Iolani Palace recently received a large monetary gift from Princess Abigail Kawananakoa to support the nation’s only royal residence as it reopens.

The donation will help pay for the palace’s monthly electricity bill, which is the palace’s largest expense and averages nearly $15,000.

Iolani Palace reopened its doors on Friday. It is now open on Fridays and Saturdays with special discounted ticket prices.

Iolani Palace reopened to visitors Friday, but with limited hours, strict social distancing rules ― and a warning about its uncertain future.

Iolani Palace reopened its doors on Friday but is facing major financial problems because of the pandemic.

After 3 months of being closed as a result of the pandemic, ʻIolani Palace is ready to open their doors with a modified schedule and regulations.

“In this episode of Aloha Authentic, we speak with the new Executive Director of The Friends of ʻIolani Palace, Paula Akana, about the Palace’s rich history. Learn the little details about the Royal Family and the overthrow from historian Zita Cup Choy, and hear a song Hawaiʻi’s last Queen wrote

The Helen Ladd Thompson Revocable Living Trust donated 113 objects the family had inherited from ancestors Antone and Emily Rosa. Antone Rosa was a government official who served both King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani — the last two monarchs of Hawaii — in numerous positions in the late 19th century.

Iolani Palace historian and docent educator Zita Cup Choy is a familiar face on the palace grounds. She was a member of the first docent class back in 1977 and shared in the excitement as the palace was reopened to the public in May 1978.

Considered a national treasure and the only official state residence for royalty in the country, Iolani Palace welcomes visitors to learn about its history. And now, you can be a part of it. Zita Cup Choy, Iolani Palace Historian, joins us this morning with all of the details.