The home of Hawaiʻi’s last reigning monarchs, King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani, in downtown Honolulu. Visits are by guided or self-led audio tour of the restored state rooms and private quarters.
Why we love it
It’s the clearest place to understand that Hawaiʻi was an independent kingdom, told in the rooms where it happened.
What to expect
You check in at the ticket office in the ʻIolani Barracks on the grounds, then enter the palace for a docent-led or self-led audio tour. Staff hand out shoe covers to protect the floors. Plan 60 to 90 minutes. The audio tour runs about an hour and moves through the throne room, dining room and upstairs private rooms, including the room where Queen Liliʻuokalani was held after the overthrow. Photos are fine without flash. Afterward, walk the grounds to the coronation pavilion and the banyan trees, with the State Capitol and the Kamehameha statue across the street.
Know before you go
- Book ahead
- Tickets are sold online only, with no walk-ups or same-day reservations. Book on the palace site or call (808) 522-0832.
- Dress
- Shirts and shoes are required, and you’ll wear the palace’s shoe covers. No swimwear or beach cover-ups.
- Photos
- Personal photos are allowed. No flash, video, tripods, selfie sticks or long lenses.
- Strollers
- Personal strollers aren’t allowed inside. Children under 5 go free in a front carrier, a palace stroller or holding hands.
- Parking
- Pay station on the grounds, $4 for two hours; prepay at least two hours. Aliʻi Place garage at 1099 Alakea St. is $3 per 30 minutes.
Photo: Bernard Spragg via Wikimedia Commons · CC0
