Iolani Palace

Hawaii's Royal Palace - Official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliu'okalani,
the last monarchs of Hawaii, 1881-1893. Located on South King Street between Richards Street and Punchbowl Street in downtown Honolulu, Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States. It was built by King David Kalakaua in 1883 out of coral block.

Iolani Palace is situated in the capitol district of downtown Honolulu in the State of Hawaii. It was built by King Kalakaua in 1879-1882 and it is one of the most significant historical sites in the Hawaiian Islands. Iolani Palace was thus declared a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Two monarchs governed from 'Iolani Palace, King David Kalakaua and Queen Lili'uokalani. The grounds surrounding the palace were originally the site of an ancient Hawaiian temple and former burial site for Hawaiian royalty. Evidence of the sites is still visible and considered sacred by locals. ‘Iolani means “Bird of Heaven”. 'Iolani Palace is the only true royal palace in the United States and the last official residence of the kings and queens who ruled Hawaii. King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani completed the palace in 1882. Greatly influenced by King Kalakaua's travels around the world, the palace was the first in the world to be equipped with telephones and electric lights. He commissioned the construction a new 'Iolani Palace, directly across the street from Ali'iolani Hale, to become the official palace of the Hawaiian monarchy. The building was completed in 1882 and served as the official residence of the Hawaiian monarch until the monarchy was overthrown in 1893.



Iolani Palace was opened to the public in 1978 for tours and special events. The palace grounds include: the Coronation Pavilion, 'Iolani Barracks, Royal Tomb, and a gift shop. Today, Iolani Palace is used for only the most formal of state functions and it is still a centerpiece in the hearts and minds of the Hawaiian people.