Host an Event at 'Iolani Palace

The history-rich 'Iolani Palace complex has several distinct spaces available to rent. With an expansive grounds suitable for up to 8,000 people, the facilities at 'Iolani Palace can accommodate large corporate events, intimate wedding receptions, lectures, or small business luncheons. The Palace is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Honolulu, a ten-minute drive from the Hawaii Convention Center and fifteen minutes from Waikiki hotels. We look forward to helping you host a successful and memorable event!

Click to enlarge the photograhs below.

Halekoa - 'Iolani Barracks
Courtyard & Video Theater

This coral block structure of limestone, with crenulated parapets and towers, harkens to the architecture of medieval castles of Europe. A unique venue day or night for an intimate gathering. Usage Fee: $1,750 - Hawaii resident $2,750 - Non-resident For an additional $1,000 the first floor of 'Iolani Palace will be made available with docents to guide your guests through the building.		Capacity: • 80 (seated dinner/luncheon) • 150 (standing cocktail reception)   Rental Agreement:   Available: Evenings, most Sunday days

A green lawn oasis in the middle of downtown; This is a pleasant location for an outdoor party or as an extension of an event in the Barracks. Usage Fee: (In addition to the rental fee for Halekoa--'Iolani Barracks ) $1,000 (up to 200 guests) $2,000 (up to 500 guests) For events with more guests please consult with the 'Iolani Palace Events Coordinator		Capacity: • 1,000 ( seated dinner) • 1,500 (standing reception) Rental Agreement:   Available: Evenings and most Sundays.

The expanse around 'Iolani Palace with the exception of the makai-diamond head quadrant; This space, with the Palace as its backdrop, is suited for corporate and other large events. The Coronation Pavilion is available to use as the stage for muscicians, a speaker, or an emcee. Usage Fee: Usage fee will be reviewed on an event-by-event basis, based on event and size of group.		Capacity: • 1,000(seated dinner) • 4,000 (standing cocktail reception) Rental agreement:   Available: Evenings and most Sundays.

A slightly elevated terrace amidst a large Indian banyan tree thought to have been planted by Queen Kapiolani, this is an elegant location for a small outdoor party. Coupled with the ground in front of the terrace, this location is suited well for an Awards presentation, gala dinner or a concert. Usage Fee: $1,750 - Hawaii resident $2,750 - Non-resident For an additional $1,000 the first floor of 'Iolani Palace will be made available with docents to guide your guests through the building.		Capacity: • 200 (seated dinner) Rental agreement: Available: Evenings, most Sunday days

This central room in the historic Old Archives building is fit for lectures, workshops, sit-down meals, or meetings. Rental includes up to 60 chairs, a podium, five 6' tables, and a chalkboard. At an additional cost, a sound system, TV/VCR, and projector can be provided. Usage Fee: $100 (for four hours, under 50 people) $25 per additional hour $150 (for four hours, 51-80 people) $25 per additional hour		Capacity: • 80 (seated lecture) Rental Agreement :   Available: M - Sat, 8am-4:30 pm and off-business hours by special arrangement. Events must conclude by 10pm.

Things you should know...

- Rental fees include use of the rental space for up to four (4) hours plus a reasonable amount of time for set up and removal. Also included are the services of our special events coordinator to facilitate the details of your rental of the venue and one security guard for the duration of the event. Further fees will be added for additional personnel or equipment.

- An event is not officially confirmed until an application is approved by the Executive Director. (Please do not print programs or invitations until the approval has been granted.)

- Events must begin after 9am and finish by 10pm.

- Event attendees are invited to enjoy rich heritage of 'Iolani Palace. Upon request, the basement galleries can be opened for an hour at the start of the event. For an addtional $1,000 the first floor can also be made available with docents to interpret the history of the Palace.

- Caterers must be chosen from the approved list of caterers .

- Alcoholic beverages are allowed with the proper approval and permitting.

- Amplified music is permitted, but must end by 10pm.

- Fireworks are not permitted on the grounds.

- All parking areas on the 'Iolani Palace Grounds are available for your guests upon request.

The following are unavailable for private use: 'Iolani Palace front steps, Palace interiors (for purposes other than touring), Makai-diamond head quadrant (out of respect for the ancient burial mound) .

Exchanging vows on the Palace Grounds:

Under our lease with the State of Hawai'i, the Friends of 'Iolani Palace is unable to preside over marriage ceremonies. Couples interested in holding a marriage ceremony on 'Iolani Palace grounds must obtain a permit directly from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Allow for at least 15 days for processing.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources
Kalanimoku Bldg., Room 310
1151 Punchbowl Street
(Office hours: 8:00am - 3:00pm)
(808)587-0300

Grounds Layout

Directions to Kana'ina Building

Parking Options

Policy on use:

The grounds of 'Iolani Palace are a wahi pana (a sacred place) for the Hawaiian people. The historic site was home of the Mo'i (the royal Hawaiian sovereign) from 1845 to 1893. It contains an important burial ground, an architectural treasure, and a repository of priceless cultural artifacts. The State of Hawai'i holds the grounds in trust as part of the ceded land inventory. Through a lease agreement with the State, the kuleana (responsibility) for the site and its structures is assigned to the Friends of 'Iolani Palace (The Friends). The Friends is a private non-profit native Hawaiian organization established in 1966 for the sole purpose of perpetuating the legacy of 'Iolani Palace. The buildings leased to The Friends by the State of Hawai'i are available for use by the public, provided that event fees are directed to Palace operations. The surrounding grounds are administered by State Parks, a division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).

The Friends of 'Iolani Palace recognizes the challenge inherent in balancing its commitment to protect and preserve 'Iolani Palace with the legitimate need for public access. The event rental policies set forth by the Friends seek to allow public access while holding to the highest standards of curatorial excellence and preserving the site's distinctive sense of place. The Friends reserves the right to deny requests for functions that are not in keeping with its purpose.

For more detailed information please inquire with the Iolani Palace Special Events department at events@iolanipalace.org or (808) 330-4537. Please note, rental prices may be subject to change.

'Iolani Palace - 364 S. King Street, Honolulu, Hawai'i 96804