Iolani is more than Honolulu’s centerpiece, and even more than the only Royal Palace in the United States. It was the home to Hawaiian royalty and the seat of the Hawaiian Kingdom since its completion in 1882 by King David Kalakaua. A showplace for all of Hawaii, its American Florentine architecture came from influences that resulted by King Kalakaua’s worldly travels. It was the first building in Hawaii to have electricity and was the scene of many lavish festivals that honored King Kalakaua including his coronation in 1883 and his fiftieth birthday jubilee.
The building consists of a main floor for official events, and upper level that was the private residence and a basement where the kitchen, storage and staff offices were located. The blue room was where small informal audiences and receptions took place. Today a huge portrait of King Louis Philippe of France hangs in this room, and matching portraits of King Kalakaua and his successor Queen Liliuokalani.
Queen Liliuokalani was the last reigning Queen of the islands. She was taken and held prisoner during the American overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy in 1893. Her trial was held in the gold and maroon Throne Room, and she was subsequently held prisoner at the Palace after her trial. This room was the location of formal balls and royal audiences. Many artifacts from the Hawaiian Kingdom are on display here.
Also located on the grounds of the Palace is the Coronation Pavilion, which was build especially for King Kalakaua’s coronation. Also along the Waikiki end of the grounds, there is a fenced in mound, which marks the site of the former Royal tomb.
There are many historical sights in the islands and the best and quickest to find your favorites are to download an iPhone travel app or and Andriod travel app to take along.
However, a visit to this site is a must for all who are interested in a vacation Hawaii style. Include it as a part of a half-day visit to Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown. Grab a picnic lunch in Chinatown and head for the Palace. The best time to visit is on a Friday between 12:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m., when the Royal Hawaiian Band sets up near the Coronation Pavilion and serenades the public with wonderful Hawaiian tunes under the cool Monkey Pod and Royal Palm trees.
To visit the interior of the Palace, it is best to call ahead for reservations for guided tours. Guided tours are held every 15 minutes Tuesdays through Saturday 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Self guided tours are 45 minutes in length and are available throughout the day.
Iolani Palace
364 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Telephone: 808-522-0832
HOURS: Mo-Sa 9a-5p except state and national holidays
Admission: $20-$3 per person
Lottie Tagupa is a native Hawaiian, born and raised on the island of Oahu. She has been writing about Hawaii for over 10 years and currently lives in Waimea on the Big Island
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