traditional – Iolani Palace

Donate Become A Member Book Now

Home
Visit
About
Join/Support
- Ways to Support
- Membership
- Donate
- Volunteer
  - Docents
- Palace Shop
- Partners
Palace Collections
Education
Events
Contact
- Job Opportunities
- Internship Opportunities
Info

traditional

traditional

Masks made on turtle shells. Shigatse-Tibet. 1787

By Jacob Cate

Ancient

About the Palace

Iolani 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 Iolani Palace grounds.

Instagram

On November 24, 1868, Governor Mataio Kekūanāʻo

On November 24, 1868, Governor Mataio Kekūanāʻoa died at the age of 72. He was the makua kane (father) of Ruth Keʻelikolani, Lot Kamehameha (Kamehameha V), Alexander Liholiho (Kamehameha IV), and Victoria Kamāmalu.

He accompanied Kamehameha II and Kamāmalu to London, where they died in 1825.

Kekūanāʻoa held a number of government positions, sometimes simultaneously, including: Commander and Drill Master of Hawaiian troops, Governor of Oʻahu for over 30 years, President of the Board of Education, President of the Legislative Assembly, Kuhina nui, and judge. He also oversaw a building program, and managed the kingdom’s finances.

Add a touch of Hawaiian history to your holiday décor this season with the 2023 ‘Iolani Palace ornament, now available for purchase at the Palace Shop or online.

This year’s design was inspired by the dance card for the 1889 ball hosted by King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiʻolani in honor of the Prince and Princess de Bourbon from Austria. At the ball, guests danced in the Throne Room until 2:30 a.m. the next morning.

The ornament is modeled after the dance card belonging to W.H. Cornwell, a government official under King Kalākaua. The front features a crown with a red and gold decorative frame, while the inside lists the music and dance partners for the evening. Displayed on the back is King Kalakaua’s royal cypher.

The 2023 Palace ornament is $40 and members of the Friends of ʻIolani Palace receive a 20% discount. Quantities are limited for this annual collector’s item. To purchase a 2023 ornament, visit the Palace Shop at the Hale Koa (barracks) or shop online – link in bio.

In November 1816, a Russian naval ship visited Haw

In November 1816, a Russian naval ship visited Hawaiʻi. Louis Choris, an artist on board, painted Kamehameha I from life (second image pictured). Later artists, including James Gay Sawkins, who painted the Kamehameha portrait in the Grand Hall (first image pictured), copied the image created by Choris.

In 1885, King Kalākaua’s birthday was celebrate

In 1885, King Kalākaua’s birthday was celebrated with several days of events including a regatta, parade, and grand luau with hula. The Daily Honolulu Press reported:
“The King held his annual hula on the Palace grounds yesterday only natives and foreigners with invitations were allowed admission.”
A later issue of the same paper reported that the hula was performed by two companies from Kauaʻi from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Pictured are photos in the Hawaiʻi State Archives collections and are attributed to Dr. Edward Arning, an amateur photographer and doctor who came to Hawaiʻi to study leprosy.

PC: Hawaiʻi State Archives

The popular Evening Tours returns this year and ti

The popular Evening Tours returns this year and tickets are now on sale! Kamaʻāina and visitors are invited to enjoy ʻIolani Palace by moonlight during the Queen Kapiʻolani Evening Tours on December 27, 28 and 29. On these three nights, guests will have the opportunity to take a trip back in time and experience the Palace as it was during a 19th-century soiree hosted by the Hawaiian monarchs.

On December 27, a special birthday celebration featuring pūpū and drinks will be held from 5:30-9:00 p.m. in addition to the evening tour. Attendees will enjoy a curated menu by @bubblyandbleu, entertainment, and unique makana (gift) in collaboration with @edeninloveboutique.

Purchase tickets and learn more at the link in bio.

On November 17, 1874, King Kalākaua sailed to the

On November 17, 1874, King Kalākaua sailed to the United States to negotiate the Reciprocity Treaty, which would provide a duty-free market for sugar and other goods purchased by the U.S. Kalākaua was the first Head of State to visit the U.S., dine at the White House, and appear before a joint session of Congress.

In addition to his stop in Washington, D.C., the king visited cities throughout the U.S.

As part of today’s King Kalākaua birthday celeb

As part of today’s King Kalākaua birthday celebration, we're unveiling a new exhibit, “Nā Koa o Ka Mōʻī: The Royal Guard.” Now open in the Bartels Gallery in the Palace Basement, the exhibit offers a captivating journey through the storied history of the Royal Guard, tracing their inception by King Kamehameha I to their revival in the 1960s.

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the revived Royal Guard, Nā Koa o Ka Mōʻī invites visitors to explore the fascinating narrative of Hawaiʻi’s Royal Guard, chronicling their role from the Hawaiian Kingdom’s early foundations to the tumultuous times surrounding the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani. Highlighting this journey are historical artifacts, several of which are on loan from descendants of Royal Guard members, including commemorative keepsakes, ceremonial swords, a password log, a Springfield rifle, and rare documents personally signed by King Kalākaua.

Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of the Royal Guard, gaining insights into their ceremonial and daily duties, their close ties to the Hawaiian monarchy, and their enduring significance in the cultural tapestry of Hawaiʻi. The exhibit promises an enlightening and captivating experience for history enthusiasts, kamaʻāina, and visitors alike.

The “Nā Koa o Ka Mōʻī: The Royal Guard” exhibit will run through May 2024 and will be open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join us tomorrow for the annual celebration of Kin

Join us tomorrow for the annual celebration of King Kalākaua’s birthday. The Palace is decked out in monarchy era bunting reminiscent of the King’s 50th Jubilee, the perfect setting for a review of the Royal Guard and music by the Royal Hawaiian Band. Festivities start at 11:30 a.m.

Learn more at the link in bio. We hope to see you there!

On this day in 1917, Queen Lili’uokalani passed

On this day in 1917, Queen Lili’uokalani passed away at the age of 79. She drew her last breath at 8:30 in the morning at her home, Washington Place.

At her bedside were Prince and Princess Kalanianaʻole, Col. and Mrs. Curtis P. Iaukea, her physician Dr. Hobdy, Mrs. Lahilahi Webb, and two faithful attendants, Wakikiki and Onaʻala. Upon learning of her death, the bells of St. Andrew’s Cathedral and Kawaiahaʻo Church rang 79 times to tell all of Honolulu that the Queen had passed.

Pictured: Liliu’okalani from The Mid-Pacific Magazine, Volume 2, photographed by Frank Davey

Load More Follow on Instagram

Enewsletter Sign-Up

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name *

Last Name *

Website developed by Becker Communications, Inc.

Your ticket for the: Masks made on turtle shells. Shigatse-Tibet. 1787

Title

Masks made on turtle shells. Shigatse-Tibet. 1787

USD