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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On this day in 1895, Princess Poʻomaikelani passe

On this day in 1895, Princess Poʻomaikelani passed away at her home in Kalihi Valley.

Born Virginia Kapoʻoloku Poʻomaikelani, she was the second daughter of High Chief Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole of Hilo and High Chiefess Kinoiki Kekaulike of Kauaʻi. Frequently called Kapoʻoloku by the media, she was the younger sister of Julia Kapiʻolani and older sister of, Kinoike Kekaulike. All three girls were born in Hilo.

Poʻomaikelani, like her sister Kapiʻolani, was a member of the court during Kamehameha IV’s reign. In 1855, she married Hiram Kahanawai but was widowed in 1874. Though they had no children, Poʻomaikelani took her sister Kekaulike’s son, Prince Edward Keliʻiahonui, as a hānai (adopted) son when he was born in 1869; unfortunately, she lost him when he died in 1877.

Made a princess by her brother-in-law in 1883, Poʻomaikelani assisted Queen Kapiʻolani with her charitable activities. She spent her time pursuing her interest in the Queen’s Hospital Flower Society, as well as working with other royal charities.

The princess was laid to rest at Mauna ʻAla alongside other members of the royal family.

(PC: Hawaiʻi State Archives)

In 1983, in commemoration of the centennial observ

In 1983, in commemoration of the centennial observance of King Kalākaua's 1883 Coronation and the 100th anniversary of Hawaiian Telephone, GTE—then the parent company of Hawaiian Telephone—presented The Friends of ʻIolani Palace with a $100,000 grant through their foundation to restore the King's Library. Any remaining funds were allocated to restore the Chamberlain's Office. Both offices originally featured telephones installed in 1883 by Mutual Telephone, a company that received a royal charter to serve the Hawaiian Kingdom.
On October 9, 1984, the restored Chamberlain's Office was dedicated. Until the opening of the first phase of the basement galleries in 2000, this office was only accessible to haumāna (students) on school tours. Today, you can visit the Chamberlain's Office by joining our Chamberlain's Tour.

We recently had the honor of hosting the incredibl

We recently had the honor of hosting the incredible students from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Parehuia o Rongomaiwahine from New Zealand.

From sharing cultural practices to exchanging hoʻokupu and exploring the rich history of ʻIolani Palace, it was a beautiful blend of Hawaiian and Māori cultures. Mahalo for the unforgettable experience and the knowledge shared

On this day in 1882, King Kalākaua hosted about 1

On this day in 1882, King Kalākaua hosted about 100 guests at a lūʻau at his Pualeilani residence in Waikīkī. The property, surrounded by coconut palms, groves of kiawe trees, and Bermuda grass, featured a dance floor set up on the lawn. Guests arrived at 2 p.m. and started the festivities with a few dances before enjoying a grand lūʻau. Among the dishes served were poi, pond mullet in tī leaves, chicken salad, roast pig, soft crabs, and more.

Later, cabbies, expressmen, and others were invited to join the feast, expressing great satisfaction with the “courteous and hospitable treatment,” as they typically had to wait outside with empty stomachs. Dancing continued well into the late afternoon.

Pictured: Pualeilani

It’s the last days of @Foodland’s Give Aloha p

It’s the last days of @Foodland’s Give Aloha program, but there’s
still time to support The Friends of ‘Iolani Palace.

Don't forget:
1. Use your Maikaʻi card/phone number.
2. Tell the cashier: “I'd like to donate $____ to The Friends of ‘Iolani Palace, code 77176
3. Double-check your receipt for accuracy.

Mahalo for your support! 🙌 Every bit helps us make a difference!

On September 28, 1881, King Kalākaua visited the

On September 28, 1881, King Kalākaua visited the White House in Washington, D.C., spending about 15 minutes with President Arthur. Later that afternoon, he left Washington to visit Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute.

Hampton was founded in 1868 by Samuel Armstrong, a former Hawaiʻi resident who had studied with Kalākaua in Honolulu. Samuel was the younger brother of William Armstrong who had been traveling with the King. They were sons of American missionaries.

A graduate of Punahou School, Samuel was attending college in Massachusetts when the Civil War began. He joined the Union Army and became the commander of an African American unit. After the war, he worked with the Freedmen’s Bureau and recognized the immense need for educational opportunities for newly freed slaves. Supported by the American Missionary Society and philanthropists, he founded Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute in 1868. By the time King Kalākaua visited in 1881, Hampton was also educating Native Americans.

Photo: Samuel Armstrong

Last Aloha Friday performance of the month by the

Last Aloha Friday performance of the month by the Royal Hawaiian Band today! Spend your lunch hour listening to the sweet sounds of monarchy era music from noon to 1 p.m.

Mahalo to everyone who joined us for September’s

Mahalo to everyone who joined us for September’s Kama‘āina Sunday! We loved sharing the beauty and history of ʻIolani Palace with you all. Join us again on October 13 for free tours, live entertainment, cultural activities, and more!

On September 21, 1887, His Highness Prince Abel Ed

On September 21, 1887, His Highness Prince Abel Edward Keli‘iahonui, Queen Kapi‘olani’s nephew, passed away at ʻIolani Palace from typhoid fever. He was the son of Kapiʻolani’s sister, Kekaulike.

Edward was educated at St. Albans School, now known as ʻIolani School, and then at Oʻahu College, now known as Punahou School, before attending St. Matthew’s Hall in San Mateo, California.

He contracted typhoid fever in California, and the school’s physician decided he needed to be sent home. When he arrived in Honolulu on September 18, he was so weak and exhausted that he had to be carried from the vessel to a carriage and then driven to ʻIolani Palace. After his death three days later, he was moved to the bungalow on the Palace grounds to allow the community to pay their respects.

Prince Edward’s funeral took place in the Throne Room of ʻIolani Palace on Sunday, September 25, at 2 p.m. In attendance were the King and Queen, Princess Liliʻuokalani, Princess Poʻomaikelani, Princess Kaʻiulani, His Excellency J. O. Dominis, Governor of Oʻahu, Hon. A. S. Cleghorn, members of the Cabinet, Supreme Court, Diplomatic Corps, and visiting naval officers. After the service at the Palace, the funeral procession made its way down King Street to Nuʻuanu Street, and then to the Royal Mausoleum.

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