Iolani Palace

Address:Honolulu, Hawaii

Enjoy a historical experience fit for a king by visiting Iolani Palace in Oahu. A magnificent, four-floor, Italian Renaissance palace, used by the last two Hawaiian monarchs, Iolani Palace is located in downtown Honolulu, and is a must-see attraction. Come learn about the final years of independent Hawaii.

Built in 1882 by King David Kalakaua, Iolani Palace was the first building in Honolulu set up with electricity, and preceded in this both the White House and Buckingham Palace! The palace, built with one-of-a-kind American Florentine architecture, was used by King Kalakaua, as well as by his sister and successor, Queen Lili'uokalani, until the monarchy's overthrow in 1893.

Tours of Iolani Palace include a 90-minute guided Grand Tour covering a tour of the palace itself and the palace grounds, an explanation of the palace's history, a short film about King Kalakaua's vision for his palace, and a self-guided tour of the Palace Galleries. There is also a 50-minute self-guided audio tour, and a self-guided tour of the Palace Galleries. Also, the Royal Hawaiian Band offers free concerts, every Friday afternoon from 12:00 to 1:00, on the palace grounds. There are two gift shops at Iolani Palace, one in the barracks and one in the Palace Galleries, both offering a variety of merchandise to commemorate your visit. There is currently no food for sale on the grounds of Iolani Palace but, as this is, after all, downtown Honolulu, there are many restaurants within a short walk of the palace, offering seafood, Eurasian cuisine, and a bar and grill.

Parking can be limited, so you're best advised to take the 2 School Street-Middle Street bus, or the 13 Liliha-Puunui Avenue bus, from Kuhio Avenue to the intersection of Hotel Street and Alakea Street. Come to Iolani Palace and walk in the footsteps of royalty.