ʻIolani Palace. Courtesy of Shutterstock. Photo by Richie Chan.
Many visitors come to Hawaiʻi for its natural beauty, sunshine and aloha spirit. But it is important to remember that Hawaiʻi isn’t a playground for visitors; it is a place with a complex history that makes visiting the Hawaiian Islands a sensitive topic.
Tucked in the heart of downtown, behind a rod iron gate, stands the legacy of the Hawaiian Monarchy: ʻIolani Palace. This is where one of the most pivotal chapters in Hawaiʻi’s history occurred — the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893. As travelers, it is our responsibility to learn about the place we are visiting, so that we understand the host culture. Touring ʻIolani Palace is a good place to start.
When you walk through the ornate rooms of the palace, you’re not just admiring antiques and chandeliers; you’re standing in the space where Queen Liliʻuokalani, Hawaiʻi’s last reigning monarch, lived, worked, and ultimately was imprisoned in her own home. It is a sobering experience and a history lesson that was not taught in every school.
Guided tours and exhibits at the Palace are often led or curated by Native Hawaiians who share stories passed down through generations. Their perspectives illuminate the values, traditions and worldview of the Hawaiian people. Understanding the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom and its overthrow will hopefully transform the way you interact with the islands. You’ll notice the Hawaiian flag flying upside-down as a sign of distress and understand why preservation of sacred sites is so important to local communities.
If you visit ʻIolani Palace on your first day on Oʻahu, you’ll carry its stories with you everywhere you go. When you stand on the cliffs of Nuʻuanu Pali (Pali Lookout), you’ll recall the battles that shaped the islands. When you walk the streets of Waikīkī, youʻll see where King Kamehameha I made his residence and where Hawaiian royalty would retreat. Even the lei you receive will feel different — not just as a welcome, but as a connection to centuries of tradition.
The Palace is more than a museum; it’s the heartbeat of Hawaiʻi’s history. Let it be your starting point, and you’ll see the islands not just as a paradise — but as a place of resilience and enduring culture.
Inside ʻIolani Palace
When you arrive, the Palace’s grand façade will immediately catch your eye — intricate columns, sweeping staircases, and a regal veranda surrounded by emerald lawns. ʻIolani Palace is the only official royal residence in the United States. Built in 1882 by King Kalākaua, it was a marvel of its time — equipped with electricity, indoor plumbing, and even a telephone before the White House had one. Its design blends Hawaiian motifs with European architectural elegance, a reflection of the monarchy’s global vision.
Inside, each room tells a different chapter:
- The Throne Room – Gilded chairs, rich crimson drapes, and grand chandeliers set the stage for royal receptions and diplomatic gatherings.
- The State Dining Room – Imagine the clinking of crystal glasses as the King entertained dignitaries from around the world.
- The Private Quarters – More intimate spaces reveal the personal lives of the monarchs — from elegant furnishings to humble sewing baskets.
- The Imprisonment Room – Perhaps the most poignant stop. Here, Queen Liliʻuokalani spent eight months under house arrest, composing songs and reflecting on the fate of her nation.
Interactive exhibits, historic photographs, and personal artifacts round out the tour, making it a sensory journey into 19th century Hawaiʻi.
Planning Your Visit
ʻIolani Palace is located in downtown Honolulu, about a 15-minute drive from Waikīkī. Tours are available Tuesday through Saturday, with options for self-guided audio tours or docent-led experiences. If you visit on Friday, don’t miss The Royal Hawaiian Band’s free concerts on the ʻIolani Palace Grounds from noon-1pm. To make the most of your visit:
- Book ahead — Tours often sell out, especially during peak season.
- Dress Respectfully and wear comfortable shoes — You’ll be walking through multiple levels and expansive grounds.
- Come with an open mind — This is a place to listen, learn and reflect.
Tip: Pair your visit with time in the Palace gift shop, which features locally-made crafts, books and jewelry. Many proceeds go toward preservation efforts, so you’re directly contributing to keeping this history alive.
After your visit, take a short stroll to the nearby King Kamehameha I statue or wander the surrounding Capitol District to see historic buildings that played a role in Hawaiʻi’s political evolution.
ʻIolani Palace
364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813
808-522-0832
