Garments worn by the alii seamlessly integrated Hawaiian culture into European style dress. The Fashion Fit for Royalty specialty tour highlights the wardrobe and jewelry of Hawaiian royalty in the 19th century. Visitors will experience royal fashion at the peak of Hawaii’s monarchy with a closer look at opulent gowns, elegant uniforms, and other precious objects that were worn at formal court occasions.
The Hawaii’s Royal Connection to Japan tour explores how the Hawaiian Kingdom established the relationship with the Asian nation, which continues to present day. This exclusive opportunity brings King Kalakaua’s 1881 journey to Japan to life. During this docent-led tour, guests will have access to restricted areas throughout the Palace for an up-close look at precious objects, learn about people in Kalakaua’s inner circle, and hear stories about the King’s efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s position on the world stage.
During the White Glove Tour, guests will go beyond the stanchions during a private and intimate tour led by the Iolani Palace Historian. Get a closer look at many precious objects in the Throne Room, State Dining Room and King Kalakaua’s Library. Guests will hear stories of the monarchs and learn of their distinguished place in Hawaii’s history as well as their impact on the world. The tour concludes in the Palace attic where guests will slip on a keepsake pair of white gloves for the unique chance to view items in the Palace collection not on display to the general public. They’ll learn about the special care it takes to protect and preserve these precious cultural objects for future generations.
Take a never before seen tour of the Chamberlain’s office suite and other rooms with the new Chamberlain’s Tour. This specialty tour brings a new perspective of life at Iolani Palace through the eyes of the Royal Chamberlain and other members of the Palace staff. The Chamberlain answered directly to the King and Queen and his office revealed what it took to run the royal household. For the first time, guests will be able to step into the Chamberlain’s office and hear insightful and enchanting stories about the monarchs who once walked the halls.
The Palace
Iolani Palace has been meticulously restored to its former grandeur, featuring original palace furnishings and artifacts that have been recovered, restored and replicated. Open to the public for guided tours, the first floor consists of the public reception areas – the Grand Hall, State Dining Room, Blue Room, and Throne Room – while the second floors showcase the private suites, including the King and Queen’s suites, Music Room, and the Imprisonment Room.
Palace Grounds
While the Palace building is of great significance, the land around the Palace stretches back to antiquity and is thought to have been the site of an ancient heiau (place of worship). In 1845, King Kamehmeha III established his official residence on this site, which served the first five Hawaiian kings until its demolition in 1874. It was replaced by a larger and more modern palace was completed in 1882.
History
Iolani Palace tells the story of a time in Hawaiian history when their Majesties, King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani walked the halls. The Palace holds beautiful memories of grand balls and public hula performances, along with painful ones of Liliuokalani’s imprisonment and eventual overthrow. Following the overthrow, the Palace served as the Capitol for almost 80 years until it was vacated and restored in the 1970s.
VisitIolani Palace is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The ticket office, located in Hale Koa (Iolani Barracks), is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To make reservations, call 808-522-0832, or book online now.
MembershipBecome a member of The Friends of Iolani Palace and support our mission to restore, preserve, and protect this unique treasure.