Iolani Palace on Postcard

@travelleisure

"To “learn the true history of Hawaiʻi and understand what the people of Hawaii have endured,” says Domingo, head to ‘Iolani Palace in Honolulu. A crucial part of Hawaiian history, the Palace was the official royal residence for the last reigning monarchs of Hawaii. “Exploring the Palace allows visitors to step back in time and witness the grandeur and significance of Hawaiʻi’s monarchy. The architecture, cultural resources, and stories within the Palace walls provide a glimpse into our islands’ royal past, offering invaluable insights into our cultural heritage,” explains Choy." - Travel + Leisure Editors

20 Best Things to Do on Oahu, According to Locals

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@afar

"A Slice of Royalty in America The grand koa wood staircase was shining with a new coat of oil as the focal point of the room; it’s beautiful curves lead the eye gently from the second floor down to the first floor. Men and women dressed in ornate gowns and neck-restricting tuxedos floated around the staircase receiving each other with a proper handshake or curtsy. The party was just beginning as horses pulled up to the ultra modern palace depositing people of stature out of their buggies. The year was 1882 in the island nation of Hawaii. Even though I like to live in the present, I couldn’t help but imagine the past as I was led through the Iolani Palace in Oahu. The docent painted a perfect picture of arriving at a ball in the mid 1880’s – the sites, sounds, and even the dinner entries that would be served. After the docent led tour you can have the pleasure of saying the you've been in the only palace in America! More Info: Iolani Palace Tour Information: Guided Docent Led Tours – Adults: $20 / Children (5-12) $6. This tour is available from 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Audie Tours – Adults: $13 / Children (5-12) $6. This tour is available from Monday through Saturday 11:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Be sure to check the times and costs on the website which will have up to date information and details. Get all of the details including great historical information, information on the restoration, and learn about upcoming events on the Iolani Palace website: www.iolanipalace.org."

History, Art, and Architecture on Oahu

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@goop

"The opulent Iolani Palanace was the royal residence of the Hawaiian monarchy until Queen Liliuokalani was forced to abdicate her throne in 1893. The palace has since been restored, including furniture and decorations that were there during the monarchic rule, and a significant collection of artifacts representing different periods in Hawaiian history. It’s a fascinating tour, and a welcome break when you’ve spent too many hours in the sun."

The Oahu Guide

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Matthew Luka

Google

If you're a fan of history or architecture make sure you come here. The elegance of the building and decor is truly unmatched. The woodwork alone would take years to replicate using modern tools - truly capturing the craftsmanship that is on display. Make sure you've cleared your phone storage before arriving - I never stopped taking pictures. The audio tour was very informative and really supplements what you're walking through. I would suggest this to anyone visiting Hawaii to provide the historical context needed to understand the history of this proud and unique culture.

Livia Padron

Google

I loved this place! So much history, so much art, so much culture! I love learning about the places history, so I 100% recommended. You must reserve a docent or self tour in advance! So be aware of it. I took the docent tour and it was good and educational. Parking: parking is limited indeed, we took the first tour at 9am, we got there at 8:20am and it was plenty of parking. You can pay $4 for 2 hours and it will give you enough time to take the tour and look around. I would recommend taking the earliest tour, get there early and you will be fine. We literally parked in front of the castle. Loved it!

Fay M

Google

This is a fabulous palace to learn about the Polynesian history, way of life, and culture. If you enjoy history and are into politics this place provides amazing overview of how a sovereign country could loose it's independence. The palace has managed to gather up many of it's original items before it was auctioned off, I highly recommend a visit and supporting the "Friends of Iolani Palace"

Carolyn Grasso

Google

This is a beautiful palace filled with beautiful things. It is also filled with sadness as it describes the history of the palace and the members of the Hawaiian royalty that made it their home. The audio tour is well done, seemed at a good pace and the device worked well. We went from exhibit to exhibit and it took about an hour but you could take longer or shorter if you wanted too.

Noheaikamalanai Keahi

Google

As a native Hawaiian who lived on O’ahu since I was born, Iolani Palace is a place I visit every now and then. Very kid friendly, I recently brought my newborn while family was visiting and I was able to bring his stroller in as well as walk around while breastfeeding him. FYI you can take pictures but no filming is allowed. Beautiful palace and precious artifacts to look at. Very informative of what our queen went through during the overthrow as well as how she use to live back in the 1800’s and what live was like back then. It’s a self guided tour where you use headphones for an audio tour. The staff is very friendly and considerate. Normally you have tickets for specific times but they allowed us to go earlier as they seen us waiting. Me and my husband didn’t go with his family at first because we were changing our newborns diaper and the staff brought us in right away to catch up with our ‘Ohana. Prices are responsible just be sure to buy them prior to walking up to the palace. You can purchase the tickets in the building next door that looks like a smaller castle. You probably can buy tickets online but I would double check. You do need to pay for parking which is $2/hr I believe. Pictures I posted are over the years of me taking my keiki. They also have event for Hawaiian holidays, we also attend peaceful marches for Hawaiian events and we gather at the palace.

Jennifer Eady

Google

This tour was a true history lesson concerning the monarchy of Hawaii. Our docent, Cathy was great very knowledgeable and passionate. The palace is stunning. We were honored to be there on a day when we were serenaded by one of the songs written by the queen. This touch definitely made the tour even better. And the palace was decorated for the king’s birthday. Plan early if possible due to limited parking.

Mademoiselle Ksenia

Google

Beautiful place, worth visiting, but keep in mind, you have to get tickets some time before coming in because they only offer tour with the guide, you can’t walk around by yourself. You can only get to the basement for $5 by yourself and see a little part of the palace.

Max M

Google

Beautiful experience, the audio tour is very informative. You will learn so much about the beautiful kingdom of Hawaii and all of the sad parts of its history and ending as well. The palace is in beautiful condition and is totally worth the visit. The tickets were $25 for an adult.

Matthew Luka

Google

If you're a fan of history or architecture make sure you come here. The elegance of the building and decor is truly unmatched. The woodwork alone would take years to replicate using modern tools - truly capturing the craftsmanship that is on display. Make sure you've cleared your phone storage before arriving - I never stopped taking pictures. The audio tour was very informative and really supplements what you're walking through. I would suggest this to anyone visiting Hawaii to provide the historical context needed to understand the history of this proud and unique culture.

Livia Padron

Google

I loved this place! So much history, so much art, so much culture! I love learning about the places history, so I 100% recommended. You must reserve a docent or self tour in advance! So be aware of it. I took the docent tour and it was good and educational. Parking: parking is limited indeed, we took the first tour at 9am, we got there at 8:20am and it was plenty of parking. You can pay $4 for 2 hours and it will give you enough time to take the tour and look around. I would recommend taking the earliest tour, get there early and you will be fine. We literally parked in front of the castle. Loved it!

Fay M

Google

This is a fabulous palace to learn about the Polynesian history, way of life, and culture. If you enjoy history and are into politics this place provides amazing overview of how a sovereign country could loose it's independence. The palace has managed to gather up many of it's original items before it was auctioned off, I highly recommend a visit and supporting the "Friends of Iolani Palace"

Carolyn Grasso

Google

This is a beautiful palace filled with beautiful things. It is also filled with sadness as it describes the history of the palace and the members of the Hawaiian royalty that made it their home. The audio tour is well done, seemed at a good pace and the device worked well. We went from exhibit to exhibit and it took about an hour but you could take longer or shorter if you wanted too.

Noheaikamalanai Keahi

Google

As a native Hawaiian who lived on O’ahu since I was born, Iolani Palace is a place I visit every now and then. Very kid friendly, I recently brought my newborn while family was visiting and I was able to bring his stroller in as well as walk around while breastfeeding him. FYI you can take pictures but no filming is allowed. Beautiful palace and precious artifacts to look at. Very informative of what our queen went through during the overthrow as well as how she use to live back in the 1800’s and what live was like back then. It’s a self guided tour where you use headphones for an audio tour. The staff is very friendly and considerate. Normally you have tickets for specific times but they allowed us to go earlier as they seen us waiting. Me and my husband didn’t go with his family at first because we were changing our newborns diaper and the staff brought us in right away to catch up with our ‘Ohana. Prices are responsible just be sure to buy them prior to walking up to the palace. You can purchase the tickets in the building next door that looks like a smaller castle. You probably can buy tickets online but I would double check. You do need to pay for parking which is $2/hr I believe. Pictures I posted are over the years of me taking my keiki. They also have event for Hawaiian holidays, we also attend peaceful marches for Hawaiian events and we gather at the palace.

Jennifer Eady

Google

This tour was a true history lesson concerning the monarchy of Hawaii. Our docent, Cathy was great very knowledgeable and passionate. The palace is stunning. We were honored to be there on a day when we were serenaded by one of the songs written by the queen. This touch definitely made the tour even better. And the palace was decorated for the king’s birthday. Plan early if possible due to limited parking.

Mademoiselle Ksenia

Google

Beautiful place, worth visiting, but keep in mind, you have to get tickets some time before coming in because they only offer tour with the guide, you can’t walk around by yourself. You can only get to the basement for $5 by yourself and see a little part of the palace.

Max M

Google

Beautiful experience, the audio tour is very informative. You will learn so much about the beautiful kingdom of Hawaii and all of the sad parts of its history and ending as well. The palace is in beautiful condition and is totally worth the visit. The tickets were $25 for an adult.

Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace

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Highlights

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