Visit Downtown Honolulu

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.

More information about

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.

Featured excursions for

Seeing the Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace can be easily combined with nearby landmarks like the Kamehameha Statue, the Hawaii State Capitol, or a walk to Aloha Tower. It also pairs well with museum visits or lunch in Pearl Harbor, ideal for a rich, full-day Downtown Honolulu tour.

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Frequent questions

About Iolani Palace in Honolulu

A visit to the Palace often becomes a highlight for travelers seeking a deeper connection to Hawaii’s true story. It’s educational, moving, and unforgettable. So we gathered some answers to frequent questions about visiting Iolani.

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.

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.

Iolani Palace is generally open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday during daytime hours, with various guided and self-guided tour options available. It’s best to check the official website for current hours, tour times, and holiday closures before planning your visit.
Reservations are highly recommended to tour the interior of Iolani, as visitor numbers are limited to preserve the historic site. Booking in advance ensures you secure a spot on guided or audio tours inside the palace. So, it’s best to reserve tickets ahead of time, especially during peak tourist seasons. However, when the Palace gates are open, visitors are welcome to walk the grounds.

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.

Want more in Downtown?

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: 

But wait, there’s more. Click the button to discover even more historic Downtown location.

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Tour featuring Iolani Palace

Related excursions & Tours

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.

Choose Route

Pick from iconic destinations like Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, or a majestic Circle Island adventure to perfect your getaway!

Plan By Time

Enjoy a half-day excursion or a full-day adventure. You can go all out with a sunrise-to-sunset tour and make the most of your day.

Tour Locations

Customize your private tour with family favorites, local cuisine, shopping, hiking, and visits to some of the islands best beaches.

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More ideas from Halia Private Tours

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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We’ve brought countless guests here, and each one leaves with a greater appreciation for the legacy and strength of the Hawaiian people. Whether it’s your first or fifth visit, the Palace never fails to impress.
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Looking to pair Iolani Palace with other Honolulu highlights? Let us create a custom itinerary that includes Downtown’s best stops, like the Bishop Museum, the Hawaii State Art Museum, or a walk through historic Chinatown.

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