Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace The official royal palace for the Kalakaua Dynasty, which ruled Hawaii from 1874 through 1893. We are located in downtown Honolulu.
(3894)

Iolani Palace is a Hawaiian and national treasure that depends on private support. To assure its unique cultural, historical and spiritual qualities are maintained for future generations, please consider a gift to The Friends of Iolani Palace, a 501(c)(3) organization with the sole responsibility to serve as guardian and steward to preserve, restore, interpret, share, and celebrate Iolani Palace. To learn more, call (808) 522-0822, or go online at www.iolanipalace.org.

In 1872, Kamehameha V chose June 11 as a day to honor his grandfather, Kamehameha I. On the 11th, government offices wer...
06/11/2026

In 1872, Kamehameha V chose June 11 as a day to honor his grandfather, Kamehameha I. On the 11th, government offices were closed, and the community marked the day with picnics and horse races.

In 1876, the Hawaiian Gazette reported that since Kamehameha Day fell on Sunday that year, the holiday would be observed on Monday, June 12.

In 1911, Governor Frear initially refused to designate Monday, June 12, as a holiday. His reasons had to do with the loss of business if stores were closed. Within 24 hours, public pressure with added support from the Chamber of Commerce and merchants, the Governor declared Monday the 12th as a holiday.

In 1969, a law passed declaring that if any of the state’s legal holidays fall on a Sunday, it shall be observed the following Monday.

Bring the whole ʻohana to ʻIolani Palace for a day of learning, discovery and connection.Enjoy hula in honor of voyaging...
06/11/2026

Bring the whole ʻohana to ʻIolani Palace for a day of learning, discovery and connection.

Enjoy hula in honor of voyaging by Kūkūʻena, Kumu Hula Snowbird Bento and Ka Pā Hula O Ka Lei Lehua, followed by a noon performance by ʻŌnohi Paishon and the Hōkūleʻa Drydock Band.

Legacy weaver Keoua Nelsen will also lead a special cultural workshop on ulana lauhala, where participants will create their own piece to take home.

Throughout the day, Polynesian Voyaging Society crew members will lead hands-on activities, including star compass demonstrations, knot tying and mini canoe model building.

Spend your Sunday with us on the Palace grounds as we honor Hōkūleʻa’s legacy and the knowledge passed from generation to generation.

Mahalo to the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority for their support of Kamaʻāina Sunday through the Kūkulu Ola program.

Join us during Kamaʻāina Sunday on June 14 for an intimate ulana lauhala workshop with legacy weaver Keoua Nelsen.From 9...
06/10/2026

Join us during Kamaʻāina Sunday on June 14 for an intimate ulana lauhala workshop with legacy weaver Keoua Nelsen.

From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., participants will learn the practice of weaving with lauhala and create lauhala earrings: Hokule’a sailing under the stars to take home.

In-person registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Kīnaʻu Gate on Richards Street. Space is limited to 12 participants; ages 16 and older must have parent/guardian permission. Arrive early to reserve your seat!

Mahalo Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority for supporting Kamaʻāina Sunday through the Kūkulu Ola program.

149 years ago on the grounds of Kapiʻolani Park, King Kalākaua addressed the community and Kapiʻolani Park Association, ...
06/10/2026

149 years ago on the grounds of Kapiʻolani Park, King Kalākaua addressed the community and Kapiʻolani Park Association, saying:

“I am happy that Kamehameha Day this year 1877 is to be marked by the dedication of the first public park of the Kingdom... I trust that your hopes may be realized... and that it may become the frequent and general resort of all our citizens and visitors... And now, Mr. President, and gentlemen of the Association, I hereby declare this park opened for the uses and purposes that you have expressed, and that it be named Kapiʻolani Park.” (Quote from the Pacific Commercial Advertiser 1877-6-16, p. 3)

Pictured: The statue of Queen Kapiʻolani in the Kapiʻolani Park along Kalākaua Avenue. It was dedicated on December 31, 2001, the 167th anniiversary of her birth.

We’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hōkūleʻa’s historic 1976 maiden voyage to Tahiti at our next Kamaʻāina Sunday ...
06/09/2026

We’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hōkūleʻa’s historic 1976 maiden voyage to Tahiti at our next Kamaʻāina Sunday on June 14!

Bring the whole ʻohana for a free day filled with music, hula, storytelling, voyaging demonstrations, and hands-on activities.

Mahalo to the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority for their support of Kamaʻāina Sunday through the Kūkulu Ola program.

06/09/2026

Today, we honor the life and legacy of King Kamehameha, the aliʻi who united the Hawaiian Islands into a single kingdom in 1810.

For those who would like to learn more about the Kamehameha Dynasty, the Palace Shop carries a Kamehameha book series that shares the history of this notable royal lineage.

Visit the Palace Shop at Hale Koa, ʻIolani Barracks, to browse the collection.

Hauʻoli Lā Hānau to The Friends of ʻIolani Palace! In 2026, The Friends marks 60 years of preserving, restoring and cele...
06/07/2026

Hauʻoli Lā Hānau to The Friends of ʻIolani Palace!

In 2026, The Friends marks 60 years of preserving, restoring and celebrating ‘Iolani Palace. Since 1966, the organization has supported Palace operations, conservation projects and education programs that share the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom with residents and visitors.

Mahalo to the members, volunteers, donors, and community partners who continue to support this work.

Today marks the 181st anniversary of Miriam Kekauluohi’s death. Born in 1806, Kekauluohi was the niece of King Kamehameh...
06/06/2026

Today marks the 181st anniversary of Miriam Kekauluohi’s death. Born in 1806, Kekauluohi was the niece of King Kamehameha I. After his death, she became the fifth wife of Kamehameha II. After her husband’s passing, she married Charles Kanaina, who she remained with until her death.

Together, they built a small house named Pohukaina on the grounds of ʻIolani Palace, where they lived with their son, William Charles Lunalilo—who would become Hawaiʻi’s first elected king.

Kekauluohi served as Kuhina Nui during the reign of Kamehameha III from 1839 until her death in 1845. She was interred in the royal tomb on the Palace grounds and was not moved to Mauna Ala in 1865, but was later buried at sea.

On this day in 1931, the George Washington Sesquicentennial Commission planted a Hawaiian Kamani tree on the grounds. Th...
06/05/2026

On this day in 1931, the George Washington Sesquicentennial Commission planted a Hawaiian Kamani tree on the grounds. That year, every state and territory was asked to plant a tree in honor of George Washington’s 200th birthday, which would take place on February 22, 1932.

This tree can be found in the ewa makai quadrant of the grounds near the bandstand.

Pictured (L to R): Victor S. K. Houston, Territory of Hawaiʻi delegate to Congress; Mrs. A. B. Keller, member of the celebration commission; John Tate, superintendent of the Capitol Grounds; Raymond C. Brown, chairman of the celebration.

The Friends of ʻIolani Palace is holding its annual meeting for members on June 23. During this exclusive event, members...
06/04/2026

The Friends of ʻIolani Palace is holding its annual meeting for members on June 23. During this exclusive event, members will hear updates on upcoming projects, events, conservation projects, board members, and more, followed by refreshments. RSVPs are required.

Interested in attending? There is still time to become a member. Members receive:
• 12 months of free admission for docent and self-led audio tours
• 20% off at The Palace Shop
• Access to exclusive members-only curated items
• Early ticket access to select events

Become a member today and help support the our mission to preserve, protect, and perpetuate the history of ‘Iolani Palace!

Address

PO Box 2259
Honolulu, HI
96813

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 10am
10:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 10am
10:30am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 11:15am
12pm - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm

Website

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