Iolani Palace

Historical landmark · Capitol District

Iolani Palace

Historical landmark · Capitol District

4

364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813

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Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null
Iolani Palace by null

Highlights

Iolani Palace in Honolulu is a beautifully restored 19th-century royal residence offering rich insights into Hawaii's monarchy and cultural heritage.  

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364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813 Get directions

iolanipalace.org
@iolanipalacehi

Information

Static Map

364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813 Get directions

+1 808 522 0822
iolanipalace.org
@iolanipalacehi

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance
crowd family friendly

Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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20 Best Things to Do on Oahu, According to Locals

"To “learn the true history of Hawaiʻi and understand what the people of Hawaii have endured,” says Domingo, head to ‘Iolani Palace in Honolulu. A crucial part of Hawaiian history, the Palace was the official royal residence for the last reigning monarchs of Hawaii. “Exploring the Palace allows visitors to step back in time and witness the grandeur and significance of Hawaiʻi’s monarchy. The architecture, cultural resources, and stories within the Palace walls provide a glimpse into our islands’ royal past, offering invaluable insights into our cultural heritage,” explains Choy." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-things-to-do-on-oahu-8422064
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@travelleisure

22 Beautiful Castles in the United States

"The former royal residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom, now a historic site offering tours to learn about the Hawaiian monarchy's history." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'

https://www.travelandleisure.com/culture-design/architecture-design/castles-in-the-us
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@afar

"A Slice of Royalty in America The grand koa wood staircase was shining with a new coat of oil as the focal point of the room; it’s beautiful curves lead the eye gently from the second floor down to the first floor. Men and women dressed in ornate gowns and neck-restricting tuxedos floated around the staircase receiving each other with a proper handshake or curtsy. The party was just beginning as horses pulled up to the ultra modern palace depositing people of stature out of their buggies. The year was 1882 in the island nation of Hawaii. Even though I like to live in the present, I couldn’t help but imagine the past as I was led through the Iolani Palace in Oahu. The docent painted a perfect picture of arriving at a ball in the mid 1880’s – the sites, sounds, and even the dinner entries that would be served. After the docent led tour you can have the pleasure of saying the you've been in the only palace in America! More Info: Iolani Palace Tour Information: Guided Docent Led Tours – Adults: $20 / Children (5-12) $6. This tour is available from 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Audie Tours – Adults: $13 / Children (5-12) $6. This tour is available from Monday through Saturday 11:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Be sure to check the times and costs on the website which will have up to date information and details. Get all of the details including great historical information, information on the restoration, and learn about upcoming events on the Iolani Palace website: www.iolanipalace.org."

History, Art, and Architecture on Oahu
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@goop

"The opulent Iolani Palanace was the royal residence of the Hawaiian monarchy until Queen Liliuokalani was forced to abdicate her throne in 1893. The palace has since been restored, including furniture and decorations that were there during the monarchic rule, and a significant collection of artifacts representing different periods in Hawaiian history. It’s a fascinating tour, and a welcome break when you’ve spent too many hours in the sun."

The Oahu Guide
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Kendrick

Google
This is a must-visit location for anyone interested in learning more about the past. Every corner is rich with historical significance, and the exhibits are thoughtfully curated to offer both educational value and engaging stories. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, there’s so much to take in and appreciate. The staff is knowledgeable, and the atmosphere really brings the stories to life. Highly recommended for families, students, or anyone looking to connect with history in a meaningful way.

Chris G

Google
Beautiful and moving museum that shares the history of the Hawaiian royal families. The audio tour was informative and the perfect amount of information, it definitely added to the visit. I highly recommend tourists to learn about the history of Hawaii when visiting.

Ty Carrick

Google
Way more going on here than I ever knew. Started this trip completely ignorant of the culture of this beautiful island chain. So glad I was given the opportunity to learn something new for it gave me great perspective for the place I was calling a vacation. As a visitor to these islanders, thank you for having me and taking the time to help me see perspective. Excellent job bringing your history to life and this building is just amazing, as is it's human story!

A R

Google
We visited the Iolani Palace and were excited to do the tour. Unfortunately, all of the tours were booked for the weekend, so we stopped by the gift shop to pick up a souvenir instead, and unfortunately, the souvenirs were ridiculously expensive. In any event, I hope you all have a better experience than we did.

Amy Richmond

Google
Beautiful palace with a rich history. Our party booked the audio tour. It had a full history as you walked through each of the rooms. The tour is air conditioned and a perfect outing for a day with bad weather or one last, Hawaiian stop on the way to the airport. This tour was an hour if you listened to each room. There was a lot of standing. There were a few benches and chairs available throughout. If anyone in the party has mobility issues, the tour is accessible, but may not be the friendliest option. The same applies to children. A beautiful tour, just be sure history will hold their attention.

Blaine Parrish

Google
Very difficult attraction to visit on the fly. Tickets are in advance only, no walking, no self guided tours, limited tickets for each tour, so plan way ahead and skip the tour and the grounds if you didn’t have it on your itinerary. Other than that; museum quality exhibits, leave the kids at home since there is little to interest them inside the palace. Five stars for the open air concert in the park on the grounds!

Thuy Huynh

Google
Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States, a historic site rich in cultural and historical significance from the former Hawaiian Kingdom. The palace grounds are shaded by large, old trees, creating a cool and peaceful atmosphere right in the center of Honolulu. I only visited the basement level, where many valuable artifacts are on display, including royal jewelry, ceremonial items, and everyday objects used by the Hawaiian monarchy. Although I didn’t go upstairs, the basement exhibit alone gave me a strong sense of the elegance and grandeur of the royal era. If you’re interested in history and want to explore a unique part of America’s past, Iolani Palace is definitely worth a visit.

Brent Butler

Google
One of my favorite places to visit on our vacation. I loved learning more about Hawaiian history and its leaders. A unique heritage among USA citizens. It should be cherished by all Hawaiians. I highly recommend a visit.
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Joel K.

Yelp
Self guided tour, well paced, helpful history. Makes one appreciate how much the monarchs cared for the Hawaiian people . Brings the past alive.
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Steve A.

Yelp
Check out where the royalty of Hawaii lived. 'Iolani Palace is a nationally historical site. Later it became the territorial capitol building and the state capitol building for the next several years. After that, it became an important place to honor the past and be the home of a collection of arts and other artifacts. The only bad thing is having to pay high prices. Basically this was the main residence of Hawaii's royal family. It's the only royal palace in the United States. This building was later used as a capital building for the government after annexation and whatever. A lot of familiar names associated with it. These are used as many of the street names. From King Kamehameha III to Queen Liliʻuokalani, this was a part of the Kalākaua Dynasty. The monarchy was overthrown in 1893 and the palace was used as the capitol building until the new one opened in 1969. Later the palace was restored to its original appearance. This was opened to the public in 1978. It costs about $26 for adults to get in. That seems like a lot, but it helps pay for the restoration. It had been used as a government building for about 70 years and lost a lot of its original appearance. The royal architecture had been modified into something much plainer. Funds help to continue restoring it. The building has architecture that's unique. It's known as American Florentine. The basement has an art collection and artifacts collected from the palace. On the west side is the former barracks, which is used as the visitors center. There's storage lockers here because bags and food aren't allowed inside. Also you can watch a film on the restoration and history. This helps you to appreciate it even more. Good idea to get tickets before going. It's closed Sundays and Mondays. This is a popular place for group tours.
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Harry B.

Yelp
The iolani palace. This place was historically and culturally rich, filled with the history of hawaii that all can see. Appreciate the attempts to preserve, recreate and display and educate. Many staff and volunteers, all were respectful, professional and helpful. The place was well run and was a great tour.
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Jill M.

Yelp
What an outstanding cultural and historic place to visit, right in our own backyard! This was my first visit to ʻIolani Palace, the preserved home of the last living monarchs in Hawaii. We visited here during a kamaʻaina Sunday event, so our tour was free! We brought along our toddler and baby and were surprised at how accessible everything was. We did have to carry the stroller up the stairs to the palace, but a kind employee helped us. We were given shoe covers and a device for a self-guided audio tour. I thought my toddler would be bored to pieces, but he even got his own device and loved pressing the button and listening to the tour! We toured around the different rooms, and I couldn't help but imagine what life must have been like back then...the grandiose parties and gatherings. I felt like I was on the set of Bridgerton! They had an elevator inside to get to the top floor to see the King's and Queen's rooms, which were very elegant and interesting. Afterwards, they let us take the elevator to the basement to exit. They have restrooms down there and a small artifacts room. I wouldn't hesitate to come here again for an event or tour.
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Katherine A.

Yelp
My visit to Iolani Palace was fabulous as I enjoy history and architecture. I had taken TheBus to the government center on King Street and walked to the Palace early midweek. I didn't have tickets (which you are encouraged to purchase on line), but was able to purchase an audio tour for 12:00. Tickets, gift shop and theater are located in a small building on the Palace grounds. The theater casts historic information about Hawaiian Royalty. There is no additional charge to watch the movie and I highly recommend before a tour of the Palace. I had time before my tour to walk the grounds and take photos. There is also a museum in the basement that houses artifacts of the Hawaiian royals. The museum takes about 45 minutes to tour thoroughly and is excellent. Before the tour, a guide will provide booties (to protect rugs) and an audio headset. She provided instructions and our group of a dozen started the tour. The building is designed American Florentine and building started in 1879 and was completed in 1882. King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi'olani were the first occupants of the Palace. The Palace served as an entertaining residence to the royalty. Most of the furniture is made from local Hawaiian woods and much has been restored. The Provisional Government occupied the building after the overthrown of the final Hawaiian monarch, Queen Lili'uokalan. The Palace served as government offices for many years. Sadly, furniture and artifacts were lost. Restoration of the Palace began in 1970 and today the building is a Registered Historic Landmark. The audio goes into great detail about the contents and history of the Palace. I enjoyed the detail, but many of the younger visitors were impatient and stopped listening. There is a small parking lot at the Palace. Large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside, nor is food. There is no restaurant or food on the grounds. There is an elevator in the palace and facilities to accommodate wheel chairs. I don't think toddlers would enjoy the tour and I didn't see if strollers were allowed. If you do t buy tickets online, get there early in the day. I highly recommend a visit to this historic Palace, the only Palace in the United States.
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Emily D.

Yelp
We had a fantastic time at the Iolani Palace. With young children it can be hard taking them to places that are geared towards adults, but the staff was so friendly and kind towards my child who was not adhering to the museum etiquette (aka being way too loud). We went for the audio tour and were impressed with the amount of detail that went into each room of the palace. You'll receive a device (looks like a 90's telephone) with buttons that correspond to the room you're in. When you press the button, you'll hear an audio summary of the room with lots of detail to help understand the room's purpose, significance and beauty. I'd definitely come here again to learn more about Hawaiian history and marvel at the beauty and splendor of the Iolani Palace.
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Steve J.

Yelp
A great rainy day activity without our kids at the only Monarchy in the United States! We did the Chamberlain Tour and it was a great way to see and learn about the rich history of Hawaii. It was nice to know the money went towards the preservation AND continued curation of this important historical treasure. The Chamberlain ("Junior" Chamberlain as he referred to himself) was very knowledgeable and gave us great access to parts of the museum to really dive in and be silent with the artifacts.
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Amanda K.

Yelp
It was really fun learning about past Hawaiian kings and the history here. I recommend purchasing tickets in advance as there is an audio tour only option. We got headsets and it took a little over an hour to go through if you spend the time to see/listen to it all. Large bags/flowers were not allowed and are to be stored in lockers beforehand. They will provide you with shoe covers for preservation as well. Overall it was an interesting experience and I think it's worth checking out!
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Bhamidipati M.

Yelp
An amazing place to experience the history of Hawaii in Honolulu. The audio tours gave us some interesting insights into the lives of royal members and the state of Hawaii from late 1770s. You will need a reservation to attend the audio tour!
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Nadine C.

Yelp
Wedding day in Honolulu, Hawaii... My friend had her dream come true at the only Palace in the United States of America... 'Iolani Palace!! To be married at a National Historic Landmark is quite the unique and memorable experience! 'Iolani Palace was opened in 1879 and was the residence of Hawaiian Royalty until the overthrow in 1893. The grounds include the bandstand, the armory, and the Palace. As part of the wedding, guests were able to tour the first floor of the Palace for free! We covered our footwear with plastic booties and got the history of the three main rooms from knowledgeable docents! The wedding was held on the front lawn. The food was served in the armory. We dined on the back lawn with live music from two different groups! The highlight of the evening was a hula performance by the bride! This was a fantastic venue with free parking on the grounds on a Sunday! There was an appetizer station, a boba bar next to the Adult Beverages bar, and clever table assignments according to airport codes on personalized luggage tags for each guest! I'll have to return for the complete free tour for Hawaii residents on the second Sunday of each month... Kama'aina Sunday!
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Suzie R.

Yelp
If you have 1 museum option to choose...choose this one! We had a private tour and I learned so much. I love how the Hawaiians cherish the royal heritage they have as they tried to get this palace back to its original glory days. You'll hear the story on the tour. The history is really cool and very interesting. The tour guides and staff are amazing.
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Rose L.

Yelp
Educational and saddening way to spend 2 hours as you learn about the Hawaiian monarchy and the history of diplomatic relations pre and post monarchy. The palace itself has an old regal feel to it and it's a few miles away from Waikiki, making it a fun place to tour.
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Randi L.

Yelp
Beautiful piece of history, can't miss!! History respectfully presented, beautiful royal jewels/ clothing/ living dwellings. Must stop here & do the audio tour

Dana S.

Yelp
Loved visiting Iolani Palace. It was so fun learning about the history of Hawaii (before the colonization by the US) and it's an incredibly beautiful palace. One thing I didn't like was all the waste created by requiring patrons to wear dispoable shoe coverings.. the first palace I've ever visited that requires this.. If you figure thousands of people visit each year, this is a lot of single use plastic waste. I would love to see a more "green" solution.
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Melissa B.

Yelp
The palace is an absolute gem for anyone interested in history and culture. The educational experience is unparalleled, thanks to the friendly and enthusiastic staff who bring the stories of the palace to life. Their passion for sharing knowledge makes every tour engaging and interactive. The surroundings are stunning, with beautiful architecture and well-maintained grounds that add to the charm of the visit. A perfect spot for families, students, or anyone eager to learn and explore. Highly recommend for an enriching and inspiring experience!
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Peggy M.

Yelp
Great way to learn the history of Hawaii, and see the beauty of the royal family. They offer discounts to military and Kama aina. Make reservations in advance online to save time and make sure you get in immediately when arriving.
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Daniel G.

Yelp
Very cool to see the history of Hawaiian kings and I enjoyed it. Didn't agree with our allergies though- kinda musty!- so be aware of that. You have to do a self-guided tour and wear shoe covers.
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Mark N. T.

Yelp
Aloha. The palace is located between Wikiki and downtown Honolulu. I purchased a ticket online. It cost around $30. The inside was very gorgeous. I saw potteries that were gifts from Emperor Meiji in Japan. The guide gave me some audio devices that were very informative. Hawaii is the 50th state of the United States. But definitely, we need to learn the history of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Mahalo.
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Laura M.

Yelp
Having lived and worked on Oahu for 2 years, it took a 3 week holiday from the mainland to get me. To visit the historical sites. Worth the admission for an appreciation of the history of HI. Good to learn before the 65 year military lease of HI native land expires. Yes, there is concern what the new US president will do to the native Hawaiians.
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Miho W.

Yelp
1882年にカラカウア王(7代目ハワイ王)が建てた公邸です。 ハワイ観光では「歴史的建造物」巡りのトロリーバスがダウンタウン周辺を周遊して居て、イオラニパレスは必見コースとして組み込まれています。 ハワイ州としての新庁舎が出来るまではハワイの政治中核として此処に君臨していました。カラカウア王はもちろん、妹のリリウオカラニ女王、そして彼らの家族が此処に暮らしていて、当時、実際に使われていた家具や内装の一部はまだ宮殿内に現存しています。 其れらを鑑賞するツアーは日本語案内でも随時開催されて居るので、皆さんも是非宮殿内ツアーに参加して、ハワイの王族達の暮らしに触れて見てください。 またイオラニ宮殿では、コロナパンデミックにより中止されていた「カマアイナ・サンデー」が2023年に再開しました。 イベント当日は宮殿内ツアー(地元民は無料)、ハワイ民芸、ハワイフードのベンダー出店、地元民によるハワイパフォーマンス、などの数々の催し物で賑わいます。 宮殿をバックに家族や友達と穏やかな日曜日を過ごす時間は正しく「リアルハワイ」を感じられる有意義なひと時となるでしょう。 It is an official residence built by King Kalakaua (7th King of Hawaii) in 1882. In Hawaii sightseeing, trolleybuses travel around "historic buildings" downtown, and Iolani Palace is included as a must-see location. Until the new government building for the state was built, it reigned here as the political core of Hawaii. King Kalakaua, as well as his sister Queen Liliuokalani and their families, lived here, and some of the furniture and interiors that were actually used at that time are still preserved in the palace. Tours to appreciate them are also conducted in Japanese from time to time, so please join the tour in the palace and touch the life of the royal family in Hawaii. Also, at Iolani Palace, "Kamaaina Sunday" which was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, reopened in 2023. On the day of the event it was crowded, with a number of attractions such as a tour of the palace (free for locals), Hawaiian folk art, opening a Hawaiian food vendor, and a Hawaii performance by locals. Spending a peaceful Sunday with family and friends with the palace in the background will be a meaningful time where you can feel "Real Hawaii" correctly.
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Cheol K.

Yelp
Took the guided docent tour. Absolutely recommend! Our docent was passionate in explaining the history of Hawaii and the royal families. He was so knowledgeable of all the artifacts and original furniture. So interesting to learn how Hawaii truly became a U.S. state. A must do when visiting Honolulu.

Carol P.

Yelp
Yesterday I took my fifth docent-led tour of Iolani Palace to accompany a visitor from the mainland. It did not disappoint! Every tour imparts something new that I didn't hear on other tours. Jennie was extremely warm and engaged perfectly with our group. I recommend this tour to everyone who visits. It's an excellent way to understand the history of Hawaii and explore the future of our beautiful state!
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Wendy M.

Yelp
What a great tour. We haven't been on this tour in decades. Our father was in the original Royal Guard after our beloved Queen was deposed. The audio tour was done very well. We took guests from Korea and they enjoyed it very much. They said having listened to the history in their own language and visiting each area is something they will never forget.
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Chris L.

Yelp
We came here for a morning self-guided audio tour and really enjoyed it. The experience was really smooth and the staff were friendly. Prices were reasonable. We learned a lot and it was so neat to see the only royal residence in the United States. Our kids also got a lot out of it. We got parking right outside the building that was metered. I'd definitely come back.
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Jaelyn D.

Yelp
KAMAAINA SUNDAYS Took advantage of the Mother's Day Kamaaina Sunday event. We arrived to the palace around 8:30am. Though there was already a line outside of the palace gates, there was ample street parking i the surrounding area. At 9am, the gates open and you are welcome to set up chairs and mats on the lawn. Our tour, which was free that day because we are Hawaii residents was, 9:15am. Babies/toddlers are allowed on the tour but must either wear shoe booties or sit in a stroller (which are provided by the palace. My daughter was so comfortable riding in their stroller, she slept the entire tour. The tour is self-led but there are options to have someone lead you through the palace. It was not my first time at the palace, but let me tell you, every time I go I learn something new. After making your way through the first and second floors, be sure to also head down to the basement before ending your tour. We toured for over an hour and had a blast.
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Josh F.

Yelp
Iolani Palace in Honolulu is a remarkable journey back in time, offering a unique glimpse into Hawaii's royal history. As the only royal palace in the United States, it stands as a symbol of cultural significance and architectural grandeur. Visiting the palace, you are immediately transported to the era of the Hawaiian monarchy, walking the same halls as the kings and queens who once called this magnificent building home. The guided tours of Iolani Palace are insightful and enriching, led by knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories and historical facts about the palace and its former inhabitants. Each room is a testament to the opulence and sophistication of the Hawaiian Kingdom, with meticulously restored interiors and artifacts. The experience is more than just a historical tour; it's an appreciation of Hawaiian heritage and the pivotal role the palace played in the nation's history. For anyone visiting Honolulu, a trip to Iolani Palace is an unmissable experience, offering a deeper understanding of Hawaii's rich and unique past.
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William C.

Yelp
A must-see in Honolulu. The palace is beautiful and very well-maintained, and the history is fascinating and heartbreaking. Lots of amazing artifacts and art pieces. The self-guided audio tour is informative and well done. Staff are warm and friendly.
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Jo W.

Yelp
Beautiful and full of history. After reading about Princess Kaiulani from the Royal Diaries series published by Scholastic, I knew I wanted to visit Iolani Palace and take in some fascinating Hawaiian history. It was fascinating to learn some fun facts, such as that Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on United States soil, and that it was the first palace in the world to use electric lights. We were about 1 hour late for our booked time slot, which was fine, they got us to join the next group. We had an audio tour that we listened to throughout our tour, and photos were permitted inside. I loved observing the paintings, furnitures, and the gowns and outfit that the Hawaiian royalty wore, and it was quite sad to know what had happened and why Hawaiian monarchy ended. Definitely recommend visiting for a tour when you're here in Oahu!
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Irene M.

Yelp
Kama'āina (ka-ma-aye-na) is a word meaning Hawai'i residence This once a month event is back after a long break due to covid and I'm so excited woohoo!!! This event is filled with lots of entertainment, family friendly activities and yummy grinds sprawled out on the lawn of Iolani Palace presented by American Savings Bank (thank you for the wheel spin and games with fun prizes!) and The Friends of Iolani Palace. Open to all obviously but are encouraging locals to come out to enjoy and support this historic beauty, you enter at the Richard Street gate and are asked your zip code along if you're Hawaiian and the first 500 Kama'āina tickets (Free tours to the first 500 with a limit of 4 tickets per adult) are available for self guided tour of the Palace for the first and second floors. This event is from 9am to 3pm and definitely bring a chair to enjoy the countess entertainment which is so beautiful and relaxing the vibe making it just a deep appreciation of the culture is stunning and for this month's recent celebration of May Day there will be a lei making contest with the winner will receive 12-month Ohana membership from The Friends of 'Iolani Palace! All food vendors purchases are by scripts where there are two tents one for cash and other for credit card and if you show your ASB Card you'll receive a discount (what a great deal ASB!) along with that they give you the list of food vendors along with menu will script price which is absolutely convenient so that you'll know how much to purchase. What's also great about Sundays is metered street parking is FREE...YES! So claim your spot though there's also free parking right across the street besides King Kamehameha Statue and at the Civic Center Municipal, no parking will be allowed on Iolani Palace. Here are the next dates for Kamaāina Sundays for 2023... - June 11 - July 9 - August 13 Come and support local and bring your chair, hat, and your appetite and celebrate #KamaainaSunday ! Thank you!
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Mary G.

Yelp
As tour into Hawaii's history. Really enjoyed it our docent was very knowledgeable and passionate about what she does highly recommend.
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Welkis M.

Yelp
Great place to visit for historical context and to learn about Hawai'i before it became a US state. We did the docent led tour and it was well worth it, Jenny was super knowledgeable!
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Rachel H.

Yelp
I have been coming to Hawaii for decades and never once toured this palace. It was just a spur of the moment thing, and the tours do get booked up! I would highly recommend booking it in advance. Luckily we only had to wait 2 hours. During that time, we looked at the exhibits in the basement, then we walked to Starbucks and hung out there. The tour itself was great! Our guide was very knowledgeable, went at a great pace, and the interiors were so beautifully restored! It's hard to believe it fell into disrepair. I really enjoyed my time here :)

J R.

Yelp
A beautiful, poignant tour. Must visit when in Honolulu, the basement gallery is an important part of the visit.
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Peter X.

Yelp
Apparently you have to reserve spots ahead of time. When we got there around noon they were booked out for the remainder of the day. They do however allow you to take a look at the ground level exhibits for $5/person but there was not much to see. Plan ahead!
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Jane A.

Yelp
Our docent kind of speed talked the whole tour, because there was so much information she wanted to impart. It was fascinating how the Ali`i were inventors, spoke many languages and had a definite gift for writing music. The first to have electricity in the palace and be so forward thinking. Made me proud. Loved the beautiful displays in each room, indoor plumbing and the tower rooms were unusual. So glad this treasure has been preserved, restored and made accessible to all the world.
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Alex M.

Yelp
We feel so lucky to have caught the palace open while it was holding tours. What a wonderful place. Despite the beauty, there is a sad, sad story at the heart of everything. The terrible tragedy of the Hawaiian sovereign nation is at the heart of this palace and its story. But despite the tragic elements, it is a lovely place to visit and it has been carefully restored. The hand held speakers are superb for a self guided tour. I had learned much about the palace already, and knew a great deal about the monarchs, but I learned even more with the tour. Don't skip the basement either! There's a gift shop and restrooms there- but also wonderful photographs and display items. It was something like 56 dollars for two people since we are non-residents.
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Greg T.

Yelp
Iolani Palace is the only former royal residence in the United States. It was built by the King of Hawaii, and after the monarch's overthrow by a cabal of wealthy American businessmen it served many years as the administrative center of the provisional government, then the territorial government after American annexation. It was pretty much thrashed by the time Hawaii became a state and the government moved to the new capital building in the 1960s. At great expense and effort, the Iolani Palace has been brought back to its former glory. The tour is expensive but well worth it. The meticulously restored palace is a one of a kind exhibit. The docents are proud of their heritage and glad to elaborate if you have questions. The tours are timed, but self guided with the help of signs and an audio guide. The basement, where the kitchens and storage once were, has a fascinating series of displays that explain the conservation and acquisition of the Palace's furnishings, which were sold off by the provisional government in the 1890s. If you are in Honolulu, I recommend you make time to visit the Iolani Palace!
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Ed U.

Yelp
We ain't got no Buckingham Palace. No Imperial Palace. No Palace of Versailles. Because we're the land of the free and the home of the brave, we're a country proud to be without our own royalty despite what Trump thought. But there is one sole exception. This was a true royal palace for 48 years until Queen Liliuokalani was overthrown in 1893. That's what makes this an intriguing place to visit. It was her brother, King David Kalākaua, who was responsible for its construction as he felt his family was deserving of a stately home befitting of an episode of the late Robin Leach's "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous". Yes, it does require an advance reservation, and it cost us $58.22 for two adults to take the audio tour. If you want a live guide, you have to reserve further in advance. The tour was pretty straightforward once we put on the booties they provide on the terrace. It starts at the foot of the grand staircase which was pretty grand. The route was very specific as we went through the parlor, the dining room, and the throne room downstairs and then the various bedrooms upstairs. There's a separate museum in the basement where you can read more specifics of the royal family. You can go in there for just five bucks. Now that's a deal. RELATED - Exploring Hawaii? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3Kz5ksc
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Sonia V.

Yelp
Kamaaina Sunday is free tours for the 2nd Sunday of the month. Lucky to live Hawaii for sure with this deal. Looking for things to do with the kids? This is the place. After touring or even before the tour enjoy the food trucks or the kids lei making workshops out front. Or even just sit and listen to the beautiful music and watch some amazing hula. Fun filled day.

Bernadette B.

Yelp
Impressive! The self guided audio tour is informative and easy to navigate. The palace has been beautifully restored and holds so much Hawaiian history. I definitely recommend a visit to the palace.

MaryAnn S.

Yelp
Wonderful historic place. We did two different tours and both docents were highly knowledgeable and friendly, answering any and all manner of questions. A definite must see.
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Rachel B.

Yelp
There was daily availability during open hours for the audio tour to book a day in advance. I'm not sure you can just walk around the palace without booking an audio tour. There were a lot of museum employees to make sure you stayed in the public areas and to point you to the next stop on your 'tour,' which felt a little pushy. Don't forget to walk across the street to view the King Kamehameha statue.
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Kingston W.

Yelp
This tour is great for those who are interested in architecture, U.S. history, or Hawaiian culture and history. If you are interested in simply walking the grounds and taking exterior photos, the gates are open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. If you are interested in taking a tour of the "Iolani Palace", you must book a reservation online. The website is simple to navigate, and making a reservation is easy. As a personal observation, if you try to book less than 48hrs in advance, you may find that the late morning and mid-day appointments seem to get gobbled up quickly--so plan ahead if early mornings or afternoons don't suit your schedule. There is a 60-minute general tour: the docent led version is $32.95/person; the self-guided audio version is $26.95/person. There are also several specialty tours. I chose the docent led tour and was very happy with my choice. My group's guide clearly had a passion for the subject matter which made for an engaging presentation. By the way: as you navigate the website, look over the "things to know before you visit" section. In particular, I would note that there are some minimal dress requirements, and backpacks / large bags are not allowed. (The "do's and don'ts" will also be mentioned in the email confirmation for your reservation.) If you are driving, there is some metered parking on site (best enter the grounds via Likelike Street); there is some metered street parking on Richards Street. I chose to park in the Alii Place Parking Garage (enter the garage on Alakea Street; walk across Richards Street to the Palace grounds.) I found the story of how this structure was used, abused and restored within the course of Hawaiian history very interesting.
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Henry T.

Yelp
My mom and I were short on time so we only took pictures of the outside of the palace, which was admittedly quite picturesque. I was unprepared for the sheer size of the building. I had only 15 minutes set for the meter outside the gates of the palace so it wouldn't have been possible to do the tour but I now see that it would've cost money we didn't really have, and it would've taken much longer than 15 minutes to complete.
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Minie M.

Yelp
Tours are well organized and efficient. Great to hear about the late monarchy of Hawaii and their story. Don't miss the diamonds. .
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Vincent N.

Yelp
You can park on the street metered parking and it looks like there is metered/paid parking behind the building as well. $25 per person and comes with an audio self guided tour. They will give you a device for you to listen to as you walk through each room. They will bring in you in in groups, so when buying tickets you may not be able to go in right away, looks like they bring in groups every 30 mins. Overall very educational! If you are a history nerd you will find this your very interesting! You get to visit the palace the King and Queen once lived in! You actually learn quite a lot from the audio tour!
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Jacqueline F.

Yelp
I loved coming here. The host at my hotel told me about it and I was intrigued. I had never heard of this place at all. I'm so glad that I came. It was a cute little castle in the middle of a bustling city. But the history was amazing. I got the tour and that was awesome. I felt cared for. We sat down, and covered the bottom of her shoes with little booties, grabbed a phone with a protective plastic sleeve, and entered with my mask. This was an easy place to navigate. I went from room to room in order and loved it. I loved the history of the family there and I really learned a lot about the royal family and how they interacted with other people. I saw a blue room, the first toilets, a phone booth, and the corner rooms (which have a special name that I forgot). But the hall with all of the portraits of royal family members was overwhelming. I saw the ballrooms, the bedrooms (separate for the king and queen), and so on. When I was done with the main building, I went downstairs to see more pictures. A bathroom with four stalls, the pictures of the queen meeting with people with leprosy, the pictures of the castle when it was used for government offices, and the pictures of the work and care that went into restoring the building to its original greatness were quite touching. I'm glad that I went and I look forward to returning and looking around a bit more. The food scene in the area wasn't great, but that isn't what I'm reviewing. I will be prepared with snacks next time. But if you get the opportunity to visit, please do so. It's rare that we see royalty of color, and here we get to see this.
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Ben L.

Yelp
Wow a beautiful place to learn about Hawaii history, see a palace and hear loads of interesting stories about Hawaii's past. We got a docent led tour, and I highly recommend! Jenny was awesome, and was so knowledgeable and good at managing the group to keep us on track. She told us all kinds of stories from things like how one of the blue velvet chairs got back to the palace after it was auctioned off centuries ago, to the story behind different kinds of metals on the kings uniform and silverware in the Palace. Parking is a little weird, you park across the street in parking garage and it is cash only. There's a little gift shop inside that takes card though. Again get the docent lead tour, you won't regret it.
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Maggie B.

Yelp
I recommend the docent-led tour to get the full experience of the palace. The docent was friendly and knowledgeable. The tour takes about an hour. You have to wear masks and shoe covers to enter. You should book both the self-guided and docent tours in advance. I saw a couple get turned away when they tried to get tickets as walk-ins. Backpacks are not allowed inside, though they made exceptions for small ones. The palace was fully restored in the 90s and was well-preserved. Most of the furniture inside was actually used by the royal family, though the carpets, upholstery, and drapes were new. The dining room and throne room were particularly interesting. They also had several outfits on display in the rooms to give you a sense of what the royals would have worn in their time. The grounds were nice to walk through as well and there were gates on several sides for easy entrance and exit. I'm glad I came and it was interesting to learn about the history and legacy of the palace but for a big group, the Bishop Museum might be preferable as it covers a broader array of culture.