ʻIolani Palace, Hawaiʻi’s royal home in Honolulu

As published on the palace’s site and booking page, checked Sep 26, 2026. Confirm when you book.

Best for

• CouplesGreatSpecialty tours of four to six guests go beyond the ropes.
• FamiliesGoodAges 5 to 12 pay $16; tours are meant for ages 5 and up.
• FriendsGoodAudio tours enter every 15 minutes, so pick your time.
• SoloGreatThe audio guide runs at your pace, in nine languages.
• GroupsGood15 guests per entry time; 10 or more book four weeks ahead.

The site held the residence of Kamehameha III from 1845, and the name ʻIolani means “royal hawk.” King Kalākaua laid the cornerstone of the present palace on December 31, 1879, and finished it in 1882 with electric lights, indoor plumbing and a telephone. He and Queen Kapiʻolani were crowned on the grounds on February 12, 1883.

Kalākaua died in 1891 and his sister Liliʻuokalani became queen. On January 17, 1893, the Committee of Safety overthrew the monarchy with the support of the American Minister; in 1993 Congress formally apologized. After a failed attempt to restore her in 1895, the Queen was tried in her own Throne Room and held upstairs for nearly eight months.

The palace served as the capitol until 1969. The Friends of ʻIolani Palace and the state restored it, and it opened as a museum in 1978.

Check in at Hale Koa, the ʻIolani Barracks beside the palace, 30 minutes before your time, and pull on the shoe coverings the palace provides. The first floor holds the Grand Hall and its koa staircase, the Throne Room, the Blue Room and the State Dining Room. Upstairs are the private suites, the Music Room and the room where the Queen was imprisoned. Both tours end in the basement galleries.

The Docent-Led Tour is the one to book: a volunteer guide takes you from 1882 to the 1893 overthrow. It runs Wednesday and Thursday mornings plus Thursday afternoons, at $34 for adults, $31 for teens and $16 for ages 5 to 12 (kamaʻāina adults $19.95).

The Self-Led Audio Tour covers the same floors with a 60-minute guide, Tuesday through Saturday: $28 for adults, $23 for teens and $13 for ages 5 to 12 (kamaʻāina adults $11.95).

The Kalākaua Legacy Tour spends 90 minutes beyond the ropes with the Merrie Monarch’s belongings, Wednesdays at 3:45 p.m., up to six guests: $79, or $53 for ages 5 to 12.

The White Glove Tour, led by the palace historian, ends in the attic among pieces not on public display. It runs Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. for up to four guests ages 12 and up, and the attic stair is a narrow spiral.

All four tours sell online only, through the palace’s own website, iolanipalace.org.

The private Royal Legacy Tour ($680, up to four guests) books by phone.

The Palace Shop in Hale Koa sells monarchy history books and koa crafts, and every purchase supports the palace (it ships online too). Residents get in free on Kamaʻāina Sunday, the second Sunday of each month (November 8 and December 13, 2026); the first 500 with a Hawaiʻi ID get audio tours.

The palace is at King and Richards Streets, about 4 miles from Waikiki. Drive onto the grounds from Likelike Mall, off King Street; the pay station charges $4 for two hours, and stalls are limited. The Aliʻi Place garage at 1099 Alakea Street is $3 for two hours. See whether you need a car on Oahu.

The Royal Hawaiian Band plays free on the grounds most Fridays at noon. An afternoon audio tour fits after a morning at Pearl Harbor, and the palace anchors Day 1 of our 3-day Oahu itinerary. Short on time? See one day in Oahu, and pick up local snacks for the ride back.

• Want a docent? Book a Wednesday or Thursday morning.
• Book specialty tours early. On Sep 26, 2026, Kalākaua Legacy dates from Nov 11 to Dec 2 were full.
• Dress for a sacred place. Shirts and shoes on; no swimwear or beach cover-ups.
• Travel light. Backpacks, large bags and food stay outside.
• Leave the selfie stick. Photos are welcome, but not flash, video or selfie sticks.
• Need to cancel? Email palacetickets@iolanipalace.org three business days ahead for a full refund.