The Grand Hall runs the entire width of the Palace with a large staircase made of Hawaiian koa wood as its focal point, which leads to the private family suites on the second floor.

The Throne Room is near the Grand Hall and is lavishly decorated in crimson and gold. As the largest room in the Palace, King Kalakaua held formal audiences, diplomatic receptions and state balls here. The trial of Queen Liliuokalani also occurred in this room.

The Blue Room is located across the hall from the Throne Room and was used for informal audiences and smaller receptions. Matching portraits of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani, painted by noted American portraitist William Cogswell, decorate the walls along with other portraits.

Beautifully carved sliding doors mark the entrance into the State Dining Room. The room features a crimson theme with floor-to-ceiling windows, furniture made in Boston, elegant Bohemian crystal and Paris porcelain, and a massive floral carpet.

The second floor Music Room, or Gold Room, was a gathering place for the royal family, who enjoyed composing, playing, and listening to music and song.

The Imprisonment Room is where the Queen Liliuokalani was held for nearly eight month following her conviction. She was denied visitors except for one lady companion.

Queen Kapiolani’s bedroom was originally furnished with mahogany furniture and red curtains and upholstery. Many of the pieces in both her room and King Kalakaua’s were sold in a series of auctions that were held to pay off debts after the King’s death and the overthrow of the monarchy and are still being sought after today.

King Kalakaua’s Suite is one of the private rooms located on the second floor. His bedroom was decorated with a mixture of American, Hawaiian, Asian, and European furnishings.

King Kalakaua’s library is where he spent much of his time. The king was fluent in English and Hawaiian and the various objects in this room demonstrate his interest in modern technology.