Visit Iolani Palace: Step into Hawaii’s Royal History and Architectural Splendor
Visiting Iolani Palace in Honolulu is truly a wonderful experience to learn about Hawaiian royalty, Hawaiian traditions and culture. Visiting the opulent interior and exterior areas of this magnificent palace will give you a historical perspective of the cutting edge and technology innovations in the palace along with learning about the history of Hawaii’s proud past and development prior to American annexation and statehood.
Use this short guide to explain the tour and visit to the many interior rooms along with some other helpful tips and places to visit in the immediate area.
Quick Plan your Honolulu Itinerary
Are you in a rush on a last-minute trip to Honolulu? Well then, try our jump start guide to book the best tours and hotels
below.
Pro Tip – Since you are planning to visit Diamond Head and Waikiki tour here to enjoy with great views and tour of Waikiki Beach.
Top Tours to Try in Honolulu
Complete Pearl Harbor Experience – Day Trip Tour
Grand Circle Island Tour – Top Rated
Sunset Cocktail Cruise – Easy tour with pick up
Where to Stay in Honolulu
Ilima Hotel – Budget Option , Personally tried
Holiday Inn Express Waikiki – mid range
Halepuna Waikiki – Honolulu luxury hotel or resort
Grand facade of the Iolani Palace
The magnificent home of the Hawaiian Monarchs, Iolani palace is the only real palace located in Oahu or for that matter in the entire United States. Preserved in much of its original condition after a long restoration period, the palace is filled with personal collections, authentic period furniture and other royal treasures of the monarchs.
Iolani is open for the public to visit and learn more about the Ali’I or royal families who lived in this magnificent palace.
How to get to Iolani Palace in Honolulu
To get to Iolani Palace in Honolulu, there are several transportation options available. Here’s a guide on how to reach this iconic historical site:
- By Car: If you have access to a car, driving is a convenient way to reach Iolani Palace. The palace is located in downtown Honolulu at 364 South King Street. From Waikiki, you can take Ala Wai Boulevard and turn onto McCully Street, which leads to King Street. Follow King Street until you reach Iolani Palace. Parking is available nearby at various parking lots and street parking spots, but be sure to check for any parking restrictions or fees.
- By Bus: Honolulu has an extensive public bus system operated by TheBus. You can take several bus routes to reach Iolani Palace, depending on your starting point. The palace is located near major bus stops along King Street and Punchbowl Street. Check the bus schedules and routes online or at bus stops to plan your journey accordingly.
- By Trolley: Waikiki trolleys and tour trolleys often include Iolani Palace as a stop on their routes. These trolleys provide a convenient way to explore popular tourist destinations, including the palace. Check with local trolley operators for routes, schedules, and ticket information.
- By Taxi or Ride-Sharing Services: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Honolulu. Simply request a ride to Iolani Palace, and the driver will take you directly to the entrance. This option offers flexibility and convenience, particularly if you prefer not to drive or navigate public transportation.
Once you arrive at Iolani Palace, you can explore the grounds, take guided tours, and learn about the historical significance of the palace as the former royal residence of the Hawaiian monarchy. The palace is open for visitors, and admission tickets can be purchased on-site.
A little history to the Iolani Palace
Created in 1882 for King David Kalakaua and used by himself and his wife Kapiolani and eventually his sister, Queen Liliu’okalani who succeeded to the throne. In just a short time frame after Liliu’okalani’s rule, influential and local business owners from Honolulu strategized a US takeover and overthrow of the monarchy in Hawaii. With the help from American militia in stationed the area, they did just that and placed the queen under house arrest in her own palace and forced her to abdicate all her powers to save her loyal protectors from being killed.
The palace was the official residence of these two monarchs and is a national historic monument that symbolizes the Hawaiian Monarchy and the king better known as “The Merrie Monarch”. King Kalakaua was known to have brought back native Hawaiian culture through hula dance, Hawaiian music, singing, chanting and storytelling to influence and create a resurgence of Hawaiian culture and tradition throughout the islands.
The home is designed in European architectural style and combination of American and Florentine influence and contained new innovations and technologies like electrical lighting, telephone systems and in plumbing and flush toilets. It was also detailed in native Koa staircase, ornate furnishings, Hawaiian royal portraits and their personal collections including the royal crowns, jewelry and other adornments and accessories along with royal gifts from around the world.
Here’s a quick outside walking tour of the palace grounds below
The meaning of Iolani
The Hawaiian name Iolani translates into “Royal Hawk”. The palace was named in honor of King Kamehameha IV by King Kalakaua who’s full name is includes the word Iolani.
Hawaiian Royalty FAQ
What happened to the royal family
A group of American businessmen, lawyers and other influential expats living in Hawaii staged a coup with the help of the American naval forces against Queen Liliu’okalani and her government. Despite several pleas to the American president and congress, no progress was made on Liliu’okalani’s behalf and the queen was imprisoned at Iolani palace and after her release, she lived close by at Washington House. During this time frame of being imprisoned in her own palace, Liliu’okalani was prolific in her writing and music and attributing this to inspire her people despite all the hardships she faced.
Hawaii was annexed and then turned into the 50th state of the USA on August 21, 1959.
Does Hawaii still have any royal family members
There are descendants of the royal family still in Hawaii that are alive and they are noted in respect as princes and princesses of Hawaiian royalty. The descendants to the royal family are The House of Kawānanakoa. The last known living descendant is princess Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawananakoa.
The royal descendants have no role in today’s government but are still respected members of the Hawaiian monarchy and society.
Who were the main chiefs and rulers of Hawaii
Before Hawaii was unified, there were separate chiefs to each island and King Kamehameha was the first ruler of Hawaii. His descendants included Kamehameha I-IV. The most recent of the family rulers included King David Kalakaua, Queen Kapiolani, Queen Liliuokalani and Princess Kauilani.
Why is Iolani palace important
A very important museum and educational tool to most visitors to the islands. Visitors to the palace will learn about the royal family that lived in the palace and how the last ruler was overthrown by powerful businessmen on the islands with the backing of the American military and the federal government illegally annexed the islands and later turned Hawaii into the 50th state in 1959.
The palace itself was state of the art and had electricity and plumbing even before the white house. King Kalakaua visited world leaders and inventors, furnishing the palace with the latest innovations and showcasing the palace as a place of new ideas and gatherings for Hawaiians to be proud of and showcasing the technology improvements that were done in the capital city.
Here’s more about the spectacular time in Hawaiian History when Iolani Palace was built during the Victorian era
Touring the palace
The process of touring the palace is open to visitors through their reservation system listed below. You check into the barracks guard house and can sign up for a docent tour (arranged on certain days) or a self-tour with audio instructions.
You can use restrooms here and also check in any large bags at locker stations with keys.
Tip – while checking in at the barracks guard house, make sure you get their early to also watch the free video of the Palace and monarchs at Iolani Palace. It’s quick and informative.
Guided tours with a docent or self audio tour
There is a docent lead tour that is more and worth the amount so you can ask questions and have more interactive discussions with the docent.
Self guided audio tours are also available that you can reserve in advance
All visits to the palace require advanced reservations on their website here.
Pictures are allowed in the palace, but you cannot use flash while taking photographs of the interior and collections.
A visit to Iolani palace – touring the Palace interiors
Photography is allowed on your visit using no flash. Self-audio tours are allowed to visit all the main rooms and docent tours give their individual tours and inside knowledge of the palace.
After checking into the barracks, you go to the back entrance of the palace and wait by the stairs for instructions on entering the palace interiors for either an audio tour or meeting your docent for a guided tour.
Here’s a quick tour of the Palace interiors below
Main level of Iolani Palace
After entering through the back entrance, you enter the main gallery to the palace and grand staircase. The grand hall contains paintings of the royal families of Kamehameha and successive rulers of Hawaii.
The main attractions to see on the main level is the royal throne hall, the dining room and the blue room along with small prep stations for the food preparations and presentation to the dining rooms.
King Kalakaua was impressed with his royal tour around the world and collected European styled furniture, carpeting, fabrics and other adornments that were very fashionable during this timeframe.
This included all the elegant dresses and outfits that were meticulously made for the King and Queen of Hawaii and were displayed throughout various rooms of the palace.
Entering the Throne hall below
The kings and queen’s crowns and regalia
Details of the Queen’s royal gown
The Blue Room at Iolani Palace
A blue dress of Queen Kapiolani at the Blue Room
Entering the grand dining room of Iolani Palace
Elaborate wood details on the stairs to the 2nd level of Iolani Palace
2nd Level
The personal rooms of the royal family had the Kings chambers, the Queen’s chambers and then some extra guest rooms next to the Queen’s chambers. The main gallery on the 2nd floor also served muliple purposes for the royal family.
Entering the King’s chambers
Covering the entire left side of the 2nd floor, the King’s chambers included his bedroom, tower area, his bathroom, library and the family music room.
The KIng’s royal bedroom and tower room
The King’s Library below with a telephone from Alexander Bell
Telephone located in the Library
The family music room at Iolani Palace
Queen’s Chamber and guest rooms
On the right side of the Palace is the Queen’s chambers which included her bedroom and tower lounge room, her bathroom and two guest bedrooms for family members.
A beautiful feather dress used for Queen Victoria’s Jubilee celebration
State of the art electric lighting and interior plumbing in all the rooms
The two adjoining guest rooms on the Queen’s chamber area
The room where Queen Liliu’okalani was prisoned for a short duration of her confinement at Iolani
Basement of Iolani Palace
The basement level of the palace is mostly a self tour of some palace information and history and visits to the outer islands and placards. Also, you can tour the kitchen area and various prep rooms.
Once you exit the main house, take off your booties and return the audio equipment in the box before heading downstairs to the basement entrance.
The downstairs is mostly a self tour with diagrams and photographs showing images of the palace at various times and use with the royal family.
A downstairs hall area used for displaying various programs and goodwill the King and Queen did for the people of Hawaii.
The Royal family preferred to stay in a smaller cottage next to Iolani Palace called the Pink cottage and made with beautiful lattice work. Here is an image of the cottage below.
The kitchen and prepping stations in the basement of Iolani
Prepping station and china ware at the kitchen
There are restrooms in the basement for the public to use or at the barracks.
A photo tour of the Palace exteriors
Attached are some random photos of the palace grounds and some detail shots of the exteriors and band stand
The official band stand at Iolani Palace
2nd floor balcony overlooking the palace grounds below
Front facade of Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace tours and details
Iolani Palace hours
The palace opens at different times during the week and closed on Sunday, Mondays and holidays.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Book a reservation here for Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace Admission
You will need to purchase tickets in advance, there are no walking in to purchase tickets allowed
For more information to visiting the palace, check their website here for details and how to reserve a time frame that works with your schedule.
Prices to visiting are as follows:
Adults are $25 and $30 for docent lead tours
Children $27 (ages 13-17) for docent lead tours
Children $12 (ages 5-12) for docent lead tours
Children under four are free
More information about the Palace and specialty tours
You can also tour the palace virtually here to preview the royal residence and interiors.
There are special tours offered to visiting including a clothing tour, chamberlains tour and white glove tour. Check out these tours here for more details.
Check in at the Barracks building next to the palace to get your tickets for entry
Entering the palace interiors
Prior to entering the building, guides let you onto the lanai balconies to sit and place booties on your shoes and get further instructions to visiting the interiors. The guide hands out the audio sets and shows how to work it giving a quick demo so everyone can follow and start the session. For docent lead tours, guide lets you sit to put on the booties and starts a discussion of the palace visit and what you will be able to see.
Passing out the Audio guides for self tours of Iolani
What to wear at Iolani Palace
Please note – appropriate clothing is required for entry – the palace is a sacred place to visit and shoes and shirts are required and please do not bring back packs, luggage or other hand carries.
Parking at Iolani Palace
Parking is limited at the palace with street parking that is only 1 hour limit to the area. It is better to take public transportation or taxi to avoid any parking issues when visiting.
Places to visit close to the Palace in downtown Honolulu
There are many historic attractions located in downtown Honolulu that are worth stopping by for a visit when you are in the area. This includes historic buildings and other government buildings in the historic Capitol district area which the public is invited to explore.
Check out our post to visiting the downtown Honolulu area here for more inspiration and images.
Here are some of the highlights of places to visit around Downtown Honolulu area:
Banyan Tree Terrace – huge banyans located on the palace grounds
King Kamehameha statue – and Ali’iolani Hale, the supreme court building
Washington place – the official residence of the governor of Hawaii
State Capitol of Hawaii building – the state government offices and meeting rooms
Hawaii State Art Museum – free art museum of Hawaiian inspired art collections
The Mission homes of Honolulu – the first printing press and homes of the Missionary’s on the island.
St. Andrews Cathedral – the first Episcopal Church in Hawaii
Chinatown – Visit the asian markets, restaurants, squares and historic buildings in the area
Aloha Tower – the original tower and greeting center for ships entering Honolulu area
Honolulu city hall – the main city and county government and office in Honolulu
Visit Chinatown
The historic district of Chinatown is an easy walk or bus ride from Iolani Palace to visit the many architectural victorian era buildings along with the ethnic markets, restaurants and malls in Chinatown. Discovering the many different parts of this district is part of the fun of just exploring and even eating your way through some of the delicious food venues here.
Check out our post to visiting Chinatown here for more inspiration and images to explore in the area.
Explore Kaka’ako District
This fun and hip area of Honolulu is the cutting edge of craft brew pubs, coffee and hang out spaces along with shopping and many other trendy spots. The district is filled with an international array of street artists that blanket the buildings with large scale murals in an annual event called Pow Wow.
Find out more to visiting the Kaka’ako district here for more inspiration and images to exploring the area.
Weather and best time to visit Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, is a renowned tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and numerous attractions. The best time to visit Waikiki depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and activities. Here’s a breakdown of Waikiki’s weather and the ideal times to plan your trip:
Weather Overview:
- Year-Round Tropical Climate: Waikiki enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. It experiences two main seasons: a dry season (summer) and a wetter season (winter). However, even during the wetter season, rain is typically brief and intermittent.
- Summer (June to August): Waikiki’s summer months are warm and relatively dry, with temperatures typically ranging from 75°F to 88°F (24°C to 31°C). These months offer plenty of sunshine and are ideal for beach activities, water sports, and outdoor exploration. However, it’s also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
- Fall (September to November): Fall is a fantastic time to visit Waikiki. The weather remains warm, with temperatures between 73°F and 87°F (23°C to 31°C). Rainfall is minimal during this time, and you can enjoy the area with fewer crowds. It’s an excellent time for both outdoor activities and cultural events.
- Winter (December to February): Waikiki’s winter is mild, with temperatures averaging between 68°F and 80°F (20°C to 27°C). This is the rainy season, especially on the windward (eastern) side of the island. While you might encounter some rain, it’s still possible to enjoy Waikiki’s attractions, and you’ll find fewer tourists during this time.
- Spring (March to May): Spring is similar to fall, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 69°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C). The island starts to dry out from the winter rains, and the landscape becomes lush and green. Spring is an excellent time to visit for both weather and smaller crowds.
Best Times to Visit Waikiki:
- Late Spring (April to June): This period offers great weather with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. It’s an excellent time to enjoy outdoor activities, explore the area, and relax on the beach without the peak summer crowds.
- Fall (September to November): Fall is another fantastic time to visit Waikiki. The weather is still warm, and you can enjoy the area with fewer tourists, making it easier to find accommodations and enjoy popular attractions.
Considerations:
- Peak Tourist Season: If you don’t mind larger crowds and higher prices, visiting during the summer (June to August) can still be enjoyable, especially if you plan well in advance.
- Water Activities: Waikiki offers various water activities, including surfing, snorkeling, and outrigger canoe rides. Be sure to check the ocean conditions and surf reports for safety.
- Festivals and Events: Waikiki hosts numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year, so check the event calendar to see if any align with your travel dates.
In conclusion, Waikiki’s tropical climate makes it an attractive destination year-round, but late spring and fall offer a great balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. However, any time of year can provide a memorable experience in this iconic Hawaiian paradise.
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That’s it, have you been to the Palace?
Please share any tips or observations in the comment section below and if you loved the tour.
Conclusion on Visiting Iolani Palace
This grand palace in Honolulu exemplifies the Hawaiian culture, royal collections and beautiful furniture of the Hawaiian royalty. We hope you enjoyed the tour and that you can visit soon.
Beyond its architectural marvels, Iolani Palace serves as a cultural treasure trove, showcasing artifacts, furniture, and artwork that tell the story of Hawaii’s past. Visitors can learn about the kingdom’s monarchy, its struggles and triumphs, and the enduring spirit of its people. The palace grounds, with their beautifully landscaped gardens, offer a serene escape in the heart of Honolulu.
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It’s such a beautiful palace and when it comes to visiting palaces we prefer to have a guide. That’s the best way to know about the history. Else it’s just admiring the displays and wondering about the lavish lifestyles. Love the staircase and the look of the family Music Room.
The self tour is also good with an audio guide that is really informative for the Iolani Palace but the docent tour is also good
It is nice to know that they were able to preserve much of their original condition. We’d love to visit. It’s nice that this is open for the public to visit.
Thank you for sharing a brief history and these beautiful photos. The team definitely did a great job with the display.
Yes the Iolani Palace was carefully restored and really is a showcase now for visitors to enjoy.
Visiting Hawai has been on my list for a long time. Iolani Palace is truly a beautiful palace! Such beautiful decor and architecture. I would love to visit. Being a history buff, I always look forward to visiting such places during my travels.
Iolani Palace has such an amazing experience to the monarchy and Hawaiian culture, it really is a learning experience to visiting this royal palace in the United States.
We didn’t make it to the Iolani Palace when we were there, and now I regret that. The story is fascinating! I think it is sad, though, that Hawaii was taken away from its native people, and that the queen was held prisoner in the palace. Hawaii is beautiful and I can see why businessmen wanted it, but that didn’t make it right.
The US history of annexation and colonization didn’t do very well for US history and there’s still a lot to be desired with so many different indigenous people including the Hawaiian people.
We plan to be in Honolulu next Jan so it is high time we make a return visit to the palace. Thanks for the tour, Noel!
That’s great, glad you will get to revisit the Iolani Palace and Honolulu
Iolani Palace was closed when I was in Honolulu. I was disappointed then but even more so now. It sounds like the perfect stop to learn about Hawaiian traditions and culture. I wish history was different but am happy the royal family is still treated with respect
The hours for Iolani are more generous now with a lot more options, hopefully you’ll get to visit the palace again soon.
This is such an interesting post, always love to read about history. The Queen’s chamber and her dresses are just magnificient and the prices are very reasonable for guided tours so all top points to visit for me!
The way they displayed the momentos, dresses and furnishings are what makes the visit so special at Iolani Palace.
I love touring palaces and mansions around the world, and the era in which the Iolani Palace was built it one of my favorite time periods. Each room you’ve shown is so opulent! I truly appreciate the architecture, ornate furniture, and the craftsmanship that went into them. I especially loved seeing the beautiful gowns and crowns on display, too. Speaking of attire, so glad you mentioned that appropriate dress is required because I never would have even thought of that…Thanks for the heads up!
Iolani Palace is very special and very innovative during its timeframe, thanks for commenting.
This place looks indeed like a place everybody should visit when going to Hawai. It really looks like a very educational tool to learn about the history of the place. Entering and visiting the King’s chambers must be such an experience!
Iolani Palace is truly historic and worth a visit to learn about the monarchy and Hawaiian culture
I love this palace…it’s craftsmanship and what it stands for. I wish the federal government annexed Hawaii but at the same time maintained a ceremonial monarchy. That would have geen so cool for tourism!
That would have been an interesting take on the ruling family and there are many that believe the islands should be allowed back to Hawaiian rule also.