Iolani Palace
In downtown Honolulu, visitors will find the only royal place in the US, the Iolani Palace. This historic and culturally significant site served as the official home of the Hawaiian monarchy from 882-1893.
Built by King Kalakaua, it was the last home for the former monarchs of Hawaii (which included Queen Liliuokalani).
The palace has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and has undergone (and continues to undergo) several restoration efforts.
You can take a tour of the inside, but the outside is spectacular and worth a visit if you are short on time and can’t visit the interior. Today, the Iolani Palace is a museum and it is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Iolani Palace Visitor Information
Island: Oahu
Address: 364 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 am – 4 pm
Ticket Prices: Admission prices vary depending on the tour. Tickets for the self-led audio tour are as follows; Adult ($26.95), Teen 13-17 years ($21.95), Youth 5-12 years ($11.95), and Child 0-4 years (Free)
Parking: Paid parking is available on-site but spaces are limited. The current rate is $4 for 2 hours.
What to See and Do at the Iolani Palace
Guided tours
There are various guided tours available at the palace, where you’ll explore with a Palace Docent. You’ll tour the palace’s first and second floors, as well as visit the basement gallery exhibits.
Private Suites
Both King Kalākaua’s Suite and Queen Kapiʻolani’s bedroom can be visited. Each room boasts beautiful furnishings.
While in the palace, you can also visit the King’s Library and the Throne Room, in addition to other rooms.
The Palace Grounds
Highlights of the Palace Grounds include Keliʻiponi Hale, the Kanaʻina Building (Old Archives), and Hale Koa (ʻIolani Barracks). While visiting, please respect the sanctity of the area.
How to Get to Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace is situated in the heart of Honolulu, just a 5-minute walk from Capitol Modern, so it’s in a central location.
Those traveling from Waikiki can either take public transport or drive. It’s around a 15-minute drive to the palace from this area, or there are several bus services you can take (including the 2, 13, and 20).
Visiting on a Tour
Many tours (to Pearl Harbor and other places) will pass by the Iolani Palace. However, you’ll need to book a guided tour (or take a self-led audio tour) to visit the palace’s interior.
Tour options vary and depend on the time and day. You can only purchase your tickets online in advance, as same-day reservations and walk-ups aren’t allowed.
Places to Visit near the Iolani Palace
Capitol Modern
Capitol Modern is under a 5-minute walk from Iolani Palace. This free public art museum is known for its fantastic exhibitions and these change throughout the year.
Aloha Tower
Aloha Tower is around a 15-minute walk from the palace. This retired lighthouse is one of Hawaii’s most iconic landmarks and if you head to the Observation Deck, you’ll get fantastic views of the area.
Iolani Palace: On a Map
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