Where kings and queens once walked, Iolani Palace now invites visitors to step into Hawaii’s royal past. Standing as a powerful reflection of pride, resilience, and sovereignty.
Iolani Royal Palace
Built in 1882 for King Kalakaua, Iolani was impressively modern for its time. The Palace featured electricity and a complete telephone system before the White House. It housed both King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani, and today stands as a national landmark and enduring symbol of pride.
Honoluluʻs heart
Located in the middle of Downtown.
Tickets & Cost
Reservations required to tour inside.
All ages & Abilities
Can explore the outside grounds.
Various options
See inside, grounds, or as we drive.
Royal Palace
Home of Hawaiiʻs Kalakaua Dynasty.
Hawaiiʻs Royal Iolani Palace
As Iolani Palace is a meaningful cultural stop, it is the only royal Palace in the United States. It offers a unique window into Hawaii’s time as a sovereign kingdom.
You can explore the Palace through a guided tour, a self-paced audio experience, or by checking out one of the rotating exhibits. However you choose to visit, you’ll get a deeper, more personal look at the lives of Hawaii’s monarchs.
Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, there’s something here for everyone. After touring the inside, take your time walking the shaded grounds and soaking in the architecture.
Seeing the Iolani Palace
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About Iolani Palace in Honolulu
Where is the royal palace located?
Iolani Palace is located at 364 South King Street in Downtown Honolulu on the island of Oahu, directly across from the King Kamehameha Statue and next to the Hawaii State Capitol.
It sits near key cultural landmarks like the Hawaii State Art Museum, Kawaiahao Church, and the Mission Houses Museum, and is a short drive from Waikiki, Chinatown, and Honolulu Harbor. Visitors can tour the palace interior with a reservation or explore the surrounding grounds without a ticket.
Why is Honoluluʻs Iolani Palace special?
Built in 1882, Iolani Palace was impressively modern for its time. Featuring electricity, telephones, and indoor plumbing before the White House and Buckingham Palace, reflecting King Kalakaua’s embrace of innovation.
Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of Hawaiian sovereignty and cultural identity. This provides visitors with a direct connection to the islands’ royal history and the political changes that shaped modern Hawaii.
What are the Palace operating hours?
Do you need reservations for Iolani?
Are there restrictions at Iolani Palace?
At Iolani Palace, visitors must follow several rules to help preserve the historic site. These include no food or drinks inside the palace, no flash photography or video recording, and no touching of artifacts or furniture. Shoes are required to be covered with provided shoe coverings or removed before entering certain rooms to protect the floors
. Large bags may not be allowed inside, and some areas might have limited accessibility. It’s essential to follow all guidelines and instructions from palace staff to ensure a respectful and safe visit.
Similar activities & places
You can explore the shaded palace grounds, take in the historic architecture, or head inside for one of their tours. Downtown Honolulu and the island of Oahu offers something for everyone:
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More ways to see Hawaiiʻs Royal Palace
Iolani Palace is a cultural highlight of any visit to Oahu. Choose from guided or self-guided audio tours and explore exhibits that bring to life the stories of Hawaii’s monarchy. It’s an ideal stop for families, history lovers, or those seeking a deeper understanding of Hawaii’s past, especially on rainy days.
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Interested in other cultural stops on Oahu? We can combine your visit to Iolani Palace with a variety of gems around Downtown Honolulu.
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The exterior palace grounds are free to explore and open during posted hours. While admission is not included in most tours, tickets can be purchased in advance.
Visit our blog for local insights, helpful tips, and hidden gems you won’t find in most guidebooks. Plus a few great photos to help bring the royal history to life.
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