the public for tours.

Iolani Palace Throne Room Honolulu Hawaii
The Throne Room, Iolani Palace

Today, the palace stands as a beautifully restored symbol of the state of Hawaii’s royal heritage and cultural pride. From hand-crafted koa-wood interiors to luxurious furnishings, every corner of this historic structure tells a story. 

Things You’ll See at Iolani Palace

What to see on the first floor:

Grand Hall – The Grand Hall’s sweeping koa staircase sets the tone for the palace’s grandeur. Lined with portraits of Hawaiian royalty, it provides a stately introduction to the rest of the palace. 

Grand Hall Iolani Palace Honolulu Oahu
Shoe covers required in the Grand Hall

Throne Room –  The massive Throne Room is where royal receptions and important ceremonies were held. It’s adorned with elegant furnishings and artifacts, including the thrones and royal insignia.

Throne Room Iolani Palace Oahu Hawaii
The Throne Room

The Blue Room and State Dining Room – These ornate rooms highlight the opulence of Hawaii’s monarchy, with delicate chandeliers, regal furnishings, and artwork that reflects the monarchy’s global connections.

State Dining Room Iolani Palace Oahu Hawaii
State Dining Room

What to see on the second floor:

The Music Room

This is my husband’s favorite room in the palace (he’s a music guy). The Kalakaua dynasty had a great love for music and the arts. In the Music Room, you can view beautiful instruments, including a piano gifted to the royal family, and learn about the importance of music in royal gatherings and celebrations.

Music Room Gold Room Iolani Palace Hawaii
The Music Room

The King and Queen’s Suites

Step into the private suites of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani. These rooms are elegantly furnished, reflecting the royal couple’s individual tastes and the blend of Western and Hawaiian influences.

King Kalakaua Suite Iolani Palace Honolulu Hawaii
King Kalakaua’s Bedroom Suite

The King’s Suite features a grand bed and personal items, while the Queen’s Suite highlights her refined style and cultural connections.

Queen Kapiolani Bedroom Iolani Palace Oahu Hawaii
Queen Kapiolani’s Bedroom Suite

The King’s Library

The King’s Library is a treasure trove of knowledge and insight into King Kalakaua’s intellectual pursuits.

King Kalakaua Library Iolani Palace Hawaii
King Kalakaua’s Library

The room houses an impressive collection of books, manuscripts, and artifacts, many of which detail his efforts to preserve Hawaiian culture and promote modernization. His desk and personal writing tools are on display here as well.

The Imprisonment Room 

The most poignant room in the palace is the tiny room where Queen Liliʻuokalani was confined during her imprisonment. This modest yet profound space holds the queen’s personal items, including her famous quilt.

Queen Liliuokalani Quilt Imprisonment Room Iolani Palace
Queen Lili’uokalani’s Quilt in the Imprisonment Room

Crafted by Queen Lili‘uokalani during her eight-month house arrest, the quilt is a deeply moving artifact. Each square was meticulously stitched, reflecting her thoughts, emotions, and hope for her people during a tumultuous time. 

Before you go, don’t miss:

Basement Galleries – Don’t miss the basement, which houses the royal regalia, including crowns, scepters, and the ceremonial gowns of Hawaiian royalty.

Basement Gallery Exhibits Iolani Palace Hawaii
Basement Gallery Exhibits

Gift Shop – After your tour, don’t forget to stop by the gift shop. From beautiful artworks and royal reproductions to artisan jewelry and indigenous crafts, it’s a great place to find a piece of Hawaiian history to bring home.

Iolani Palace Gift Shop
The palace gift shop

Palace Tour Options

The palace offers a variety of tours from self-guided to specialty tours. Most visitors stick to the popular audio tour. But if you’re a history buff or particularly fascinated by the grand palaces of the world, there are more in-depth guided tours available.

Self-Guided Audio Tours – Explore the palace at your own pace with an audio guide that brings the history to life. Self-guided tours are offered Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and tickets are $26.95 for adults and $11.95 for kids.

Docent-Led Tours – Offered weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays, these guided tours offer in-depth stories and insights into the palace’s history, architecture, and the lives of Hawaii’s monarchs. Perfect for history lovers, tickets are $32.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids.

Exclusive Specialty Tours – For a more immersive experience, book a White Glove Tour, which includes access to rarely seen artifacts and behind-the-scenes areas. There’s also a Chamberlain’s Tour, a specialty fashion tour, and more. Specialty tours range from $77 – $650 per person. 

​Know before you go

Self-guided audio tours are booked in 60-minute intervals but you’ll want to budget about 2 hours total for your visit. That will give you enough time to park and arrive at the required 30 minutes in advance of your tour time.

You’ll be given a quick orientation of the palace interior, acquainted with your audio guide, and given your set of very stylish shoe covers to wear inside. 

You’ll also want to save a little time to spend exploring the palace grounds and the gift shop after your tour.

Hours – Iolani Palace is open Tuesday – Saturday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Note that the palace is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Parking – Parking is readily available inside the palace gates. It costs a few dollars per hour and you can pay at the kiosk.

Photography – Photography is allowed in most areas but without flash. No audio or video recording is allowed

What to Wear – Respectful dress is required (no swimwear or beach wear). The palace is a sacred place in Hawaiian history so dress accordingly.

Tickets and Reservations  – Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for guided tours, as they can fill up quickly. It’s best to book tickets online directly on the official Iolani Palace website

Don’t miss the chance to visit Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace isn’t just a historical site; it’s a place of cultural and emotional significance. Walking through its halls gives you a glimpse into Hawaii’s royal past and the enduring legacy of its monarchy.

Like the nearby Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace is a must-visit for anyone who wants to go beyond the beaches and connect with the deeper stories of Hawaii.

Read More: The Largest Museum in the Pacific is a Cultural Gem in the Heart of Honolulu🏛️

As Americans who enjoy vacationing in the Hawaiian islands, it’s important for all of us to understand how the Aloha State transformed from a royal kingdom to its place in America’s union. And there’s no better place than Iolani Palace to learn. 

So add Iolani Palace to your Oahu itinerary, and you’ll leave with more than just beautiful photos—you’ll take away a piece of Hawaii’s history and heart.

Looking for more great things to do on Oahu? Start here:

15 Can’t-Miss Stops on a Day Trip to Oahu’s Iconic North Shore

25 Awesome Things to Do on Oahu That Won’t Cost You a Dime🌺

3 Essential Reservations to Book for the Perfect Oahu Vacation 🌺📆💻

Image of the exterior of Oahu's Iolani Palace frames by palm trees and interior image of the music room with golden chairs and drapes
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