Step into Hawaiʻi’s regal past at ʻIolani Palace, where the history of Hawaiian royalty and the story of a nation’s overthrow come to life.
We believe ʻIolani Palace belongs on every Oʻahu itinerary. This top-ranked Honolulu landmark transports you to a time when Hawaiʻi was an independent, world-recognized country.
Touring this royal residence reveals the story of its monarchs and the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, offering a glimpse into the heart of Hawaiʻi’s people and culture.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting ʻIolani Palace.
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About ʻIolani Palace
The grounds of ʻIolani Palace are sacred to Hawaiians, once home to the Hale Aliʻi (House of the Chiefs) and the royal residence of King Kamehameha III during the 1800s.
In 1874, King Kalākaua assumed the throne and, finding the original structure in disrepair, built ʻIolani Palace between 1879 to 1882. He and Queen Kapiʻolani lived there until he died in 1891.
His sister, Queen Liliʻuokalani, succeeded him but was unlawfully overthrown in 1893 by the Provisional Government of Hawaiʻi, a coalition of American and European businessmen pushing for U.S. annexation.
Queen Liliʻuokalani was imprisoned in ʻIolani Palace for nearly eight months. During this time, she composed Aloha ʻOe and advocated for Hawaiian sovereignty.
After her imprisonment, the Provisional Government, which had dismantled the monarchy, used ʻIolani Palace as its headquarters. It later became the seat of the Republic of Hawaiʻi as incorporation efforts progressed.
In 1898, after annexation, ʻIolani Palace became the Capitol for the Territory and later the State of Hawaiʻi, serving until 1969 when government offices moved to the new Hawaiʻi State Capitol.
Restored by The Friends of ʻIolani Palace, it now stands as a National Historic Landmark, preserving its royal legacy and highlighting the political changes that shaped Hawaiʻi’s history.
Photos of ʻIolani Palace
ʻIolani Palace Tours
ʻIolani Palace invites you to tour its beautifully restored rooms, reflecting the era when it was home to the Hawaiian Royal Family.
Visitors can choose from three main tour options: Self-Led Audio Tours, Docent-Led Tours and Docent-Led Specialty Tours.
Whichever experience you select, you’ll uncover fascinating stories, intriguing facts — and even secrets hidden within its walls.
Self-Led Audio Tour
Self-Led Audio Tours let you explore ʻIolani Palace at your own pace with a detailed audio guide, available in nine languages. Bring your own earbuds or use those provided by the Palace. Available only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Docent-Led Tour
Docent-Led Tours provide an engaging guided walk through ʻIolani Palace, led by knowledgeable volunteer docents. Group sizes are limited to 15 guests per entry time. Available only on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
INSIDE TIP: The Self-Led Audio Tour and Docent-Led Tour feature the 1st Floor staterooms and 2nd Floor private quarters of ʻIolani Palace, followed by a self-guided visit to the Basement Gallery Exhibits. Plan for 60 to 90-minutes for either tour.
Docent-Led Specialty Tours
Docent-Led Specialty Tours offer a deeper exploration of specific topics within ʻIolani Palace, guided by expert volunteer docents.
These intimate group tours are ideal for visitors who have already experienced the Self-Led Audio Tour or Docent-Led Tour.
Most Specialty Tours are offered on Wednesdays, with the Chamberlain’s Tour also available on Thursdays and the White Glove Tour exclusively on Thursdays.
- Fashion Fit for Royalty Tour: Review the original clothing, jewelry and other garments worn by the Royal Family.
- Chamberlain’s Tour: A day-in-the-life of the Chamberlain, uncover the vital duties involved in managing Palace operations.
- Hawaii’s Royal Connection to Japan Tour: Discover ʻIolani Palace’s role in the enduring relationship between Hawaiʻi and Japan.
- Kalākaua Legacy Tour: Explore the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Hawaiʻi’s last reigning King, David Kalākaua.
- White Glove Tour: Gain exclusive access to restricted areas of the Palace and a special opportunity to handle precious artifacts.
- Royal Legacy Tour: A behind-the-scenes look at ʻIolani Palace (by appointment only). View artifacts not on display to the public.
INSIDE TIP: If you’re interested in the historical sites of Honolulu, we also suggest these tours.
ʻIolani Palace Prices
Here’s a quick price guideline for ʻIolani Palace to help with your planning. Prices are as of December 2024 and are subject to change.
ʻIolani Place Tours:
- Self-Led Audio Tours: $26.95/$21.95/$11.95 (Adult/Teen/Youth)
- Docent-Led Tours: $32.95/$29.95/$14.95 (Adult/Teen/Youth)
- Most Docent-Led Specialty Tours: $77.95/$51.95 (Adult/Child)
- White Glove Tour: $125 (Adult)
- Royal Legacy Tour: $650 (Group up to 4 Adults)
How to Book ʻIolani Palace
More than 160,000 visitors flock to ʻIolani Palace each year, making it essential to plan ahead and secure your tour.
Tickets are available exclusively online, with no walk-up sales or same-day reservations accepted. Here’s how to book your visit.
- Visit the official ʻIolani Palace website and go to the Tours & Admission page.
- Click BOOK A TOUR to view the available tour options.
- Review the options carefully, noting their days of operation and duration.
- Select your desired tour to view more details and access the booking calendar.
- On the booking calendar, choose your preferred date and time.
- Fill out the required fields, and press Add to cart button once it turns red.
- Enter your contact and payment information, and finalize your reservation by clicking Complete and pay.
Know Before You Go
Prepare for your trip to ʻIolani Palace with these helpful visitor tips:
- Reservations: Tickets are available online only; walk-ups and same-day reservations are not permitted. The Ticket Office, in ʻIolani Barracks building next to ʻIolani Palace, opens at 8:30am.
- Check-in: All visitors arriving for a tour must check in at the ʻIolani Barracks located on the Palace grounds, before starting their tour near the rear of the Palace.
- Dress Code: Respectful attire is required at ʻIolani Palace. Shirts and footwear are mandatory; beachwear and clothing with profanity are prohibited. Disposable shoe coverings are provided.
- Children: Admission is free for children under 5. They must be in a front-held carrier, securely strapped in a Palace-provided stroller or holding an adult’s hand at all times. Personal strollers are not permitted inside the Palace.
- Personal Belongings: Large bags, backpacks, luggage and outside food or drinks are not allowed inside the Palace. Blue lockers are available in the Barracks building for backpacks and oversized bags for a nominal fee. Luggage is not allowed.
- Photography: Non-flash photography is allowed inside the Palace, but flash, videography, tripods, selfie sticks and other accessories are prohibited.
- Facilities: Restrooms are located in the ʻIolani Barracks building.
- Dining: The Palace Shop at ʻIolani Palace offers water, but no food options.
How To Get to ʻIolani Palace from Waikīkī
📍 364 South King St, Honolulu
🕒 Open: Tue-Sat 9am-4pm
ʻIolani Palace is located in Downtown Honolulu, approximately 4mi (6.2km) west of Waikīkī.
By Car
ʻIolani Place is about a 15-minute drive from Waikīkī Beach, depending on traffic.
Parking at ʻIolani Palace
Limited parking is available at ʻIolani Palace for $4 for two hours, payable at pay stations. Nearby street parking is also available, but be sure to check the signs carefully. Alternatively, the Aliʻi Place Parking Garage (1099 Alakea Street) offers parking for $3 for two hours.
By Rideshare
Uber, Lyft, and Holoholo offer convenient rideshare services from Waikīkī to ʻIolani Palace. One-way fares typically range from $20-$35, depending on traffic and demand.
By Taxi
Charley’s Taxi offers metered and discounted flat rates, please book in advance.
By Bus
To travel from Waikīkī to ʻIolani Palace by TheBus, board Route 2, 13 or E along Kūhiō Avenue (mountain side) and get off at Stop 46 “S Hotel St + Alakea St,” a 4-minute walk to the Palace. Alternatively, take Route 2L (weekdays only), 20 or 42 from Kūhiō Avenue (mountain side) and disembark at Stop 45 “S Beretania St + Punchbowl St,” a 9-minute walk to the Palace. Ensure you’re at a Kūhiō Avenue bus stop serving your chosen route, as not all bus stops accommodate every bus route. A one-way adult fare is $3, payable by cash or HOLO card.
By Waikīkī Trolley
The Waikiki Trolley Red Line Heroes & Legends Hop-on Hop-off Tour departs hourly from #1 Waikīkī Shopping Plaza (10am-3pm), reaching #10 King Kamehameha Statue about 1-hour later (walking distance to ʻIolani Palace). Early riders can disembark to explore the Palace and re-board later.
Places of Interest Near ʻIolani Palace
These attractions and eateries, located within walking distance of ʻIolani Palace, make for convenient additions to your visit:
In summary, plan your visit to ʻIolani Palace with confidence using our guide on booking tickets, getting there and making the most of your time.
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ʻIolani Palace FAQs
Absolutely, visiting ʻIolani Palace is a must when you’re in Honolulu — especially if you love exploring a place’s culture and history. As a living restoration of Hawaiʻi’s proud national identity, the Palace is breathtaking and its passionate docents share invaluable insights into the Hawaiian Royal Family, culture and society of the time.
ʻIolani Palace was built between 1879 and 1882 during the reign of King Kalākaua. It was officially completed in 1882, serving as the royal residence of the Hawaiian monarchs and symbolizing the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi’s modernization and cultural pride.
ʻIolani Palace aims to accommodate all visitors. The 1st Floor is wheelchair accessible, and there is an elevator available for accessing the 2nd Floor. However, some areas may have limitations. It is advisable to contact the Palace directly for more information.
