IOLANI PALACE HONORS BIRTHDAY OF QUEEN KAPIOLANI
WITH EVENING TOURS
HONOLULU (Nov. 28, 2016) – The Friends of Iolani Palace invites visitors to view the Palace by moonlight in honor of Her Majesty Queen Kapiolani’s birthday. On Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 28 and Dec. 29, 2016, evening tours of the Palace will be given from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. each night, with the last tickets issued at 8:45 p.m.
Guests can take a step back in time and experience the Palace as it was during the 19th century through this tour. As the Queen’s birthday takes place on December 31, the Palace will be adorned with glittering decorations illuminated by electric bulbs and music will fill the Palace, as it would at King Kalakaua’s holiday soirees. To create an ambiance and atmosphere of court celebrations similar to those during the height of the Hawaiian monarchy, entertainment will fill the rooms of the Palace including:
- Soloists from the Mae Z. Orvis Opera Studio of the Hawaii Opera Theatre serenading guests in the Blue Room.
- Hula performances from Keauhou, Iwalani Apo with Michael Pili Pang and Halau Hula Ka Noe‘au in the Throne Room.
- In the Upper Hall, Puamana, Kuuipo Kumukahi, and Kaiao and the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Serenaders will perform songs written by Queen Kapiolani and Na Lani Eha, a name given to the four royal siblings – King Kalakaua, Queen Liliuokalani, Prince Leleiohoku, and Princess Likelike – who were known for their talent at both composing and performing music.
- Outdoor entertainment will feature performances by Ka Pili Mai, Halau O Napualaiikauikaiu led by Kumu Hula Sallie Yoza, Kumu TeHani Pimental and Sam Kaina.
Not only are the evening tours the only time guests can visit the Palace at night, but also a rare opportunity to ascend its famous koa staircase to the second floor and explore the Palace to discover treasures of the Hawaiian Kingdom. In the Throne Room, pieces from the Alii Gown Reproduction project will be on display, including Queen Kapiolani’s famed lei hulu dress and exquisite peacock gown, as well as Queen Liliuokalani’s ostrich feather and lilac gown and her ribbon dress.
Visitors and Friends of Iolani Palace members can reserve their tour times online to avoid waiting in line. Reserved times for the Queen Kapiolani Evening Tours can be booked at www.IolaniPalace.org for $30 per person and includes a complimentary copy of the Iolani Palace guidebook.
Unreserved, general admission is $5 for all Friends of Iolani Palace members; non-members is $20 for adults; $10 for children ages 5 – 12 and children ages 4 and under are free. Visitors will be able to sign-up to join the Friends of Iolani Palace at the event.
Palace doors open at 5:30 p.m. Regular daytime tours will end at 3:00 p.m. in order to prepare for the evening tours.