Skip navigation.

Iolani Palace text on palm tree background

`Iolani Palace at a Glance

Iolani Palace

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 his successor and sister Queen Lili`uokalani.  During the monarchy period, the Palace was the center of social and political activity in the Kingdom of Hawai`i.

It's grandeur was neglected for many years after the overthrow of the monarchy, but now restoration and preservation continues. Visitors to this National Historic Landmark can enjoy one of the most precise historic restorations and learn much about Hawaiian history and heritage.

The Palace is open to the public for tours and special community events. The large, inviting Palace Shop, located in the Barracks, is also open to the public and offers a unique shopping experience with its wonderful selection of books, videos, jewelry, and gift specialties relating to `Iolani Palace and the Hawaiian monarchy, Hawaiian culture and history, and Hawaiiana.

  • Tours: For hours, tickets and reservations, see the tour page, or call (808) 522-0832. The Palace is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday. The Palace is not open Mondays, and is only open Sunday as noted for Kama`aina Sundays.
    • Guided or Audio Tour: To learn the most about Palace history, artifacts, and grounds, take a docent-led guided tour or an audio tour -- both include a self-guided tour of the Palace Galleries. Approximately 90 minutes; Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00-3:30, depending on whether docent-led or audio. Reservations suggested for the guided tour.
    • Gallery Tour: To see only the Palace Galleries, which display historic items including the crown jewels, take a self-guided gallery tour. Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00-5:00.
    • School Tour: The Palace welcomes educators and their students for an infomative perspective on history, culture, and heritage. See the School Tours Checklist.
  • Galleries and docent-guided tours are free of charge for Hawai`i residents (ID required) on Kama`aina Sundays -- usually the first Sunday of every month.
  • The Royal Hawaiian Band performs free concerts on Palace grounds most Fridays, weather permitting, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.The Royal Hawaiian Band has a long tradition of sharing Hawaii's music with the world. The popular Aloha `Oe, with lyrics by Queen Lili`uokalani and music by Bandmaster Henry Berger, was introduced to the American public by the Royal Hawaiian Band in San Francisco in 1883.

Located in the Downtown Honolulu Capitol District

`Iolani Palace is located in the Capitol District of downtown Honolulu, at King and Richards Streets (364 South King St.). 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 page.

When Visiting

When visiting the Palace, please honor the dignity and security of the Palace and grounds by dressing appropriately (no bathing costumes), observing and following instructions on markers and signage, storing large bags in secure lockers available in the Barracks before entering the Palace, and enjoying the Palace and Galleries without taking photos or taping (video and audio) inside the Palace. On the tours you will help protect floors by donning Palace-supplied booties over your shoes, leave the modern world behind by turning off cell phones and pagers, and take any notes with pencils instead of pens to avoid inadvertant marking of artifacts.