Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchy, is a marvel of opulence, innovation and political intrigue. Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, this National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu tells of a time when their Majesties, King Kalakaua, who built the palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, walked its celebrated halls. Today, you can enjoy one of the most spectacular living restorations in all of Polynesia and immerse yourself in Hawaii’s royal heritage. E komo mai! Welcome!
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Iolani Palace
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown Honolulu
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,311 within 5 kms
Attractions
302 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Sarah W1 contributionWonderful docent tour!We had a docent tour that was absolutely lovely. The entire experience was great. All the staff was very helpful and polite. Our docent was extremely knowledgeable and shared many stories along the tour route. The palace was beautiful and it was great to learn about the history of the building, its furniture, the royal lineage, and the islands/state of Hawaii. I would recommend that everyone visit here, whether local or tourist.Visited November 2022Travelled with familyWritten December 6, 2022
- rgeneralaojrHonolulu, Hawaii1 contributionIolani PalaceSurreal, beautiful, humbling and an absolute honor to step foot in the same place as Hawaiian Royalty did. Been there several times and each time was a new learning experience. I look forward to coming back.Visited November 2022Written December 8, 2022
- EVELYN BSunnyvale, California1 contributionHistorical MarvelThe docent was fantastic in explaining the history of the Palace as related to Hawaiian history and culture. The house itself is a marvel and we were fortunate to partake of the building and its story. The staff were very helpful, calm and welcoming. It is a marvel to partake of this gem in Hawaii.Visited December 2022Written December 10, 2022
- Ollie4182 contributionsIolani Palace visitBeautiful 140 year old palace of the Hawaiian royal family. Our guide was incredibly professional, knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the Palace. Well worth a visit - it will add to your perspective on Hawaii's union with the mainland.Visited December 2022Written December 10, 2022
- kingchingy2022Kapolei, Hawaii1 contributionOfficiationLast time Iʻve been to Iolani Palace was in elementary school about 50 plus years ago. You really donʻt appreciate it at that age. It was so worth while, understanding and heartfelt, not too mention our guide was so informative and knowledgeable. Glad I took this journey. I will pass it on to family & friends, it is a must to do this excursion as an adult.Visited December 2022Written December 11, 2022
- eesabuzzaApple Valley, California1 contributionAmazingly beautifulMy husband and I visited the Iolani Palace while on a trip in early December, 2022. The docents were so friendly and forthcoming with additional information that made our visit even more meaningful. We were so impressed with the sophistication and beauty of the palace and all of its historical artifacts. The Hawaiian history and culture connected with the palace was very enlightening. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there - about 2 1/2 hours in total.Visited December 2022Written December 12, 2022
- sanav19461 contributionBeautiful experienceWarmly greeted and given excellent audio receivers. We put on shoe covers and were escorted into a very large grand hall. There are many volunteers to escort you and answer questions. There are two floors with a massive Koa wood staircase. An elevator is also avaiableVisited December 2022Written December 13, 2022
- Keiko Y10 contributionsWorth visit historical placeIt was educational and beautiful. A small group with self-guided tour. I could take time and learn at my space. It took me more than 30 minutes to come from Wikiki area to this place by bus due to the traffic. Make sure you plan plenty of travelling time to get to place and to go back to Wikiki. Buses from this place to Wikiki does not come often (probably due to the traffic). I arrived earlier and they were very nice to put me an open space for earlier time when I checked with me. It helped me as I could go to the next site on time by taking bus which took long to go back to Wikiki area.Visited December 2022Written December 15, 2022
- 208tracefBirmingham, United Kingdom14 contributionsFascinating and interestingFascinating tour of the beautifully restored palace. Tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and proud of the Hawaiian culture and heritage. Very well worth a visit and help contribute to keeping this historic gem runningVisited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten December 16, 2022
- ExecBourbonStew15 contributionsIolani Palace Docent Led TourWe enjoyed our Iolani Palace tour and appreciate the level of knowledge and commitment to retaining this cultural aspect of Hawaii's history. I spent some time growing up on Oahu back in the late 1960's and early 1970's, but wife had very little exposure to Hawaiian history...and I learned that I had forgotten most of what I thought I had learned. Incredibly knowledgeable staff that is committed to the restoration and maintenance of the Palace, this history and the culture. You should do this tour and feel free to donate to the Friends of Iolani Palace who are responsible for saving this important historical landmark. Fun fact...the Iolani Palace had electric lights and indoor plumbing before the White House did. We paid for two hours of parking...with the tour and a quick stop in the gift shop, we were right at two hours.Visited December 2022Written December 17, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
8,025 reviews
Excellent
5,670
Very good
1,784
Average
460
Poor
74
Terrible
38
Natalie G
Sydney, Australia8 contributions
Nov. 2023
Stunning palace with a fantastic background on the history of Hawaii. It helped us understand so much of what we saw/ experienced during our stay in Honolulu
Written December 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim444626
Seattle, WA1 contribution
Nov. 2023
A beautiful building for sure; but also a portal to a heartbreaking part of Hawaiian history. Highly recommmended, especially for those who like history.
Written December 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maribelgarcia0711
Oakland, CA1 contribution
Dec. 2023
On Friday afternoon we did the audio tour and it was fantastic. The information was thorough and a fun way to learn about the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The tour is about an hour in length but it is self directed so you can make it as short or long as you want. After the audio tour you can visit the rest of the exhibit in the basement which I also recommend. The gift shop is a great way to close up your visit as they have clothing, jewelry, perfumes, books, etc that are all of great quality and locally produced.
Written December 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth C
Rockville, MD26 contributions
Nov. 2023
My husband and I did the audio tour of the palace and found it very interesting and enjoyable. The building is so carefully restored and has many interesting and beautiful objects to see. We learned a lot of history too.
Written December 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2023Tammy62
Wailuku, HI1 contribution
Nov. 2023
Our docent was amazing! He started the tour with a chant in Hawaiian! Excellent knowledge of the heartbreaking history of the Ali’i, and the Hawaiian people! Take the time(15 minutes), too, if possible, to view the video in the room near the ticket pick-up! Queen Lili’uokalani ‘s intelligence, grace, beauty, and kindness is a part of history every person should know.
Written December 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BlueHoo
Marina del Rey, CA73 contributions
Dec. 2023 • Friends
I, like many Americans, am embarrassingly ignorant about Hawaiin history. Now I can say "was" because I learned so much during my tour at Iolani Palace. This is the only royal palace in the United States and although many of the original furnishings have vanished (i.e., were stollen) there is still much to see. The docent was excellent and made the tour very interesting. This is a must do when in Honolulu.
Written December 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zak571
Austin, TX2 contributions
Nov. 2023
Loved this spot. We did the self-guided audio tour. As somebody who loves podcast, I responded well to the audio-led format. The information and flow of the exhibit was very digestible and kept you moving from one room to another. The staff was incredibly polite and hospitable, and the contents of the palace were very impressive. Would recommend to anybody with an interest in fashion, history, politics, of any level!
Written November 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gracie Z
5 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
Lots of history on this tour. It was great to be able to tour the inside of the Palace. I really enjoyed this tour. We did the self paced tour only because the guided tours were sold out. I would have loved the guided tour.
Written November 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mimi2023144
1 contribution
Nov. 2023
It was nothing like I expected. The explanation was given during the tour and was jaw dropping. Such an important part of history for all Americans to know.
Written November 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karen02015
Grove City, OH1 contribution
Nov. 2023
The docent we had on our tour answered any questions we had and shared the history of the palace and the family. We were encouraged to take photos while she was speaking which helped keep the tour on schedule.
Written November 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We enjoyed our visit in March. I am now working on scrapbooking our trip pictures. In the throne room there is something stands between the 2 thrones - it is gold and has a round ball at the top. Can you remind me what it is called? Thank you!
Lisa G
9 contributions
It is called a puloulou, or “kapu stick” … the gold sphere on top of the ivory tusk from a narwhal whale between the thrones is said to be a gift from King Kalakaua’s 1883 coronation.
Kalona74
Indialantic, FL34 contributions
Are there Restaurants near the palace?
Karina L
Honolulu, HI16 contributions
Across the street from the IOLANI Barracks in Richard’s Street is the YWCA Laniakea. Inside is a restaurant called Cafe Julia. There are a multitude of small restaurants one to two blocks West going towards Chinatown. A favorite of mine is Murphy’s Bar and Grill on Merchant street. Very popular and good food.
foreverrepdom
Saint-Nazaire, France33 contributions
Bonjour,
Pouvez vous me dire ou trouver cet audio guide ainsi que son tarif? Nous devons aller à Honolulu en début d'année prochaine.
Can you pay for entry with Mastercard or is it cash only?
Monte David Z
Fort Worth, TX44 contributions
Yes, you can use credit cards to pay for the entrance fee.
Are there Lockers on site for back packs? If so do they take Mastercard or cash?
Hi there if you are doing the tour the store your belongings.
Does it have an elevator?
pearlz808
Waco, TX31 contributions
Yes, it has an elevator for disabled persons. Just let the workers know and they will make sure you are taken cared of.
marieny524
Los Angeles, CA567 contributions
I am interested in visiting this attraction, but is it appropriate for small children (ages 7 & 5)? Are there any activities for them to participate in if we do a self-guided tour? Thanks!
shawnpolyfoam
Honolulu, HI34 contributions
The kids might be a little too young to understand everything and what the palace represents. There are a lot of nice things for them to look at that holds history. Don't know if they would really get anything out of the visit but I'm sure you and your husband would.
balucas61
Fort Wayne, IN23 contributions
We will be visiting in April on a Saturday. We would like to take a self-guided tour. Is it necessary to get tickets ahead of time. I know approximately when we will get there but not an exact time.
Valerie
Stafford, UK207 contributions
Checkout their website as it will tell you exactly what time and dates are available. Making a reservation is always useful.
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Claim your listingIOLANI PALACE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Iolani Palace
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Iolani Palace:
- Honolulu Self-Guided Audio Tour (From C$20.37)
- Go City: Oahu All-Inclusive Pass with 40+ Attractions and Tours (From C$134.54)
- Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona & Hawaiian History Tour - SMALL GROUP (From C$107.36)
- Pearl Harbor, Punchbowl and City Tour (From C$72.32)
- Private Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour (From C$316.63)
- Hotels near Iolani Palace:
- (0.35 km) Aston at the Executive Centre Hotel
- (0.36 km) Honu Waikiki
- (0.36 km) 2 BEDROOM 2200 SQ FT PENTHOUSE LOFT SLEEPS 6
- (0.38 km) Condo Honolulu downtown. Parking inc. 1088 Bishop St. Executive Centre near HPU
- (2.96 km) Prince Waikiki
- Restaurants near Iolani Palace:
- (0.17 km) Cafe Laniakea
- (0.20 km) Aloha Beer Downtown
- (0.22 km) Starbucks
- (0.25 km) Baker Dudes
- (0.25 km) Ma'ona Musubi
- Attractions near Iolani Palace:
- (0.00 km) Hale Koa: Iolani Barracks
- (0.05 km) Hawai'i Camp Life
- (0.05 km) Honolulu Limo
- (0.05 km) The Bus
- (0.05 km) The Hawaii Shop