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 ʻIolani Palace. Not a member? Join now!
Group rates are available with advanced reservations.

About the Palace

ʻIolani 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 ʻIolani Palace grounds.

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Did you know that ‘Iolani Palace wasn’t given

Did you know that ‘Iolani Palace wasn’t given its name by King Kalākaua?

It was actually Kamehameha V, Lot Kapuāiwa, who ruled as king from 1863 until his passing in 1872.

It was on this day in 1863, when the name ʻIolani was officially given to the first palace built on these grounds.

Lot wanted to honor his brother, Alexander Liholiho Keawenui ʻIolani, and named the first palace after him.

While the first building was replaced with the current palace, King Kalākaua kept the name.

Swipe left to see the Privy Council meeting minutes from the date the name was given.

PC: Hawaiʻi State Archives

Celebrate the Makahiki Season this Kamaʻāina Sun

Celebrate the Makahiki Season this Kamaʻāina Sunday! This month’s theme, Lonoikamakahiki, honors the season of peace, prosperity, and renewal.

Join us on Sunday, December 8th, from 9 AM to 2 PM for a day filled with traditional Makahiki games like kōnane (a strategy board game) and ʻulu maika (a stone rolling game) — fun challenges for both body and mind! Enjoy captivating entertainment and activities that connect us to the rich traditions of Hawaiian culture.

#KamaainaSunday #Lonoikamakahiki #HawaiianCulture #FamilyFun

Join us this Kamaʻāina Sunday (Dec 8th) from 9:3

Join us this Kamaʻāina Sunday (Dec 8th) from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM for a free unique feather flower arrangement experience. Create a masterpiece inspired by the vase in Queen Kapiʻolaniʻs bedroom at ʻIolani Palace with Kāwika Lum-Nelmida. Seating is limited, and spots are first-come, first-served with sign up at the Kīnaʻu Gate (Richards Street) beginning at 8:30 a.m. — Secure your place in this unique cultural experience!

On Dececember 5, 1890 at the Palace Hotel in San F

On Dececember 5, 1890 at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, King Kalākaua presented the Order of Kalākaua to Adm. Brown, Capt. Remy, and Lt. Dyer. The honor was given as a thank you for allowing him to travel on their navy ship, the USS Charleston, from Honolulu to San Francisco. Their acceptance was contingent upon Congress passing a law that would allow them to keep the honor, because Article One Section 9 of the United States Constitution forbids government employees from accepting any presents, of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state. Congress passed a law in 1897 that allowed them to keep the Order.

Gifted Royal Orders will often have additional embellishments.

First photo: The Order of Kalākaua Knight Commander (includes a crown).
Second photo: The Order of Kalākaua Knight Grand Officer (includes diamonds).

Do you know who was Queen Kapiʻolani’s maternal

Do you know who was Queen Kapiʻolani’s maternal grandfather?

He was King Kaumualiʻi, the last independent aliʻi nui of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau who reigned from 1794 to 1810.

A statue stands in his honor in Pāʻulaʻula, Waimea, Kauaʻi.

Photo credit: The Friends of King Kaumualiʻi

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that supp

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that supports non-profits like The Friends of ʻIolani Palace.

Today on #GivingTuesday, please consider making a gift to The Friends of ʻIolani Palace to support our mission to protect, preserve, and perpetuate one of the most important legacies in Hawaiʻi’s history.

There is no evidence that the Royal Family decorat

There is no evidence that the Royal Family decorated ʻIolani Palace or the grounds for the holidays. However, oriental lanterns in red, green and white decorated the grounds for royal balls and garden parties. The red, white, and green lanterns hung today are in memory of those events and adornments.

This month as we celebrate Queen Kapiʻolani’s b

This month as we celebrate Queen Kapiʻolani’s birthday, we invite you to get to know her better as we share stories, facts, and details of her life throughout December.

Do you know where she was born?

Julia Kapiolani was born in Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island to High Chief Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole of Hilo and High Chiefess Kinoiki Kekaulike of Kauaʻi.

In 1885, on her 51st birthday she, King Kalākaua and others celebrated her birthday in Hilo. While in Honolulu, her birthday was celebrated in a becoming manner. The Royal Hawaiian Band gave a two-hour concert that stated at 7 a.m., the day ended with a 5 p.m. lū’au in the Armory.

Pictured is Hilo in 1880.

Photo Credit: Hawaiʻi State Archives

On November 30, 1863, a solemn proclamation was ma

On November 30, 1863, a solemn proclamation was made following the passing of King Kamehameha IV.

That morning, the King’s aides, including John O. Dominis, David Kalākaua, L. Haʻalelea, and Peter Y. Kaeo, accompanied by the Household troops, arrived at the Courthouse to read the following announcement in both ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and English:

“It having pleased Almighty God to close the earthly career of King Kamehameha IV, at a quarter past 9 o’clock this morning, I as Kuhina Nui, by and with the advice of the Privy Council of State, hereby Proclaim, Prince Lot Kamehameha, King of the Hawaiian Islands, under the style and title of Kamehameha V. God Preserve the King. Given at the Palace, this thirtieth day of November 1863.
Signed, (Victoria) Kaʻahumanu.”

This proclamation was read at several key locations, including the Post Office, the corner of King and Nuʻuanu Streets, and before the residences of the British Commissioner and the American Minister.

Prince Lot Kamehameha, now Kamehameha V, was educated at the Royal School alongside his brother, Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho), and other aliʻi such as David Kalākaua, Lunalilo, and Lydia (later Queen Liliʻuokalani). In 1849, he and his brother traveled abroad to the United States, England, and France with Dr. Judd. His extensive experience in government positions, including a six-year term as Minister of the Interior, prepared him for his reign as King.

Photo Credit: Nupepa Kuokoa, December 12, 1863 (Hawaiian announcement)
Photo Credit: Hawaiʻi State Archives (Kamehameha IV, Kamehameha V, Victoria)

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