Heading to Oahu and want to learn more about Hawaiian history while visiting the only royal palace in the United States? Scroll to get all the tips in this ultimate guide to Iolani Palace in Honolulu Hawaii.
This guide to Iolani Palace in Honolulu Hawaii was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Here’s something most people don’t know: Hawaii has the only royal palace on U.S. soil.
And it’s not tucked away on some remote island. It’s right in downtown Honolulu.
I’ll be honest, I was nervous bringing my then-5-year-old to Iolani Palace.
There’s a warning about disruptive kids potentially being asked to leave, and I kept imagining my son touching something he shouldn’t or getting bored and antsy.
But you know what? He was absolutely captivated.
Seeing royal crowns and thrones without having to fly to Europe made him feel like he was stepping into a real-life storybook.
If you have extra time on Oahu or need a break from the sun (or rain), Iolani Palace is one of those unique attractions that gives you something you can’t experience anywhere else in America.
Why Iolani Palace Matters
Most mainland schools skip right over Hawaiian history, so a lot of visitors don’t realize that the United States overthrew Hawaii’s monarchy in 1893.
Queen Liliuokalani was actually imprisoned in her own palace for eight months.
When you walk through these rooms where Hawaiian kings and queens once lived, hosted dignitaries from around the world, and eventually lost their sovereignty, it puts everything in perspective.
This isn’t just a pretty building. It’s a piece of American history that doesn’t get talked about enough.
Fun fact: Iolani Palace had electricity before the White House. King Kalakaua was fascinated by innovation and made sure his palace had the latest technology, including telephones in several rooms.
Planning Your Visit to Iolani Palace
Book Your Tour in Advance
You can’t just show up anymore. The palace stopped accepting walk-ins, so you’ll need to reserve your spot ahead of time through their website.
They offer two main tour options:
Self-Guided Audio Tour (available in 9 languages)
- Adults (18+): $28
- Teens (13-17): $23
- Kids (5-12): $13
- Under 5: Free
Docent-Led Tour (my recommendation)
- Adults (18+): $34
- Teens (13-17): $31
- Kids (5-12): $16
- Under 5: Free
The audio tour is fine, but after doing both, I always tell people to spend the extra few dollars for the docent-led tour.
Having someone who can answer your questions and share stories that aren’t on the recording makes such a difference.
Our guide told us about King Kalakaua’s legendary parties and how he’d dance with every single woman in attendance. You don’t get those details from an audio recording.
Book your Iolani Palace tour directly through their website or look for combination tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
If you’re planning your whole Oahu itinerary and feeling overwhelmed, I can help you figure out where Iolani Palace fits with everything else you want to do.
Book a Hawaii travel consultation with me and we’ll map out your perfect trip.
When to Visit
The palace is closed Sundays, Mondays, and holidays. Tours run:
Docent-Led Tours:
- Wednesdays: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Thursdays: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Self-Guided Audio Tours:
- Tuesdays: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Thursdays: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Fridays: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Plan for about 90 minutes total. That gives you time for the tour plus checking out the basement exhibits and gift shop.
The Parking Situation (It’s Not Great)
Let me be straight with you – parking around Iolani Palace is rough. Most street parking is either one-hour max or has no parking signs, and you need at least two hours for your visit.
There’s limited metered parking on the palace grounds, but it fills up fast. If you do snag a meter, you’ll need quarters.
My advice? Leave 15 minutes early from wherever you’re coming from to give yourself time to find parking. Or look for a parking garage nearby and walk.
It’s worth it to not stress about getting a ticket while you’re trying to enjoy your tour.
Need a rental car for your Oahu trip? I always recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental – they compare rates from all the major companies so you get the best deal.
What to Wear
This isn’t the beach. Iolani Palace is a sacred place where Hawaiian royalty lived, so dress respectfully.
No swimsuits or beach cover-ups. No profanity on your clothing. You need to wear shirts and proper shoes or sandals.
What we do: We wear our luau outfits to the palace tour. It shows respect for Hawaiian culture and honestly just makes the whole experience feel more special.
Plus, if you’re doing the palace earlier in your trip, it’s a good test run for your luau outfit.
What You Can’t Bring
Large bags and backpacks aren’t allowed inside. They have lockers available right by the check-in area if you need to store something.
Use them instead of leaving valuables in your car. We’ve heard too many stories about car break-ins in Honolulu.
What to Expect on Your Iolani Palace Tour
Check-In at the Barracks
Head to the building on the left side of the palace. That’s where you’ll check in for your tour. They’ll give you shoe coverings (yes, even kids get tiny booties) to protect the palace floors.
The staff will give you a quick briefing about being respectful inside and what not to touch. Basically: hands off everything except the stair railings.
The Main Level
Our tour started at the bottom of the grand staircase, and wow. The woodwork alone is worth the admission price. King Kalakaua brought in the best craftsmen and spared no expense.
The dining room still has the king’s throne chair at the head of the table.
Can you imagine hosting dinner parties in that room? Our guide told us about the elaborate menus – multiple courses, foods from around the world.
King Kalakaua loved showing off Hawaii’s sophistication to visiting dignitaries.
You’ll see portraits of monarchs and world leaders who sent their pictures as gifts to the king. It really shows how connected Hawaii was to the rest of the world, which is something a lot of people don’t realize.
Upstairs – The Royal Living Quarters
Those staircases are even more beautiful when you’re actually walking up them. The koa wood is stunning.
Upstairs is where things get really interesting. The throne room and ballroom showcase the royal regalia – crowns, swords, and the most gorgeous ball gowns you’ve ever seen.
My favorite was this peacock-feathered dress that must have caused a stir at every party.
The guide shared stories about royal balls where King Kalakaua would dance with every woman in attendance. Can you imagine how long those parties must have lasted?
The bedrooms are massive. Like, the king and queen’s beds look tiny in these enormous rooms.
And seeing the actual quilt that Queen Liliuokalani made during her eight months of imprisonment in the palace… that hit differently.
She spent her time under house arrest creating something beautiful, which feels very Hawaiian in spirit.
The Basement Exhibits
After the guided portion, you’re free to explore the basement galleries at your own pace. This is where they have the kitchen displays showing how palace staff prepared those elaborate royal meals.
There are also more artifacts and historical exhibits down here. Take your time – there’s a lot to take in, and this is your chance to really study things without holding up a tour group.
Don’t Skip the Gift Shop
As a professional tourist who’s been to Hawaii 40+ times, I can tell you this gift shop is special. It’s not your typical touristy stuff.
They have an excellent collection of books about Hawaiian history, the monarchy, and Hawaiian culture. If you’re into music, they have CDs and even Queen Liliuokalani’s songbook.
And there’s a penny press machine in the courtyard if your kids collect those. Mine does, so we never miss an opportunity.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
You’ll appreciate Iolani Palace so much more if you understand the backstory before you go.
For Adults: Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen
This book changed how I understood Hawaii’s history. Queen Liliuokalani wrote it herself, explaining exactly what happened during the overthrow of the Hawaiian government. It’s the history lesson they didn’t teach you in school.
Check prices for Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen on Amazon
For Kids: The Last Princess
If you’re bringing kids, grab a copy of “The Last Princess” about Princess Kaiulani.
It’s a picture book that explains what happened to Hawaii’s monarchy in a way kids can understand, and it shows what life was like growing up in the palace.
My son loved it, and it gave him context for what he was seeing on our tour.
Find The Last Princess on Amazon
Listen to “Aloha Oe”
Even if you just listen to it in your rental car on the way to the palace, take a few minutes to hear “Aloha Oe.”
Yes, it’s from Lilo & Stitch, but Queen Liliuokalani actually wrote it. Understanding that she composed this beautiful song makes walking through her imprisonment room even more powerful.
Tips for Visiting with Kids
I was worried about bringing a 5-year-old, but it ended up being one of his favorite parts of our Oahu trip. Here’s what made it work:
Before you go:
- Read them a kid-friendly book about Hawaiian royalty
- Tell them they’ll see REAL crowns and thrones (this got my son so excited)
- Remind them this is a look-with-your-eyes place
During the tour:
- Let them ask questions – the docents are usually great with kids
- Point out things they can relate to (the peacock dress, the enormous bedrooms, the telephones)
- The shoe booties are always a hit with little kids
After the tour:
- Promise pool time (bribery works, friends)
- Let them run around on the lawn outside
- Stop for shave ice on the way back to your hotel
The “no touching” rule is the big one. If your kid is in a phase where they grab everything, maybe save this for a future trip. But most kids 5 and up can handle it, especially if you prep them ahead of time.
Other Places to Learn About Hawaiian History
Bishop Museum
If you love Iolani Palace, you’ll want to visit the Bishop Museum next.
It’s one of my favorite museums in all of Hawaii, with extensive Hawaiian artifacts, cultural exhibits, and usually some really cool rotating exhibits.
When we went, they had a contemporary street art exhibit and another one all about Polynesian tattoos. The museum does an amazing job making Hawaiian history accessible and interesting.
Queen Emma Summer Palace
This was Queen Emma’s summer home from 1857 to 1885. It’s smaller and more intimate than Iolani Palace, giving you a different perspective on royal life in Hawaii. They offer both self-guided and docent-led tours.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Okay, I’m going to be honest here. The Polynesian Cultural Center has some corny moments.
But they do offer hands-on activities like throwing a fishing net and learning hula that kids really enjoy. Just know it covers multiple Polynesian cultures, not just Hawaiian.
If you’re trying to fit all these cultural experiences into your Oahu itinerary, grab my Oahu Travel Guide for Families.
It maps out how to balance history and culture with beaches and fun, so you’re not overwhelming your kids (or yourself).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who lived in Iolani Palace?
King David Kalakaua built the palace and lived there with his wife Queen Kapiolani and his sister (who later became Queen Liliuokalani).
After King Kalakaua died, Queen Liliuokalani ruled until the American-led overthrow in 1893. She was then imprisoned in the palace for eight months.
What does “Iolani” mean?
Iolani means “Royal Hawk” in Hawaiian. King Kalakaua named the palace after King Kamehameha IV, whose full name included Iolani.
Does Hawaii still have a royal family?
Sort of. There are descendants of the monarchy alive today, and some people refer to them as princes or princesses out of respect.
Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawananakoa is considered Hawaii’s last living princess. But since Hawaii is part of the United States, there’s no official monarchy.
How long does the tour take?
Plan for about 90 minutes total. The actual tour is around an hour, then you’ll want time for the basement exhibits and gift shop.
Is it worth it to upgrade to the docent-led tour?
Yes. As a Hawaii travel expert who’s done both, I always recommend the docent-led tour. Being able to ask questions and hear stories that aren’t on the recording makes it so much more engaging.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes, photos are allowed for personal use. No flash photography, tripods, or selfie sticks though.
Is Iolani Palace Worth Visiting?
If you have an extra morning or afternoon on Oahu, absolutely. If you’re working with a tight schedule, you might prioritize other things.
But Iolani Palace offers something you literally cannot experience anywhere else in the United States… the chance to walk through an actual royal palace and learn about a piece of American history that doesn’t get enough attention.
It’s also a perfect rainy day activity or a nice break from the sun if you’re getting overheated. The palace is completely indoors and air-conditioned.
For me, as someone who’s been dancing hula for 20+ years and visiting Hawaii since I was a kid, understanding Hawaiian history and showing respect for Hawaiian culture is part of being a responsible visitor.
Iolani Palace gives you that deeper connection to the islands in a way that lounging on the beach just can’t.
Want more help planning your Oahu trip? I’ve got you covered:
- Download my free 7-day email course for planning a trip to Oahu
- Listen to Oahu episodes on my podcast Hawaii Travel Made Easy
- Book a one-on-one consultation and I’ll help you build your perfect itinerary
Looking for other Oahu attractions? Check out Dole Plantation, Kualoa Ranch, the best Oahu luaus, and my guide to things to do in Waikiki with kids.
Ready to explore downtown Honolulu? Browse hotels on Expedia or check out tours that include Iolani Palace on Viator.
And if you want to capture professional photos of your family at the palace (those staircases!), Flytographer can set you up with a local photographer. Save $20 when you use my link.
