A Hawaiian national treasure and the only official state residence of royalty in the United States, `Iolani Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom's last two monarchs--King Kalakaua, who built the Palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Lili`uokalani. During the monarchy period, the Palace was the center of social and political activity in the Kingdom of Hawai`i.
Though its grandeur was neglected after the overthrow of the monarchy, restoration began in the 1970s through efforts of concerned individuals. Restoration and preservation continues, and, as a result, today's visitors to this National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu enjoy one of the most precise historic restorations and learn much about Hawaiian history and heritage.
Announcements
Summer Volunteer Program: Iolani Palace offers a summer volunteer program for high school and college students, ages 15 and older. This program gives students an opportunity to volunteer in a range of different areas within the Palace, and is excellent for those interested in Hawaiian studies and/or historical preservation. Upcoming dates for the volunteer program: July 26 - August 7, 2008. Contact the Volunteer Services Assistant, Tuesday through Saturday, at (808) 522-0821, or volunteer@iolanipalace.org.
Press Release: The Friends of Iolani Palace: April 30, 2008 > >
Visit and Enjoy The Palace
In the Capitol District
Downtown Honolulu
The Palace is open to the public for tours and special community events. Komo mai!
- Tours: For more on guided, audio and Gallery tour hours, tickets and reservations, see Information for Visitors.
- Kama`aina Sundays: Galleries and docent-guided tours are free of charge for Hawai`i residents (identification required) on Kama`aina Sundays.
- Free Band Concerts: The Royal Hawaiian Band performs free concerts on Palace grounds most Fridays. For schedule > >
- School Tours: Enhance understanding of history and heritage by visiting `Iolani Palace with your students. More on school tours > >
- The Palace Shop: For a unique shopping experience, visit the Palace Shop >>
`Iolani Palace is located in the Capitol District of downtown Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, on the corner of King and Richards Streets at 364 South King Street. Vehicular entry is via Likelike Mall - off King Street, between the Palace and the Hawai`i State Library. For directions, map, parking options, and bus information, see Location/Map.
- Learn More
- Palace Activities
- Services
- Support `Iolani Palace
- Contact `Iolani Palace
- Site Information
Featured: The Palace Collections
The quest to find original Palace furnishings and artifacts continues. Many original furnishings are still missing. The public has been very instrumental in helping to recover items that were once in the Palace. Learn more about the Palace collections and efforts to recover original items >>
Location, Location, Location
When it comes to real estate, it's all about location. The same can be said about special events.
If you need a location to host a wedding reception, business luncheon, intimate dinner party or your corporate holiday celebration, consider historic Halekoa, the `Iolani Palace Barracks. An amazing venue day or night, the coral block structure of limestone with its crenulated parapets and towers harkens to the architecture of medieval castles of Europe. Learn more about this venue >>
Classes & Workshops
Genealogy Classes
Learn how to trace those branches of the family tree and find out more about your family history with "hands on" classes at the Palace. More Information.
Quilting with Aloha
Learn the traditional art of Hawaiian quilting with Poakalani & Company. Classes are held at the Palace every Saturday morning. All ability levels are welcome. More information> >
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Ongoing classes and events:
- Tours: Tuesday through Saturday
- Free Royal Hawaiian Band Concerts: Fridays
- Hawaiian Quilting Classes: Saturdays
Support `Iolani Palace While You Shop Online
The Friends of `Iolani Palace are pleased to announce their involvement as a Museum Partner with ShopforMuseums.com. Anyone shopping online with their favorite national retailers can now have a portion of their purchase directed to The Friends of `Iolani Palace at no additional cost. Details >>