The Barracks (Halekoa)

Courtyard & Video Theater

Whether it be a wedding reception, business luncheon, intimate dinner party or corporate holiday celebration, Halekoa, or the ʻIolani Palace Barracks is the perfect venue for any special occasion. Halekoa’s coral block structure of limestone, and crenelated parapets and towers resemble architecture of medieval castles of Europe and create an atmosphere fit for any intimate event.

The Barracks Lawn, located outside of the Halekoa, is a green oasis right in the middle of downtown Honolulu. This area is quintessential for hosting outdoor parties or may be used as an extension of an event held in the Halekoa.

Halekoa Slideshow

Photos courtesy of Current Affairs Event Production

100 (seated dinner/luncheon)

150 (standing cocktail reception)

Available evenings, most Sunday days

Check Availability

Fee: $5,000 for up to 4 hours; $1,000 for each additional hour

In addition to the venue space you rent, your guests will have access to view the main floor of ʻIolani Palace during the first hour of your event.

NOTE: There is a $500 discount off the above event venue rental pricing, offered to the signor of the application form with valid kamaʻāina identification.
Wedding ceremonies with 11 or more attendees must complete a venue rental application and submit to the Friends of ʻIolani Palace. The fee is $2,000.00 plus tax.

Wedding Ceremonies with less than 11 participants must obtain a permit directly from the State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Currently, there is no fee for this permit. Please allow for at least 45 days for processing by DLNR.

Note: The State of Hawaiʻi requires your wedding photographer to apply for a Standard Film Permit. This can be obtained online from the State of Hawaiʻi Film Office for which there is a $100 permit fee.

Standard Film Permit: filmoffice.hawaii.gov

Terms & Conditions

  • Rental prices are subject to change.
  • An event is not officially confirmed until 1) the rental fee is paid/received and 2) the application is approved by the Executive Director. (Please do not print programs or invitations until the approval has been granted.)
  • Alcoholic beverages are allowed with the proper approval and permitting.
  • All parking areas on the ʻIolani Palace Grounds are available for your guests upon request  based on applicable fees.
  • Effective July 1, 2015 “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.

Policy on use: The grounds of ʻIolani Palace are a wahi pana (a sacred place) for the Hawaiian people. The historic site was home of the Mo'i (the royal Hawaiian sovereign) from 1845 to 1893. It contains an important burial ground, an architectural treasure, and a repository of priceless cultural artifacts. The State of Hawaiʻi holds the grounds in trust as part of the ceded land inventory. Through a lease agreement with the State, the kuleana (responsibility) for the site and its structures is assigned to the Friends of ʻIolani Palace (The Friends). The Friends is a private non-profit native Hawaiian organization established in 1966 for the sole purpose of perpetuating the legacy of ʻIolani Palace. The buildings leased to The Friends by the State of Hawaiʻi are available for use by the public, provided that event fees are directed to Palace operations. The surrounding grounds are administered by State Parks, a division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The Friends of ʻIolani Palace recognizes the challenge inherent in balancing its commitment to protect and preserve ʻIolani Palace with the legitimate need for public access. The event rental policies set forth by the Friends seek to allow public access while holding to the highest standards of curatorial excellence and preserving the site's distinctive sense of place. The Friends reserves the right to deny requests for functions that are not in keeping with its purpose.

More Information

Email info@iolanipalace.org or call 808-522-0822 x122.

Grounds Layout

Directions to Kanaʻina Building

Parking Options