Basement Gallery Exhibits – Iolani Palace

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Basement Gallery Exhibits

Tours & Admission

Basement Gallery Exhibits

Basement Gallery Exhibits

View an exhibit of select treasures from the Royal Collection, the restored Kitchen and the Chamberlain’s Office. Learn about the Palace restoration through a special exhibit accompanied by historic photographs.

Entry Times

Galleries open until 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Last ticket sold at 4:00 p.m.

Terms & Conditions

Admission is free for members of the Friends of Iolani Palace. Not a member? Join now!
Group rates are available with advanced reservations.

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 Richards St. in downtown Honolulu (more details).

Administrative Office: 808-522-0822, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Ticket Office Hours: 808-522-0832, Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Phone calls accepted on Mondays 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Palace Shop Hours: 808-532-1050, Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone calls accepted on Mondays 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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.

Instagram

On November 28, 1843, the Hawaiian Kingdom was rec

On November 28, 1843, the Hawaiian Kingdom was recognized as an independent nation by Great Britain and France. The day was celebrated as a national holiday until 1903.

#OnThisDay in 1890 in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on their way to California, the wardroom officers of the U.S.S. Charleston observed Hawaiian Independence Day with a dinner for their royal passenger, King Kalākaua. Their menu included the following:

- Tomato Soup
- Mullet with tartare sauce
- Roast pig with apple sauce
- Roast turkey with cranberry sauce
- Sweet potatoes, string beans, baked potatoes, and olives
- Mince pie, nuts, and raisins
- Tea and coffee

The meal was then followed by a musical program.

Pictured: Kalākaua aboard the Charleston. PC: Hawaiʻi State Archives.

Today, Giving Tuesday, is a global day of giving t

Today, Giving Tuesday, is a global day of giving that supports many non-profits, like The Friends of ʻIolani Palace.

You can join The Friends of ‘Iolani Palace and help carry forward one of the most important legacies of the Hawaiian monarchy. You'll play an important and unique role in seeing that our distinctive Hawaiian heritage is perpetuated for the benefit of future generations.

Your membership donations and contributions will help to support the ongoing work of preservation, conservation and education at ‘Iolani Palace. Remember The Friends of ʻIolani Palace this Giving Tuesday! Donate at the link in bio.

Learn about the ancient Hawaiian festival and cele

Learn about the ancient Hawaiian festival and celebration of Makahiki at our next Kamaʻāina Sunday on December 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy educational activities, traditional Hawaiian games, ʻono food and live entertainment. Gates will open at 8:30 a.m. and free self-led audio tours are available for the first 500 attendees. Learn more at the link in bio.

On November 24, 1868, Governor Mataio Kekūanāʻo

On November 24, 1868, Governor Mataio Kekūanāʻoa died at the age of 72. He was the makua kane (father) of Ruth Keʻelikolani, Lot Kamehameha (Kamehameha V), Alexander Liholiho (Kamehameha IV), and Victoria Kamāmalu.

He accompanied Kamehameha II and Kamāmalu to London, where they died in 1825.

Kekūanāʻoa held a number of government positions, sometimes simultaneously, including: Commander and Drill Master of Hawaiian troops, Governor of Oʻahu for over 30 years, President of the Board of Education, President of the Legislative Assembly, Kuhina nui, and judge. He also oversaw a building program, and managed the kingdom’s finances.

Add a touch of Hawaiian history to your holiday décor this season with the 2023 ‘Iolani Palace ornament, now available for purchase at the Palace Shop or online.

This year’s design was inspired by the dance card for the 1889 ball hosted by King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiʻolani in honor of the Prince and Princess de Bourbon from Austria. At the ball, guests danced in the Throne Room until 2:30 a.m. the next morning.

The ornament is modeled after the dance card belonging to W.H. Cornwell, a government official under King Kalākaua. The front features a crown with a red and gold decorative frame, while the inside lists the music and dance partners for the evening. Displayed on the back is King Kalakaua’s royal cypher.

The 2023 Palace ornament is $40 and members of the Friends of ʻIolani Palace receive a 20% discount. Quantities are limited for this annual collector’s item. To purchase a 2023 ornament, visit the Palace Shop at the Hale Koa (barracks) or shop online – link in bio.

In November 1816, a Russian naval ship visited Haw

In November 1816, a Russian naval ship visited Hawaiʻi. Louis Choris, an artist on board, painted Kamehameha I from life (second image pictured). Later artists, including James Gay Sawkins, who painted the Kamehameha portrait in the Grand Hall (first image pictured), copied the image created by Choris.

In 1885, King Kalākaua’s birthday was celebrate

In 1885, King Kalākaua’s birthday was celebrated with several days of events including a regatta, parade, and grand luau with hula. The Daily Honolulu Press reported:
“The King held his annual hula on the Palace grounds yesterday only natives and foreigners with invitations were allowed admission.”
A later issue of the same paper reported that the hula was performed by two companies from Kauaʻi from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Pictured are photos in the Hawaiʻi State Archives collections and are attributed to Dr. Edward Arning, an amateur photographer and doctor who came to Hawaiʻi to study leprosy.

PC: Hawaiʻi State Archives

The popular Evening Tours returns this year and ti

The popular Evening Tours returns this year and tickets are now on sale! Kamaʻāina and visitors are invited to enjoy ʻIolani Palace by moonlight during the Queen Kapiʻolani Evening Tours on December 27, 28 and 29. On these three nights, guests will have the opportunity to take a trip back in time and experience the Palace as it was during a 19th-century soiree hosted by the Hawaiian monarchs.

On December 27, a special birthday celebration featuring pūpū and drinks will be held from 5:30-9:00 p.m. in addition to the evening tour. Attendees will enjoy a curated menu by @bubblyandbleu, entertainment, and unique makana (gift) in collaboration with @edeninloveboutique.

Purchase tickets and learn more at the link in bio.

On November 17, 1874, King Kalākaua sailed to the

On November 17, 1874, King Kalākaua sailed to the United States to negotiate the Reciprocity Treaty, which would provide a duty-free market for sugar and other goods purchased by the U.S. Kalākaua was the first Head of State to visit the U.S., dine at the White House, and appear before a joint session of Congress.

In addition to his stop in Washington, D.C., the king visited cities throughout the U.S.

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