Highlights of Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace is the palace of the Hawaiian Kingdom. It is said to be the only palace in the United States. The building seen today was constructed in 7 by King Kalākaua, the 1882th king of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
The Hawaiian Kingdom fell in 1893 following a coup. Hawaii then passed through periods of provisional government and republican rule before becoming a US territory and later a state. During this time, Iolani Palace served as the seat of the legislature. It underwent extensive restoration in 1978 and has since been open to the public as a museum.
The Hawaiian Kingdom also had a history of relations with Japan’s Imperial Family, and visitors can see objects including vases and tea utensils donated by Emperor Meiji.
The Palace Exterior and the History of the Hawaiian Kingdom
This is the palace of the Hawaiian Kingdom. It also once served as Hawaii’s state capitol. The Hawaii state flag flies here.
The palace built by King Kalākaua continued to serve as a center of politics even after the kingdom came to an end. Today, its rooms and artifacts from the royal era offer a window into Hawaiʻi’s modern history.
Central Hall and Grand Staircase
The Grand Staircase stands in the center of the hall.
The central atrium and grand wooden staircase are symbolic spaces inside the palace. As the starting point for the rooms, they offer an immediate sense of the dignity of the architecture and furnishings.
Vessels and tea utensils donated by Emperor Meiji
The hall displays Imari porcelain vessels donated by Emperor Meiji.
King Kalākaua, the 7th monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, embarked on a journey around the world in 1881. King Kalākaua is considered the first monarch to travel around the world. In Japan, he also had an audience with Emperor Meiji. The vase is said to have been sent by Emperor Meiji after King Kalākaua returned home.
Also on display is a tea set bearing the Imperial Chrysanthemum Crest, another gift from Emperor Meiji.
The items presented by Japan offer tangible evidence of King Kalākaua’s journey around the world and the relationship between the Hawaiian Kingdom and Japan. Looking beyond their decoration to the background of these gifts adds depth to the visit.
The Royal Motto and Furnishings
"Kulia i ka nu'u" means “Strive to reach the summit” in Hawaiian. It is said to have been the motto of Queen Kapiʻolani, the wife of King Kalākaua.
The many furnishings are elegant without being overly ornate, conveying a sense of dignity. They are also a highlight for antique enthusiasts.
Royal inscriptions and the interior decor reflect the values of those who lived in the palace, as well as the international connections of the era. In each room, take time to compare even the finer details of the furniture and objects.
Essential Information about Iolani Palace
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- Check the palace’s opening hours, closure days and important visitor information.
Hours – Iolani Palacewww.iolanipalace.org
You can also find information about Hawaii State Parks, which manages the palace grounds.
ʻIolani Palace State MonumentHours Tue-Sat – 6:00am – 6:00pm Sun. & Mon. – CLOSED Kamaʻāina Sundays OPEN to residents (once-a-month) Entrance Fe...dlnr.hawaii.gov - 📍 Location
- 364 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
- 🕒 Opening hours
- Tours inside the palace are offered Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 to 16:00. Self-guided audio tours are available on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; Wednesdays offer guided tours and a tour covering relations with Japan; and Thursdays offer a guided tour, the White Glove Tour and an audio tour.
- 🚫 Closed days
- The palace is closed on Sundays and Mondays. In 2026, it is also scheduled to close on 11 month 26 day, 11 month 30 day and 12 month 25 day.⚠️ Hours may change due to holidays and special events, so check the latest information on the official website before visiting.
- 💶 Admission
- Entry to the grounds is free, while tours inside the palace require payment. Ticket prices and purchasing methods are explained in detail in the “ʻIolani Palace Tickets” section.
- ⚠️ Current access
- The elevator and wheelchair lift are temporarily unavailable due to renovations. If you need a step-free route, check with the official website before booking.
- ⏱️ Recommended time
- According to the official information, the recording for the self-guided audio tour lasts approximately 60 minutes.⚠️ Allow extra time if you include check-in, preparation before entry, the palace visit and a stop at the shop.
Iolani Palace Tickets
The palace interior can be visited on a guided tour or a self-guided audio tour. The recording for the self-guided audio tour lasts approximately 60 minutes. Tour content varies by day and time, and reservations are made online. According to the official information, same-day reservations are not accepted, so once you have chosen a date, check availability and book your tour.
The standard rates for the self-guided audio tour for general visitors are as follows. Online reservations are required, and same-day reservations are not accepted.
- Ages 18 and over: 28 dollars
- Ages 13–17: 23 dollars
- Ages 5–12: 13 dollars
- Ages 4 and under: Free
If you are interested in the exchanges with Japan introduced in this article, you can also choose the Japanese-language special tour “Hawaiʻi’s Royal Connection to Japan,” held on Wednesdays. The tour lasts 45 minutes, has a capacity of 6 people, and the fees listed in the official Japanese information are 79 dollars for adults and 53 dollars for ages 5–12. Reservations are required.
⚠️ Regular tours are open to visitors aged 5 and older. Large bags, backpacks, luggage, food, and drinks are not permitted inside.
Getting to ʻIolani Palace
Iolani Palace is located in downtown Honolulu. From Waikiki, the Waikiki Trolley’s Red Line or the public bus (TheBus) are convenient options.
Ala Moana Center is also within walking distance. Walk west for about 33 minutes and you will reach ʻIolani Palace. On the opposite side of the road stands the statue of King Kamehameha I, with the courthouse called Aliʻiōlani Hale behind it.
Once the entire Skyline line is open, Kuloloia Station is expected to be the nearest station.
Driving and Accessibility
The vehicle entrance is between the palace and the Hawaii State Library, accessed from King Street via Likelike Mall. Parking spaces on the grounds and along the surrounding streets are limited, so allow plenty of time.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Oahu: A guide to attractions, food, transportation, and a sample itinerary”.
