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Da Best Hawaii Visits Iolani Palace

Da Best Hawaii Visits Iolani Palace

November 13, 2018

Olena Heu from Da Best Hawaii sat down with our Historian and Docent Educator, Zita Cup Choy, as she shared stories of Iolani Palace.

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About the Palace

ʻIolani Palace is a living restoration of a proud Hawaiian national identity and a registered National Historic Landmark.

Located at the corner of King St. and Richards St. in downtown Honolulu (more details).

Administrative Office: 808-522-0822, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Ticket Office Hours: 808-522-0832, Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Phone calls accepted on Mondays 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Palace Shop Hours: 808-532-1050, Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone calls accepted on Mondays 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

E-Cigarette Policy

“Smoking, Use of Electronic Smoking Devices, or Use of Tobacco or Betel Nut Products is Prohibited by Law” in all state parks including ʻIolani Palace grounds.

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On April 26, 1891, Queen Liliʻuokalani, driven by

On April 26, 1891, Queen Liliʻuokalani, driven by her deep care for the welfare of her subjects, made a poignant visit to the Kalaupapa leprosy settlement on Molokaʻi. Her arrival was met with jubilation by the residents.

Queen Liliʻuokalani's visit was not just a symbolic gesture; it was part of her ongoing efforts to aid the hospital dedicated to caring for individuals diagnosed with leprosy. By assuring her people of her concern for their well-being, she played a crucial and active role in strengthening the medical care initiatives in the community.

This was not her first visit to Kalaupapa; the Queen had previously visited in 1881 and again in 1884. Her repeated visits underscored a steadfast resolve to provide not only medical support but also hope to her people. Through these actions, Queen Liliʻuokalani demonstrated her compassionate leadership, deeply invested in the health and hope of her kingdom's people.

#OnThisDay in 1879, Prince Charles Henry William A

#OnThisDay in 1879, Prince Charles Henry William Albert, son of the Crown Prince of Germany and grandson of Queen Victoria, departed Honolulu for Yokohama, Japan on board the Prinz Adalbert.

The prince, who was 17 at the time, had arrived in Honolulu on April 21. When he stepped ashore, a royal salute was fired from Punchbowl. He was taken in a Royal Carriage to Aliʻiolani Hale where he spoke to King Kalākaua for a few minutes. That afternoon he visited the Dowager Queen Emma. The following day, King Kalākaua took him to visit Mr. McKeague’s plantation ,Heʻeia, ʻOahu, to witness the making of sugar. In the evening, the band of the Prinz Adalbert played a concert at Queen Emma Square.

Pictured: Prince Henry in Hawaiʻi, 1879. PC: Wikimedia Commons.

On this day in 1887, during their historic journey

On this day in 1887, during their historic journey to London for Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, Queen Kapiʻolani and Princess Liliʻuokalani, accompanied by James McGuire, made a memorable stop in San Francisco. McGuire noted in his diary that after lunch, the Queen and Princess took a leisurely ride to Golden Gate Park, marking a serene moment amidst their significant journey.

In a gesture of gratitude and friendship, five years later, Queen Kapiʻolani gifted Golden Gate Park with a coconut tree, symbolizing the deep connections formed during their visit. This gift is a symbol of the enduring ties between Hawaiʻi and San Francisco.

During their stay, Queen Kapiʻolani made a point of engaging with the community, visiting numerous prominent schools and public institutions in Oakland. On Sunday, April 24, she continued her engagements by visiting her nephews (pictured) and other Hawaiian students at St. Matthew’s Hall in San Mateo.

Pictured left to right: Kuhio, Keliiahounui and Kawananakoa. PC: Hawaiʻi State Archives

On April 15, 1879, King Kalākaua visited Admiral

On April 15, 1879, King Kalākaua visited Admiral DeHorsey the aboard H.B.M.S. Triumph, marking a significant moment in technological demonstration. During his visit, Kalākaua participated in a naval drill, engaging in the innovative act of firing five 12-ton guns simultaneously using electricity—a feat showcasing the advanced military technology of the time.

The following evening, the citizens of Honolulu experienced an unprecedented display of electric light from the ship. This illumination event lasted nearly two hours, brightly lighting up the surrounding mountains, valleys, Waikīkī’s coconut groves, ships in the port, and the city’s buildings. The light was so brilliant that a person standing on the side of Punchbowl could read a pencil memorandum without difficulty, illustrating the powerful impact of electric lighting in the late 19th century.

Pictured: Harbor behind Aliʻiolani Hale. PC: Hawaiʻi State Archives.

On this day in 1887, Queen Kapiʻolani, then-Princ

On this day in 1887, Queen Kapiʻolani, then-Princess Liliʻuokalani and her husband John O. Dominis, set sail for London to take part in the grand celebration of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, marking her 50 years on the throne.

Queen Victoria’s request for guests to wear attire representing their countries led Queen Kapi’olani to have made the iconic peacock and lei hulu gowns, masterpieces of Hawaiian culture merged with European fashion. These dresses, alongside the King and Queen’s coronation garments and two of Lili’uokalani’s gowns, have been faithfully recreated and are now displayed in the Palace, offering a window into the past.

Discover the elegance of Hawaiian royalty with the “Fashion Fit for Royalty Tour.” This special tour showcases the opulent gowns, elegant uniforms, and cultural treasures of the 19th-century monarchy. Guests are guided through the Palace’s State Rooms, Queen Kapiʻolani’s Bedroom, the King’s Library, and more.

Embark on a journey through time and experience the fusion of cultures and fashion at the peak of Hawaii’s monarchy. Join us for a tour that celebrates the legacy of royal fashion.

PC: Hawaiʻi State Archives

Join us this weekend on April 14 for our next Kama

Join us this weekend on April 14 for our next Kamaʻāina Sunday as we celebrate hula following the 2024 Merrie Monarch Festival.

Enjoy activities, food and performances by the Royal Hawaiian Band, Grammy Award-winning Honokaʻa High School Jazz Band, and Hālau Hula ʻO Hokulani.

Seventh-generation weaver Keoua Nelsen will teach two lauhala earring workshops; space is limited with sign up available onsite. Gates open at 8:30 a.m., and festivities run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A full schedule of events is listed on our website — link in bio.

Self-led audio tours will be available for the first 500 attendees. A valid Hawaiʻi State ID, Hawaiʻi driver’s license, or proof of Hawaiʻi residency is required for each complimentary ticket. One complimentary ticket per Hawaiʻi resident. Kamaʻāina are encouraged to come early!

Entertainment and cultural workshops are made possible by Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s Kūkulu Ola Program.

Today, we remember the life and legacy of Prince W

Today, we remember the life and legacy of Prince William Pitt Leleiohoku II, who passed away on this day in 1877. As the younger brother to King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani, Leleiohoku held a place of significant affection and importance within the royal family and the heart of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Raised as a hānai (adopted) child by Princess Ruth Keʻelikolani, he was lovingly named after her late husband, carrying on a legacy of leadership and cultural stewardship from a young age. Following his education at St. Alban’s, Leleiohoku dedicated himself to public service, notably working for the Governor of Oʻahu.

In 1874, his brother, King Kalākaua, named him heir to the throne. Leleiohoku’s royal duties were further expanded as he took on roles within the Privy Council and the House of Nobles, showcasing his versatility and commitment to governance.

Prince Leleiohoku’s artistic spirit shone brightly through his musical talents. Not only did he serve as a choir director and composer, but he was also celebrated for having one of the finest singing voices in the kingdom. His contributions to Hawaiian music, including compositions like “Adios Ke Aloha” and “Moani ke Ala,” continue to resonate, marking his enduring influence on the cultural tapestry of Hawaiʻi.

Today, as we mark the anniversary of Prince Leleiohoku’s passing, we celebrate not just a prince but a beloved musician, a dedicated public servant, and a cherished brother whose legacy continues to inspire.

On April 9, 1892, Queen Lili’uokalani hosted an

On April 9, 1892, Queen Lili’uokalani hosted an exclusive dinner in honor of Rear Admiral George Brown. The guest list featured around 35 notable figures, including the Admiral's esteemed staff and members of the Royal family, reflecting the significant diplomatic and social interactions of the time.

The evening was further enriched by the melodies of the Royal Hawaiian Band, which performed a repertoire of eight songs. Among these were “Hawaiʻi Ponoʻi” and the national anthem of the United States, symbolizing the cultural and political ties between the two nations.

Adding a dash of intrigue to the evening’s narrative, a researcher during a lecture on Queen Liliuʻokalani revealed her Majesty’s pride in a rather unique talent - turkey carving. Given this unique skill, one might wonder if the Queen personally carved the turkey at this notable dinner.

Today we remember not only the formal engagements that shaped the history and relationships of the Hawaiian Kingdom but also the personal touches that made these events uniquely memorable.

On April 8, 1882, King Kalākaua hosted a breakfas

On April 8, 1882, King Kalākaua hosted a breakfast at which author Robert Louis Stevenson and his family were honored guests. The occasion underscored the blending of international cultures and notable personalities within the Hawaiian Kingdom’s social fabric.

The guest list included prominent figures such as Princess Lili‘uokalani and Prince Kawānanakoa, Stevenson’s family, including his mother, Mrs. Thos. Stevenson; his wife, Mrs. Robert Louis Stevenson; and his stepson, Mr. Lloyd Osborne, were present.

Additional attendees were Mr. and Mrs. J. Strong, Stevenson’s stepdaughter and her husband, further emphasizing the family aspect of this gathering. Stevenson’s landlady in Honolulu, Mrs. A. W. Bush, and her son Mr. H. F. Poor, were also invited, indicating the close relationships Stevenson had developed locally. Mr. Jas. W. Robertson, the King’s Vice-Chamberlain, participated as well.

This breakfast not only marks a historical meeting between King Kalākaua and one of the era’s literary figures, Robert Louis Stevenson, but also showcases the interconnectedness of Hawaii’s royal court with global cultural and social circles.

Pictured (left to right): Lloyd Osborne, Mrs. R. L Stevenson, Robert Louis Stevenson, Kalākaua, and Mrs. Thomas Stevenson

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