Iolani Palace image

Iolani Palace

Tourist attraction Museum Historical landmark History museum Historical place museum

One of the Most Reviewed Museums in Honolulu


Address

364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813

Website

www.iolanipalace.org

Contact

(808) 522-0822

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (4.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tour (62) palace (45) history (43) beautiful (25) Hawaii (23) Hawaiian (22) room (21) audio (20) visit (19) time (15)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Brian K. 1 year ago on Google
    We did the self-guided tour which was fine. Bring your wired ear buds if you don't want to have the listening unit against your head for an hour. Definitely worth the price - especially if you like history. Very humbling and disturbing how Hawaii became part of the US. This was definitely not covered in my high school and college US history courses (as it should have been IMO). Tour was $25 per adult and took about one hour. The team that did the restoration did an amazing job.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amy De L. 2 years ago on Google
    This was a great guided tour into the palace. We got to not only see artifacts from the time of Hawaii's monarchy, but we also had a great narration of its historical events. We absolutely loved seeing each and every room in the palace as the guide explained specific details. There was ample parking right outside, (take coins for the metered parking).
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ralph C. 6 months ago on Google • 481 reviews
    The Docent tours are a great hidden Oahu treasure. Well worth the minimal extra cost. Excellent recount of Hawaiian history, culture & people. The palace is loaded with artwork, collectibles & architecture. Don't forget to tour the rooms in the basement & kitchen.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Deborah B. 3 months ago on Google • 106 reviews New
    This is a beautiful palace and museum. We had a great time on the tour. You must take a tour to visit the museum. It was very informative and well worth the price of admission. The palace is beautiful and well kept. You are required to wear little shoe covers to enter the museum, which are provided. Excellent information provided on the tour.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ameena S. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is absolutely amazing! If you are ever in Hawaii please visit this. It’s stunning and has a rich but sad history. The staff is absolutely amazing. It’s very well organized. The audio tour gives a lot of information. We payed for an earlier time but Doreen helped us move the time and was very gracious! Thank you for such a pleasant visit!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 William C. 2 months ago on Google • 283 reviews New
    A must-see in Honolulu. The palace is beautiful and very well-maintained, and the history is fascinating and heartbreaking. Lots of amazing artifacts and art pieces. The self-guided audio tour is informative and well done. Staff are warm and friendly.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Doug D. 1 month ago on Google • 362 reviews New
    I'd put this near the top of the list of Honolulu things to see. We did the audio tour and bought tickets a few days ahead of time. Id highly suggest buying tickets early. The Audio tour is super interesting covering the history of Hawaii from the unification of the islands. The staff is super helpful and friendly. The Palace is really something to see. Everything is beautiful and it's like stepping into the past.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kenneth C. 5 months ago on Google • 106 reviews
    What a beautiful and amazing visit. Learning about the history of Hawaii was educational and eye opening. The Palace is beautifully restored. The staff were all courteous and friendly. The audio tour was perfectly timed as you walk from room to room and understood the history.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kim 2 years ago on Google
    It was a nice experience getting to know more about Hawaiian royal family and see the place they lived in. The palace was very nice, there were a lot of stuff from the kings and queens that were displayed. The staff was nice and friendly, they would give you some requirements like no drinks or food in side, we all had to wear shoe covered they provided to protect the floor, and we each got the device that would play some audio for us to listen to in each room, so we could go in our own pace and could repeat anything we want. To visit all the rooms and the basement it took us about 2 hours.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexander C. 2 years ago on Google
    The only royal palace in the US. The tour guide is very comprehensive. We can know the history of the loyal family of Hawaii with some very interesting stories. The palace is well decorated with designs of UK style with modern electricity supplies. The tour takes about 90 min.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Adil 2 years ago on Google
    What a gem of a place! In covid, you have to make reservations in advance, but the history behind the place is very interesting. The staff were nice and friendly. We did the audio tour which was fun. I can see how some people could get bored here but if your hear on vacation and what to do something other than the touristy things, then I would recommend here. It's just a little short of a visit to justify the price hence the 4 stars.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karen J. 7 months ago on Google
    We arrived in time to go on a self guided tour but they do suggest reservations as there’s no quarantine that there will be availability for walk in. You are given a preloaded audio guide mechanism to hold which gives you the history of each room in the palace. It’s beautiful inside and worth taking the tour. Young children might get bored as it can be over an hour and you can also visit the museum in the basement too. Check out the website before planing a tour as they are only open certain days and times and so have certain requirements and restrictions.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mr. F. 2 years ago on Google
    A unique stop in Honolulu. Beautiful grounds. The tour is a bit pricey at $25/head. It is self guided. You are given a phone-like device that you can use to hear info at each station along the route through the palace. I didn’t realize Hawaii had such a complex history with western and eastern influence going back hundreds of years.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jackie W. 5 months ago on Google • 82 reviews
    Very nice tour. We didn’t have reservations but we got in with in 15 minutes of arrival. If you have a larger party you might want to make reservations. Take time to watch the video to prepare yourself for what you will be seeing. Not a place for little ones they will become bored. Intense history of how the monarchy developed. If you into history and fun filled facts you will enjoy this.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kim R. 1 month ago on Google • 57 reviews New
    The tour gives you an understanding of some of the royal Hawaiian history. The palace itself has some beautiful features. Be sure to go into basement and look at the exhibits down there.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 gina c. 5 months ago on Google • 21 reviews
    Standing in a place where the kings and queens of Hawaii once did was amazing. It was like stepping back in time but also being in the present. For anyone wanting to know the real history of the monarchs of the island and their love for their people, it’s a must see. The self guided tour is best. You can take your time and each room is numbered so you can’t get lost. Always past the palace up but decided to actually go in this time and I’m really glad that I did.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashleigh K. 1 year ago on Google
    This was a beautiful place to visit, full of history and culture which I loved learning about on the audio tour. Lots of rooms to visit and learn about the different family members that lived in the Palace. Highly recommend booking a tour in advance, and arriving early to familiarise yourself with where to go as it can be confusing as a tourist. Incredible to see how much of the furniture and rooms have been refurbished and restored in certain places to create a wonderful museum/monument to part of Hawaii's history.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Pablo L. 1 year ago on Google
    This palace is a must if you are in Honolulu and looking to learn about the local history. The items are superbly restored and the audio tour gives you a good overview to understand what you are seeing. Even my kids enjoyed learning about the Hawaiian kings and queens. I only wished to have a bit more of natural light to appreciate the place. But it was a really nice visit
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Eric J. 2 years ago on Google
    Make sure to make a reservation prior to the day you want to go. When you leave go over to the mission house and do the guided tour. There is so much connection and context there!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tứ Xuyên N. 4 months ago on Google
    Iolani Place in Hawaii is a 4/5 star destination worth a visit. The building is charming but small, ideal for an external tour. The surrounding park offers a refreshing experience with some impressive old trees. Overall, it’s a nice spot to explore during your visit to Hawaii.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wendy A. 1 month ago on Google • 157 reviews New
    I would encourage anyone visiting the island to make this part of their trip! Kind tour guides, rich history and OUTSTANDING restoration work are a few of the things that makes this experience special. While you’re waiting for your tour, you can also look at the amazing banyan trees that surround the palace…You won’t regret going

  • 5/5 sam b. 7 months ago on Google • 146 reviews
    I'm family purchased one ticket for adult and $10 increments for the rest of the family. We did the audio walk through on the old school cellphone. Great Hawaiian history behind this palace. Please do not forget to go to the basement. There's more history to learn down there too.

  • 5/5 Sarah G. 1 month ago on Google • 40 reviews New
    I took my husband here for the audio tour as a first day adventure on our trip. It gives a great appreciation for Hawaiian history and culture. Beautifully preserved palace. Parking can be a bit tricky so leave yourself extra time! Buy tickets in advance
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jinseung K. 3 months ago on Google • 106 reviews New
    Iolani Palace is the only palace in the United States, and it is located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is a beautiful building that was built in the 1880s for the Hawaiian monarchy. The palace is a reminder of Hawaii's rich history, and it is a must-see for any visitor to the islands. The palace was the home of the Hawaiian royal family from 1882 to 1893. It was also the site of the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. This event was a tragic turning point in Hawaiian history, and it is one of the reasons why Iolani Palace is such a sad place. The palace is open to the public for tours. The tours last about an hour, and they provide a comprehensive overview of the palace's history. The tours are available in a variety of languages, including Korean. If you are visiting Hawaii, I highly recommend taking a tour of Iolani Palace. It is a beautiful and informative place that will give you a deeper understanding of Hawaii's history.

  • 5/5 Amber W. 1 month ago on Google • 15 reviews New
    Such a wonderful way to learn more about the history of Hawaii. The palace itself is amazing. We also loved the knowledgeable guides that were on each floor to answer questions. On Fridays you can see the Royal Band play on the back lawn at noon.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Josh R. 10 months ago on Google
    This is a beautiful landmark that is well preserved, but the organization surrounding parking is subpar to say the least. While the ticket says there is parking on site and encourages you to park onsite, there is VERY limited parking for the public but a LOT of parking for "those with permits," leaving most people looking for parking in a busy part of downtown. Additionally, we did the self-guided audio tour and the device didn't work for a fair bit of the tour. It crackled in and out and that seemed to be the case for everyone. Still, the staff were unbelievably kind, helping us reorganize our original entry when a delayed flight set us back. Overall, this was an informative and historical site that really captures the history of the Kingdom and I'd encourage you to go, but for the overseeing organization to reconsider how they handle parking and maintain their audio guide devices. Staff & Security: 5/5 Cost of Entry: 4/5 Exhibits: 4/5 Tour Device: 1/5 Parking: 1/5
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Aiyana H. 2 years ago on Google
    We visited this establishment on Thursday, our fourth day in Oahu. I booked the 45-60 minute docent led tour in advance online. We decided to park in the Alii Place parking garage which is about a 4-5 minute walk from Iolani Palace. It was a bit difficult to find the ticket office and had to ask an employee where to go. More signs are needed to find the ticket office. We found the ticket office shortly before our 9 am tour began. You are required to have your temperature taken prior to entering the ticket office. The tours for the day were sold out so I do recommend you book in advance. After we checked in with our ID and mobile tickets, were instructed to go into a room and watch a 15 minute video about Hawaii and the Iolani Palace. There were socially distanced seats in the room and the video was short but informative. There is also a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs. Afterwards we went to the back of the palace where there were docents dressed in beautiful Hawaiian dresses and aloha shirts. We were given shoe covers before entering. We were socially distanced and seated outside until our tour began. Our docent was a very nice knowledgeable lady who seemed very passionate about the rich history of Iolani Palace. She began the tour outside informing us of essential facts about the original Iolani Palace to the move of the royal Hawaiians to the current palace. Upon entry into the palace we were taken into the Grand Hall where the portraits of the great Native Hawaiian royals were. There were social distance markers on the floor for patrons to safely stand apart and listen to the tour. We were then taken into the Blue Room with beautiful blue furniture and a chandelier with historical significance. We moved along into the State dining room which is where King Kalakaua would host dignified guests multi course meals to get acquainted with them. The docent also informed us that the King was innovative and had electricity installed in the palace before the White House and Buckingham Palace. Also they had indoor plumbing and dumbwaiters to bring the food up from the kitchen downstairs for guests. Our next stop was the throne room where King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani would host dignified guests. This room also contained some of the Queen’s beautiful gowns and coronation outfit which were gorgeous. This room also contained their prestigious crowns encased for preservation. Also Queen Liliuokalani’s presence is felt and seen in the Blue room with her portrait and the throne room with her beautiful gowns. Afterwards we proceeded to go up the beautiful elegant stair case to the King’s bedroom. The docent informed us that many of the home’s pieces were auctioned off and they still have not been able to recover significant items such as the King’s bed. King Kalakaua had many exotic items in his bedroom from his various travels abroad. We proceeded into the King’s Library where the docent showed his installed telephone in this room. This was another innovation of the time period. We also were shown the second floor Lanai where the King and Queen would sit for short breaks. We also were taken to the imprisonment room where Queen Liliuokalani was held captive for treason. She was only allowed to be in this guarded room along with a small tower area. There is a beautiful quilt in this room she made with her lady in waiting who would visit her. We then proceeded into Queen Kapiolani’s bedroom which contained a replica of one her beautiful gowns. After the tour we went downstairs and were able to view significant artifacts such as the butterfly pendant Queen Liliuokalani got from England when she visited with her sister. We also saw the huge kitchen where the meals were cooked and sent up the dumbwaiter. Overall the tour was nice. I wish they would either allow flash photography or brighten the rooms up with more light. I would recommend all tourists and locals visit the Iolani Palace to relish in the Hawaiian royal culture of the past and witness firsthand the illegal occupation the US still commits to this day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard E. 2 years ago on Google
    Thoroughly enjoyed touring this beautiful palace. Its such a privilege to roam the corridors of this truly astonishing piece of history. As an architecture enthusiast, I appreciate the attention to detail used when constructing this work of art and all the effort put in to keep it as original as possible. You have to come check it out!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chandreyee M. 3 months ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    Did a docent led tour on a rainy morning, and it was super informative and a great introduction to the royal past of Hawaii. The palace itself is beautiful and restored with love. A lot of technological facets are impressive, too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Barry S. 3 months ago on Google New
    We finally got to see this beautifully maintained landmark, and an insight into the Hawaiian Ali'i... The Royal family. Highly recommend pre booking self guided audio tour, very informative and you can go at your own pace and savor it Both the architecture and the furnishings are wonderful... And brought to life as you learn the story behind it all. Well worth the time.

  • 5/5 Sade R. 2 years ago on Google
    Take a marvelous trip into Hawaii's rich history. If you can, talk to the staff and get to know the information more intimately. They are extremely knowledgeable and willing to share way more about Hawaiian history!

  • 5/5 S H. 2 years ago on Google
    Great experience. It was nice to visit Hawaii and not just be on resorts but actually see some culture. The palace is beautiful and provides tons of information on its history. I came while on a day trip to O'ahu. I did not make a reservation but was able to get a ticket for an audio tour right away. However, the was a sign up saying tickets to the palace were sold out. So I would reccomend asking the ticket office anyway and seeing if they have a cancelation. I imagine this is easier if you're in a small party. I purchased a single ticket. The walking tour lasted about an hour. Its very detailed and many of my questions were answered at the end. The palace is beautiful. I highly recommend this tour.

  • 5/5 Kieanna-Ashlie R. 2 years ago on Google
    I was born and raised in Hawai’i (Oahu) but it always gives me chills whenever I visit the palace. Brings me happiness and sadness but I think the tours they do to educate those who want to learn about the truth and what happen to the Hawaiian people is great. My tour guide Kathy was very knowledgeable about the palace and she answered all of our questions. I highly recommend the docent led tours!

  • 5/5 Swati C. 1 year ago on Google
    Unique experience with an opportunity to learn some of Hawaii's history. Parking was pay and park with parking meters with a sign indicating "Quarters Only". However, our card worked after a few tries. We chose the self guided audio tours and it was pretty informative. We did not get tickets in advance and were informed the next tour was 45 minutes later, we bought the tickets and waited in the courtyard under some large trees. There was also a video to watch before the tour which explained some of the historic events and the family line. We were all asked to wear shoe covers for the duration of the tour, and asked not to touch anything for preservation reasons of course. We went from room to room such as the Throne Room, the bedrooms and listened to the information corresponding with the room on our little individual audio machines. We could take as many pictures as we wanted to. The tour ended with a visit to the basement which had more artifacts and even some jewelry.

  • 5/5 Kelli O. 1 year ago on Google
    I feel as if everyone that visits the Hawaiian Islands should come here. This is such a beautiful place yet so sad when you learn about the events that transpired there. Every Friday from 12-1pm the Royal Hawaiian Band plays on the palace grounds so that is wonderful-emersive experience. Definitely do not miss!

  • 4/5 Pras M. 1 year ago on Google
    Educational museum to learn about the royal family in Hawaii. Worth the tour, although perhaps visit the Bishop museum before coming here to give you a better understanding. the palace is well preserved and the audio tour is very good.

  • 5/5 Michele Anayas P. 4 months ago on Google
    Very informative. I think every tourist should visit this palace to learn about Hawaiian history. I'm so glad my husband and I went. There's a band that plays the King and the Queen's compositions outside the palace for an hour.

  • 5/5 K. S. 10 months ago on Google
    Absolute must do for locals and visitors. I visited Iolani Palace when I was a kid for a field trip, but there are so many more items to see now. You need spend the extra cash to do the tour with the guide. Our guide was amazing. She provided so much information, stories, and answered any questions. The palace has a/c and an elevator. This was such an awesome experience an I learned more about Hawaii's history. My kids (10 and 8) enjoyed the experience as well. They were excited to see all the items in the Palace. Also stop by the gift shop in the basement. Loved the whole experience!

  • 5/5 Cirrus S. 3 months ago on Google New
    A beautiful historic building worth seeing even if you don't like museums. The entire area is very nicely arranged, clean, offers many sights and is suitable for a stroll. The architecture of this building is really special and if I had time, I would definitely go and look inside.

  • 5/5 Melissa W. 1 year ago on Google
    Ideally every visitor to the beautiful Hawaiian islands should start here. Come to this sacred site and learn the history of where you are, the people, and their heartbreaking history. While you are on your holiday, please don't forget, Hawaii isn't a playground, but a sacred place, people, and culture that needs all our help to survive. Don't trash it or be trashy while here.

  • 5/5 Leah J. 1 year ago on Google
    If you are visiting Hawaii most definitely plan a stop here and take a little time to learn about the Hawaiian monarchy and how the U.S. took it over. I think most people have no idea about Hawaiian history and this was a great way to learn. The guide was friendly and informative and the palace is absolutely gorgeous.

  • 5/5 Paul B. 5 months ago on Google
    Very interesting and informative tour with Dan, of the Hawaiian Royal Palace. Once inside you could easily think you are in a British Victorian stately home. I got to learn about Hawaii’s monarchy and their close relationship with Britain and the British royal family. Dan also talked about the Bayonet constitution and the illegal overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani, that paved the way for the annexation of a sovereign nation, by the United States. If you are a history lover, then the palace offers a nice break from the sun and surf.

  • 4/5 Lisa D. 9 months ago on Google
    I went with a group of Social studies teachers from California and Hawaii. It was very nice and interesting. I enjoyed learning about the History of the royal family of Hawaii and the international relations they had with Queen Victoria not England.

  • 5/5 Karen P. 4 months ago on Google
    Did the audio tour, very well done. Really enjoyed learning about Hawaii's history. Highly recommend

  • 5/5 Emmanuel L. 8 months ago on Google
    We paid for a docent led tour of the palace and I am glad we did,. We begin our tour in gift shop areas before being led to the palace for some short instructions and foot coverings. Our docent began the tour with an overview of HM King Kamehameha The Great and how he united the 8 kingdoms of Hawaii into one. We then toured the entertainment spaces of the palace and learned how HM King Kalākaua and his wife use the palace to entertain and more importantly how they used entrainment as a form of diplomacy. We then ventured into the private family areas where we learned about the private functions of the royal family. Sadly, we learned about the final monarch and how U.S. businessmen, with the help of our armed forces, overthrew HM The Queen and ended the more than 100 year monarchy, despite the wills of the native Hawaiians. Our docent was then so kind as to take us to the basement level, which isn’t apart of the docent-led tour, and give us a brief discuss and Q&A session before we were free to tour the basement which included the Lord Chamberlain’s office and relics of Their Majesties King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiʻolani as while as some jewels from Queen Liliʻuokalani.

  • 5/5 Michelle H. 10 months ago on Google
    The history of Hawaii is amazing, just like their palace. A huge restoration has taken place to preserve this heritage building. Be sure to add this to your bucket list.

  • 5/5 Gourish 10 months ago on Google
    We did not have a ticket but we tried our luck, reached at 945am and got tickets for the 11am self guided audio tour.. The tour is very well explained.. Recommend the tour before visiting the basement gallery.. Every Fridays at noon they have a band playing.. Limited paid parking available inside the campus


Call (808) 522-0822 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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