Most Wanted Items

Call for Cultural Objects

After King Kalākaua's death, the death of Queen Liliʻuokalani, and the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, much of the Palace contents were sold at public auction. As part of our mission to preserve, restore, and share the stories of this wahi pana, The Friends of ʻIolani Palace continues to search for original Palace and monarchy furnishings and treasures.

We're also seeking objects, documents, photographs, stories and historical information related to Hawaiʻi’s royal heritage and the rich history of ʻIolani Palace to feature in our Basement Galleries. This unique opportunity allows the community to share their treasures, enrich narratives, and celebrate Hawaiʻi’s past. Contributions will help the Palace create engaging and educational exhibits that honor and preserve the legacy of Hawaiʻi’s aliʻi (royalty).

The Basement Galleries will include ten bilingual galleries in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian) and English and over 6,000 square feet of interpretive space to complement the self-guided audio and docent-led tours of ʻIolani Palace.

The themes will include the following:

  • Kamehameha and Kalākaua Dynasties
  • The Significance of ʻIolani Palace and its Grounds
  • Hawaiian Government and Diplomacy
  • Fusion of Hawaiian and Western Regalia and Adornment
  • Royal Orders and Jewelry
  • Secret Societies (Hale Nauā & the Freemasons)
  • 1893 Coup
  • Hawaiian Music and Traditional Lifeways
  • ʻIolani Palace Restoration Project (early 1970s)
  • Contemporary Movements Relating to Sovereignty and the Protection of Our Environment, Culture, Language and Ancestral Remains

If you have objects, documents or stories that may be loaned or donated to illuminate these themes, please contact The Friends of ʻIolani Palace at info@iolanipalace.org or (808) 522-0822.

Historic photos are from the Hawaiʻi State Archives.

Collection Items

Gothic Revival Hutch, seen in the Upper Hall - last known location the Haleʻiwa Hotel, demolished in 1952

Venus de Milo plaster cast - originally displayed in the King’s Library

Spelter statues: Spelter is a metal alloy made with zinc. It was a popular inexpensive substitute for bronze in the late nineteenth century. Cast spelter statues were often patinated or painted to emulate bronze. A figure from a Grand Hall wall niche has yet to be located. Smaller statues were scattered throughout the Palace, including those displayed on wall brackets in the King's Bedroom and Library.

Historic Photos

Monarchy era photos of Palace rooms, people, and events provide valuable information about original Palace furnishings. The Palace curator's office references many such photos to identify original palace objects or items having a royal connection. If you have a photo that may help with this research, please contact the Curator.

Historic photos may help you identify or begin to ask questions about objects that you have or know about.

View The Palace Historic Photos Collection

Furniture from the Davenport Order

225 pieces of furniture were ordered from A.H. Davenport Co. of Boston during construction of the new Palace. The four bedrooms on the second floor were each decorated with similar pieces of furniture, in different woods and upholstery fabrics. The King’s Bedroom was decorated in light blue with ebony and gilt furniture. The Queen’s Bedroom furniture was in red with furniture of mahogany and gilt. Furnishings for the other bedrooms were made of walnut (central bedroom) and cherry (front bedroom), having drapery and upholstery fabric in lemon yellow and olive green respectively.

The following items are on the "most wanted" list:

  • Kalākaua's bedroom suite, which was gilded and made of ebonized wood
  • Bedroom side chairs (9 missing)
  • Bedroom square and round chairs (2 missing)
  • Dressers (2 missing)
  • Wardrobes (3 missing)

View The Palace Furniture Collection

Paper Collection

The Royal Chamberlain issued many invitations, menus, dance cards, place cards, and other works on paper for Palace events. Existing items in the collection show marks and patterns that can be used to identify additional items.

View The Palace Works On Paper Collection

 

Military Accessories

When Kalākaua became King, one of his first acts was to reestablish the Hawaiian military, including the Royal Guard and several other companies. Many military items, such as uniforms, hats, swords, patches, buttons, and other accessories from the Guard and other companies are still in private hands.

View The Palace Military Accessories Collection