Treating yourself to a Hawaiian vacation just may have you feeling like royalty. As you bask in the warm rays of tropical sunshine while fragrant trade winds blow, you can see why island life seems fit for kings and queens. Renting your own island getaway, like one of the many Oahu vacation homes, can give the feel of being in your very own palace.
Hawaii’s history is rich in a long line of kings and queens that enjoyed the very finest of the abundance of the islands. In fact, the center of the monarchy was on the island of Oahu, housed at the Iolani Palace built in 1882. A National Historic Landmark, Iolani Palace was the home of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani, and later the residence of Queen Liliokalani, Kalakaua’s successor. Today the site is open to the public for community events and tours, where you can view many rooms inside the palace as well as walk the surrounding grounds. It is also continuing to be restored and preserved while educating about Hawaii’s heritage.
In its time, the palace was sophisticated and grand, hosting large gatherings, welcoming international dignitaries and serving as the center of politics, social functions and the arts. It is a symbol of the height of Kalakaua’s rule and the prolific time for art and music.
Succeeding King Kalakaua, the reign of Queen Liliokalani’s saw a pivotal change. The historical overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1895 turned the Iolani Palace - the place that was her royal home - into a prison that held her confined to an upstairs bedroom for years.
Subsequent to the overthrow of the monarchy, the palace began to deteriorate from time and neglect. Today an active restoration project works to recover the building, preserving it and educating the public about Hawaiian history. The onsite Palace Shops carry specialty gift items and books related to Hawaiian heritage, culture and the history of the monarchy. Purchases at the shops help support preservation and education efforts.
Guided and self-guided tours are available Tuesday through Saturday. The palace is closed on Sundays and Mondays. You will have the most access to the palace rooms and receive the most information on a guided tour with a docent or by utilizing the audio tour. If you come on a Friday, you can see the Royal Hawaiian Band offering a free concert on the grounds from noon to 1 pm.
Located in the downtown Honolulu Capitol District, Iolani Palace is in close proximity to many Oahu condo rentals, making it an accessible point of interest for visitors. This landmark is rich in history and offers a perspective of Hawaii’s past that travelers to the island sometimes miss. Tour through the decadent rooms of this modern castle and transport yourself to a time when Hawaii was ruled by a King and Queen and the Western world was only just beginning to discover the beauty of these rich islands.