Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace is a living restoration of a proud Hawaiian national identity and is recognized as the spiritual and physical multicultural epicenter of Hawaii. Built in 1882 by King Kalakaua, Iolani Palace was the home of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs and served as the official royal residence and the residence of the Kingdom’s political and social life until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893.

Registered as a National Historic Landmark since 1962 and the only official royal residence in the United States, the Palace is one of the most recognizable buildings in Hawaii. Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, Iolani Palace tells of a time when their Majesties, King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani walked the grand halls.

The mission of Iolani Palace is "To preserve, restore, interpret, share and celebrate the unique cultural, historical and spiritual qualities of Iolani Palace and its grounds for the benefit of native Hawaiians, the people of Hawaii and the world."

Iolani Palace is a powerful symbol of Hawaii's past and its future. It is the mission of the Friends of Iolani Palace to preserve, restore, and protect this wahi pana (celebrated place) for local residents and people from around the world. By sharing, we perpetuate the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom through this living restoration known as Iolani Palace. We look to our volunteers to support our tours which fund our education, conservation, and preservation projects to which we are deeply committed.