Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace in Honolulu is the former royal residence of the Hawaiian monarchy and is now an important historic landmark. The name comes from the Hawaiian word for hawk and the adjective for heavenly or royal, a reference to one of the names of King Kamehameha IV. The present building was completed in 1882, after the previous structure had been torn down while King David Kalākaua was abroad. The palace's history is closely tied to the end of the Hawaiian monarchy, as Queen Liliʻuokalani was imprisoned here after a failed attempt to restore the throne. The building later served as the seat of the provisional government, the republic, and then the U.S. territory, before it gave up its role as the state capitol to a new building in 1969.

Today you can tour the restored interiors, which offer a glimpse of daily court life. The Grand Hall impresses with an imposing staircase made of koa wood, while the Blue Room hosted informal receptions. In the State Dining Room hang portraits of European rulers that reached the Hawaiian court as diplomatic gifts, including works depicting Frederick William III and Napoleon III. The Throne Room, which also served as a ballroom, was the setting for important ceremonies. The walled grounds hold additional historic structures such as the Iolani Barracks and the octagonal Coronation Pavilion. On Fridays, the Royal Hawaiian Band invites you to free public concerts, making the palace a lively cultural center.