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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 Richard St. in downtown Honolulu (more details).

Main: 808-522-0822

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.

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On September 5, 1886, the Russian ship “Moskau” arrived in Honolulu Harbor. The port physician, Dr. John W. Brodie, reported the ship’s arrival to the Board of Health, who immediately ordered the Moskau move outside of the harbor.

Because it had arrived from Yokohama, Japan, a special examination of the ship, its cargo, and passengers was required before anyone or anything could be brought ashore. This was part of the Kingdom’s quarantine procedures, which, were put into place in 1839, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In 1886, the main concerns were measles and smallpox.

The ship’s captain stated that although they had departed from an ‘infected port,’ none of the officers or passengers had been ashore there and no one had been ill since they left Russia. That did not change the opinion of the Board of Health. Fumigation of the ship was ordered, as well as mail, freight bound for the Japanese Consul stationed in Honolulu, and personal luggage of passengers who were going ashore.

Once those procedures were completed, the Moskau was released from quarantine and the distinguished guests were allowed ashore. Those guests had an appointment to meet the King on September 7.

Pictured: Dr. Brodie / PC: Mamiya Medical Heritage Center

On this day in 1887, King Kalakaua entertained Pri

On this day in 1887, King Kalakaua entertained Princess Liliuokalani, Princess Kaiulani, his brother-in-law Archibald Scott Cleghorn and Curtis P. Iaukea, His Majesty’s Chamberlain, in the State Dining.

This appears to be the only time Princess Kaiulani dined in the State Dining room. However, in 1886 as an 11-year-old, she attended Kalakaua’s 50th birthday luau, held on the front grounds of the palace.

PC: Hawaii State Archives

In early September of 1883, the Royal Hawaiian Ban

In early September of 1883, the Royal Hawaiian Band returned from a trip to San Francisco, where they participated in the Knights Templars Triennial Conclave. They were one of many bands who participated and appear to have been the most popular band at the Conclave.

The Pacific Commercial Advertiser reported the Royal Hawaiian Band gave an average of three performances a day. Although there is no mention of the song “Aloha Oe” in California newspapers, on the bottom of an Aloha Oe song sheet in the Hawaii State Archives collection Liliuokalani comments:

"Composed at Maunawili 1878. Played by the Royal Hawaiian Band in San Francisco August 1883 and became very popular."

PC: Hawaii State Archives

On September 2, 1886, Princess Liliuokalani celebr

On September 2, 1886, Princess Liliuokalani celebrated her 48th birthday with a reception, luau, and other festivities at her Palama residence. Her brother, His Majesty King Kalakaua, attended the party. The Pacific Commercial Advertiser published a story about the party and listed some of the gifts Princess Liliuokalani was given.

Walter Murray Gibson, then Premiere of the Kingdom and the Minister of the Interior, gave the Princess a large silver soup ladle. Today, that ladle is part of Iolani Palace’s collection.

PC: Hawaii State Archives

Hauoli La Hanau e Queen Liliuokalani! On Septemb

Hauoli La Hanau e Queen Liliuokalani!

On September 2, 1912, Liliuokalani celebrated her 74th birthday with a reception at her home Washington Place. She was dressed in a lavender silk gown. Standing beside her were Prince and Princess Kalanianaole, and Princess Kawananako. The guests were presented to the royal entourage by John Aimoku Dominis.

Ten years earlier, her 64th birthday was celebrated with an afternoon reception for the general public. That year she received her guests in the Waikiki parlor of Washington Place assisted by Prince and Princess Kawananakoa and Archibald S. Cleghorn.

A private party for friends in the evening included music and dancing. The long day started with morning hookupu (gifts), primarily mele, which were brought and presented to the Queen from residents from all across the island.

PC: Hawaii State Archives

Celebrate Queen Liliuokalani’s birthday with Iol

Celebrate Queen Liliuokalani’s birthday with Iolani Palace this weekend! Tomorrow, September 2 at 9 a.m., join in for a virtual celebration hosted by the @hawaiiponoicoalition and then later at 4 p.m. with an in-person walking tour and concert. For the latest information, visit hawaiianhistorymonth.org.

At 11 a.m. on Friday, the public is invited to attend a special presentation led by Ron Williams at the Liliuokalani statue located between Iolani Palace and the State Capitol.

Guests are also invited to visit the Palace Basement Galleries for FREE from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to view handmade birthday cards to the Queen made by people across the islands. A special mahalo to Ronald Clayton Williams for leading this effort. On Friday, guests may also create their own card to leave their birthday wishes for the Queen. Additional birthday cards will be on display in the Barracks courtyard throughout the weekend.

In honor of Queen Liliuokalani's 184th birthday, I

In honor of Queen Liliuokalani's 184th birthday, Iolani Palace is proud to support Hawaiian History Month! As part of the series of events in September, Prince Kūhiō will be celebrated in Ke Kauā o Ka Lāhui: The Life of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Piʻikoi, script by Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl.

Join us in-person for an afternoon on the Iolani Palace lawn with music, theater, and community! For more information and to make reservations for this event on the following dates, visit the @hawaiiponoicoalition website: www.hawaiianhistorymonth.org.

Sunday, September 4
Monday, September 5
Saturday, September 10
Sunday, September 11

Music begins at 3:30 pm and the play begins at 4:00 pm.

The Hawaiian Kingdom standard is flying high above

The Hawaiian Kingdom standard is flying high above Iolani Palace once again! Mahalo to @hawaiianelectric for providing crew and equipment earlier this week to help repair and maintain historic flagpoles atop the Palace. The flagpoles have remained unused since late 2019 when the hardware was severely damaged.

Hawaiian Electric's Versalift Phoenix bucket truck is the second-largest piece of equipment in their fleet with its lift reaching a height of 180 feet. It is one of the only trucks that is able to perform this unique task for Iolani Palace!

Today, the Hawaii State Legislature adjourns sine

Today, the Hawaii State Legislature adjourns sine die at the end of their 60-day session. In the 19th century a legislator’s work was not done until the alii (monarch) dismissed them.

On this day in 1884 a few minutes past noon, the shore battery and H.B.M.S Constance fired a salute as His Majesty King Kalakaua and Her Majesty Queen Kapiolani left the Palace grounds on foot. They walked across King Street to Aliiolani Hale, proceeded by 20 kahili bearers and the Chamberlain, the Hon. Charles H Judd. Behind them were Governor of Oahu John Owen Dominis and members of the King’s staff. Troops and the Royal Hawaiian Band were stationed in front of Aliiolani Hale. The diplomatic and consular corps joined the legislators in the meeting chamber. After His Majesty took his place on the dais, the entire assembly stood for a prayer and then the Chamberlain handed His Majesty a portfolio continuing his speech, which was delivered in Hawaiian and English.

King Kalakaua congratulated the legislators on the completion of their duties. In keeping with his desire to promote modern technology, the legislature had “favorably considered” an ocean telegraph connection between Hawaii and the Continent. He thanked them for their work and then declared the Legislative Assembly of 1884 prorogued (ended).

This was not the first or last time money had been appropriated for a telegraph connection. According to a January 3, 1903 Pacific Commercial Advertiser article, every time money was appropriated, it lapsed before a vendor could be found to carry out the installation and operation.

In January 1903, the Commercial Pacific Cable Company finally connected Hawaii to the Continent by ocean telegraph. Once the cable was operational, communication with San Francisco took a mere 13 minutes, a vast improvement over the 5 to 7 days it took for steam ships to deliver communication.

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