Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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ʻIolani Palace: A Royal Step Back in Time 👑
Isabella WoodIsabella Wood
142
👑✨ Iolani Palace: Hawaii’s Last Royal Residence ✨🏛️
Bella WoodBella Wood
202
👑 ʻIolani Palace: A Glimpse into Hawaiian Royalty 👑
Bella WoodBella Wood
192
🏰 Iolani Palace: Where Hawaii’s Royalty Meets Rainbows 🌺
Isabella WoodIsabella Wood
232
Short History: Iolani Palace, located in downtown Honolulu, is a historic site of immense cultural significance in Hawaii. It was the official residence of the Hawaiian monarchs from 1882 to 1893, and it remains the only royal palace on U.S. soil. Built by King Kalākaua, the palace was a symbol of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s modernity and status among nations. The palace served as the royal residence until the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, after which it became the Capitol building for the Provisional Government and later the Territory of Hawaii until it was restored and opened to the public as a museum in 1978. Tickets and Admission: Tickets for Iolani Palace can be purchased online or at the entrance. It’s recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as time slots can sell out quickly. General admission for a guided tour is around $30 for adults, with discounted rates for children, seniors, and military personnel. Self-guided tours are also available at a lower cost, typically around $20. Audio guides are included, providing detailed explanations as you explore the palace at your own pace. Wait Times and Hours Required: The wait times at Iolani Palace are generally manageable, especially if you’ve booked tickets in advance. If you arrive without a reservation, you might have to wait for the next available tour, but the wait is usually under 30 minutes. The palace itself takes about 90 minutes to two hours to tour, depending on your pace and interest level. The guided tours are well-timed, allowing you to explore the key areas of the palace without feeling rushed. If you plan to explore the grounds and visit the gift shop, budget around two to three hours for the entire experience. Parking: Parking around Iolani Palace can be challenging, as it’s located in a busy part of downtown Honolulu. There’s a small metered parking lot adjacent to the palace, but spaces fill up quickly, especially during peak hours. Street parking is available but limited, and you may need to walk a bit if you can’t find a spot nearby. Alternatively, paid parking garages are within walking distance, such as the Alii Place parking garage, which is a short stroll away. Public transportation is also a viable option, with several bus routes stopping close to the palace. Crowd: The palace attracts a steady stream of visitors, but it rarely feels overcrowded, thanks to the timed entry system. Mornings tend to be quieter, making it an ideal time for a more relaxed experience. Weekdays generally see fewer tourists compared to weekends. The interior of the palace is spacious, allowing you to move through the rooms without feeling cramped, even when the tours are at full capacity. Food and Dining Options: There are no food services available within Iolani Palace itself, but there are several dining options nearby in downtown Honolulu. The palace is just a short walk from the vibrant Chinatown district. Major Attractions: The major attractions within Iolani Palace include the Grand Hall, where you can admire the sweeping koa wood staircase and portraits of Hawaiian royalty. The Throne Room, with its crimson and gold decor, is where official ceremonies and royal balls were held. The Blue Room, used for informal gatherings, houses European furnishings and Hawaiian artifacts. The King’s and Queen’s private suites offer a glimpse into the personal lives of the monarchy, complete with period furnishings and personal items. The basement of the palace is home to a museum that showcases the regalia of the Hawaiian Kingdom, including the crown jewels, royal orders, and a collection of historic photographs and documents. The palace grounds, with their well-manicured lawns and ancient banyan trees, provide a peaceful setting to reflect on the history and significance of the site. Iolani Palace is a must-visit for anyone interested in Hawaiian history and culture.
Vijay ThakkarVijay Thakkar
00
This place is full of history and timeless artifacts, information about the personal lives of the royal family and their relatives. You have your choice of several tours, you should pick a tour well in advance. With each visit to each room, and every floor, which by the way the building is Ada accessible as it includes ramps and an elevator for those in walkers wheelchairs etc, with every floor you feel the spirit and palpable emotions of days gone by. Of a lost era in time. It goes through the history of the annexation of Hawaii. It covers the course of time when Sanford Dole, and the Dole plantation used all of their political power in Washington, to essentially buy and take over Hawaii for their own monetary gain. You will see personal information about the children of the king the niece of the queen, her beautiful, intelligent and compassionate niece the Princess. You'll learn about the surfing history and the sons of the king brought surfing to Santa Cruz California. And right underneath the Santa Cruz Pier you will see a small surf shop museum, and in the museum are portraits of the Hawaiian Kings sons and nephews. They actually introduced surfing to California. I think for that alone, we here in the state should at least honor them for that. But sadly we do not honor this family for some reason. For some reason they have been written out of our history books, and not talked of what actually happened when the United States took over, and not acquired Hawaii. The tour of this regal palace, the only Palace in the United States, is a once in a lifetime event. An event that takes time and patience and listening skills. You certainly do not want to forget a camera. You may take lots of photos but no videos and no flashes during pictures. You will be required to wear shoe coverings over your shoes or take off your shoes and wear them over your socks. Expect to be led by a tour guide. They will not allow you to wonder about the palace unattended they have officials and tour guides on all floors and all areas. When you come to Hawaii you should not miss this tour. Is one that will open your eyes to the beautiful history of Hawaii and her accompanying Islands.
Kym McCarty-MorlanKym McCarty-Morlan
60
Nearby Attractions Of Iolani Palace
Ka Moana Luau
Star of Honolulu
King Kamehameha Statue
Aloha Tower Marketplace
Aloha Tower
SALT At Our Kaka'ako
Chinatown Cultural Plaza
Chambers Escape Games
Aloha Tower
Trident Adventures

Ka Moana Luau
4.5
(1.7K)Click for details

Star of Honolulu
4.4
(1.6K)Click for details

King Kamehameha Statue
4.6
(1.4K)Click for details

Aloha Tower Marketplace
4.1
(1.2K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Iolani Palace
Moku Kitchen
The Pig and The Lady
Zippy's Vineyard
Fête
J. Dolans
Aloha Beer Company
Legend Seafood Restaurant
Murphy's Bar & Grill
Lucky Belly
Kamana Kitchen

Moku Kitchen
4.4
(1.4K)Click for details

The Pig and The Lady
4.4
(1.1K)$$$
Click for details

Zippy's Vineyard
4.1
(1K)Click for details

Fête
4.6
(709)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Map
Phone
(808) 522-0822
Call
Website
iolanipalace.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(2.5K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
accessibility
Description
The ʻIolani Palace was the royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi beginning with Kamehameha III under the Kamehameha Dynasty and ending with Queen Liliʻuokalani under the Kalākaua Dynasty, founded by her brother, King David Kalākaua.
attractions: Ka Moana Luau, Star of Honolulu, King Kamehameha Statue, Aloha Tower Marketplace, Aloha Tower, SALT At Our Kaka'ako, Chinatown Cultural Plaza, Chambers Escape Games, Aloha Tower, Trident Adventures, restaurants: Moku Kitchen, The Pig and The Lady, Zippy's Vineyard, Fête, J. Dolans, Aloha Beer Company, Legend Seafood Restaurant, Murphy's Bar & Grill, Lucky Belly, Kamana Kitchen
