Iolani Palace - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
United States
Hawaii (HI)
Oahu
Honolulu
Things to Do in Honolulu
Iolani Palace
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Iolani Palace

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Iolani Palace
4.5
#6 of 449 things to do in Honolulu
Speciality MuseumsHistoric SitesHistory Museums
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
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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!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighborhood: Downtown Honolulu
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See what travelers are saying
  • Jerome L
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Spectacular!
    We participated in a docent-led tour of the Palace. The architecture, woodwork, and historical exhibits were absolutely beautiful. The grounds and surround area are meticulously maintained. Was also able to visit Kamehameha statue, Hawaii state government building, and snap a picture of the governor's mansion which are all in the same area.
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 20, 2023
  • dsrbwong
    Redlands, California2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    History and Elegance
    Everyone should make time to tour Iolani Palace. The excellent audio guided tour explains much about Hawaiian history and culture. It is a very beautifully restored building and the only royal palace in America.
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 20, 2023
  • jonathangammon
    Lorton, Virginia1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Walking in the footsteps of royalty
    A visit to Iolani Palace is like being transported to the 19th century. The friendly and knowledgeable docents do a wonderful job of conveying the dignity and grandeur of the reign of Hawaii’s monarchs. A wonderful place to learn and reflect on the rich history of these islands.
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 20, 2023
  • marienat
    98 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see in Honolulu
    I have been to Hawaii 10 times and it was the first time that I visited the Iolani Palace. Very informative and a must see in Honolulu. We went on a Friday at 11:00 and there was the Royal Hawaiian Band that was offering a free concert on the grounds of the palace. We really appreciated. Reserve 1 to 2 hours as there are exhibits in the basement too.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 20, 2023
  • Souix55
    Lake Forest, Illinois19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A MUST see for visitors to Oahu
    Iolani Palace is a MUST see for anyone visiting Oahu. It is best to visit early in your visit to provide a context for the rest of your stay. The building itself is a beautiful work of art but it is the story of the Hawaiian Ali’i that will make your day! If you book early enough on Friday you will be able to complete your tour in time for the concert that only occurs Friday at noon.
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 20, 2023
  • productregion6
    Providence, Rhode Island1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful, elegant Iolani Palace and its storied history
    The palace is obviously lovingly maintained. The self-guided audio tour has a wealth of information about not only the palace but also the Hawaiian Islands leadership history beginning with King Kamehameha I. The gift shop is well worth a visit. Go!
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 22, 2023
  • vanessapederson
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place
    I took the self guided tour and it was a very good experience. Being able to set your own pace was nice and the recording was very good quality. I recommend bringing your own headset or earbuds, it really immerses you if you don't have to hold the speaker up to your ear.
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 26, 2023
  • Carrie M
    Vernon, Connecticut19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    History you must see
    Was interested in this palace - only one in the U.S. Took the self-audio tour. Very well done. Couldn't wait to see the quilt. Amazing work by the Queen while held as prisoner. Would go back to this again with others.
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 28, 2023
  • Laurel C
    Tampa, Florida23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful Historical Tour!
    This was by far one of the best tours we had in Oahu, I would definitely recommend to all. It was a little confusing at first where to go to get tickets. The ticket counter is located in a small building near the side gate and parking area. From there you will watch a little 10-minute film on the residents of the palace. Then on to the porch area of the palace to be fitted with your self-guided audio equipment and shoe coverings. So glad we took this tour.
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 30, 2023
  • AmSuLock
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Peaceful morning tour
    We booked a 9 AM audio tour at Iolan palace, and I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and intuitive the tour was. The stories told were all very well scripted and packed with information. Would absolutely recommend to anyone, it shared very important Hawaiian history not usually taught on the mainland!
    Visited May 2023
    Written June 1, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles8,239 reviews
Excellent
5,858
Very good
1,803
Average
464
Poor
75
Terrible
39
Chelsea
Augusta, GA2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Terrible tour guide
Aug 2021 • Solo
I paid extra for a more exclusive tour as there were no other tours available. The tour guide greeted us by telling us that she would not speak any louder than her normal quiet tone and if we couldn't hear her through her mask to ask questions. This didn't put me off at first until later in the tour. She singled me out for being on my own, and without my husband, on the tour which made me feel slightly uncomfortable. As we went through the rooms she told us we were allowed to take pictures as long as they were not flash pictures. As we went to the dining room the couple in front of me took a few pictures of the place settings on the table so I did as well. Suddenly the tour guide yelled at me, scolding me for taking the picture even though she had watched the couple in front of me do the same thing. I am not ignorant nor am I disrespectful. If she had wanted us to stay back from the table, she should have told us before hand. Secondly she singled me out and embarrassed me, I believe because I am young, and because I was alone. She did not make me feel welcomed and I almost left the tour then. I wish I had because she ruined the whole experience for me. Later in the tour the same couple ran their camera bag into a door and she still didn't scold them. My advice to you if you want to tour this place is NOT to pay for the expensive tour, just do the regular one where there won't be a rude tour guide to make you feel bad about yourself or regret your decision to come and learn about Hawaii's culture.
Written August 30, 2021
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.
jbench2021
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Understanding Part of Hawaii's History
Sep 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Iolani Palace and am so glad that my friends recommended this historical site while on holiday in O'ahu. I would highly recommend the Docent led tour, though I hear the audio tour is also a good experience. The docent who led our group was incredibly knowledgeable not only about the space itself, but its people, changes in the culture and politics of that time, and historical context (both on a local and world stage).

Even outside of COVID restrictions, the groups are kept small, and I felt completely safe with the policies they had in place.

Touring the facility including the collection at the Visitor's Center, can be done in less than two hours, and the hosts/stewards of the palace do a great job at prepping visitors.

Given the content, location, and overall nature, I think this would be a great pairing for anyone planning to visit the Bishop Museum, but I would also recommend seeing either or both separately.
Written October 4, 2021
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.
JTSomelofske
South Royalton, VT5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Living History!
Dec 2019 • Solo
I loved the tour of Iolani Palace. I went at 9:00 am on a Friday and essentially had a private tour without many other visitors in the building obstructing my view of the portraits and material artifacts. The tour guide was knowledgeable and really presented a compelling narrative of the daily lives of the Hawaiian monarchs. I prefer living tour guides I can interact with, but an audio tour is available as well. Very glad I visited and would certainly return as the palace is recovering many lost artifacts after Hawaii's annexation to the United States. So the collection will be more complete as time passes.
Written January 17, 2020
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.
uhlirchristina
6 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Good, for the most part
Dec 2019 • Couples
First, I and my traveling partner were lucky as we were visiting Honolulu the final week of December/first week of January and had a chance to do one of the evening tours of Iolani Palace in honor of the 158th birthday of Queen Liliuokalani. We both enjoyed hearing about the historical context and variety of interesting stories about Iolani Palace and the Royal Family that inhabited it for so many generations. That being said, I must admit that I was unpleasantly surprised by the inhospitable reception we received from the staff in bringing an Osmo as a photographic, not videographic, aid as it was not included in the prohibited items list. Had we known such items were not permitted, we would have had a much more enjoyable experience. That being said, I would like to visit Iolani Palace again, during the day, to get the full experience we were told about by the performers and staff we talked to.

Thank you for all of the thoughtful explanations of the palace, Royal Household, and the Hawaiian Islands!
Written January 9, 2020
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.
ppoleshaj
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Emotional Visit to Iolani Palace
Oct 2021
My lifetime friend lives on Maui and had never been to Iolani Palace. Every time I visit I see and appreciate new things from the ornate brass hinges on doors to the inlaid wood and I marvel at the craftsmanship of the woodwork and plaster.
The room where the Queen was held prisoner for 8 mo. and holds the handmade patchwork quilt she made is even more emotional when you hear her own words as she describes her treatment by her captors.
I highly recommend every resident in Hawaii should visit Iolani Palace and take your family for an amazing view of Hawaii's history.
Written October 22, 2021
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.
M.L.E
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Home of Hawaiian Royalty
Nov 2020 • Family
My favorite part was the stories behind all the rooms, clothes and jewelry. Our docent, “Auntie” Gladys was enthusiastic and entertaining - full of anecdotes about generations of the royal family of Hawaii. The restoration of the original furniture, floors etc was amazing and I particularly enjoyed the gowns and coronation cloak on display. Due to the virus restrictions, the group was only 5, we all wore masks and kept social distance, so it felt very safe

I would advise anyone else to make sure you leave a little extra time to find the palace (our GPS got us a little lost) and the entrance for the parking. Also bring quarters - the parking has old fashioned coin drops, no credit card swipe
Written November 6, 2020
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.
Phil M
45 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Iolani palace audio tour
Jan 2020 • Family
We were in Honolulu a year ago and on the way back from Pearl Harbour stopped at the statue opposite the palace, but left before we could see it. This trip it was on our 'must do' list and we were not disappointed. Booked on line, easy process. From Waikiki got a day pass for the bus and had a nice air conditioned 40 minute ride to a stop one block from the Palace. Arrived about half an hour early as advised. The whole process was very user friendly. A brief intro from a guide and donned the obligatory surgical style overshoes and then you are at your leisure to wander around the two levels of the palace, learning about the relevant history of the palace itself and the Hawai'ian royal dynasties. The level of detail was excellent and informative. We took around an hour and bit to see those two levels, then another twenty minutes in the basement. If you like history and want more than a superficial tourist experience of Honolulu this is well worth the time and entrance price.
Written January 20, 2020
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.
ChrisH
Frederick, MD508 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Fascinating visit
Feb 2020
Two adults visited here on a Wednesday midday in early February and had a great visit. Spent about 3 hours total. We used our GoOahu passes to obtain the self-guided walking tour. Well done tour. Palace was most interesting. Boy, all we can say is that actual history the way it happened is way different than what we were taught 50 years ago in elementary school about how Hawaii's monarchy was ended by U.S. interests. Worth it from our perspective to hear what really happened.
Written March 1, 2020
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.
theresainGR
Grand Rapids, Michigan64 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The only Royal Palace in the US
Mar 2020 • Couples
Iolani Palace, the only Royal Palace on US soil located in Honolulu. This is a self guided walking tour with optional audio headsets (which I recommend). So much Hawaiian history learned in this 90 minute tour. The Palace is kept impeccable as you have to wear booties to protect the flooring and no food/drinks allowed.
Relatively inexpensive to visit, I think it was $20, which is a great deal to experience this history.
Great way to spend a few hours in Honolulu.
Written March 7, 2020
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.
alstenek
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Saturday morning well spent
Jul 2020
Really enjoyed my recent visit to 'Iolani Palace. The tour was self-guided with an audio device that narrated the visit to each room. Some of the audio selections seemed long-winded and repetitive, but overall the information presented was interesting. Markers are placed throughout the palace to help guests maintain their distance from one another. The docents are posted to each room to help guide visitors and answer questions. The basement had great exhibits as well.
Written July 20, 2020
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.
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Iolani Palace - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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