10 Causes to Go to Iolani Palace on Oahu

Iolani Palace is an attractive attraction in Honolulu, and visiting can change your whole outlook on Hawaiian historical past and tradition. However it may be tempting to skip it since there are such a lot of issues to see and do on Oahu. In spite of everything, you could surprise if it’s value stepping off the seaside and exploring among the island’s museums. 

We are saying completely! In actual fact, studying about Hawaiian and Polynesian tradition is important for appreciating your time within the islands. And an awesome place to begin is Iolani Palace.

Listed below are the highest 10 causes to go to Iolani Palace, together with a couple of tricks to make your time there really worthwhile. 

#1 – Iolani Palace is the Solely Official Royal Residence in america

America could also be recognized for resisting monarchies, however there’s one place that was as soon as dominated by royalty: Hawaii. In 1810, Kamehameha I united all of Hawaii below his rule, making a monarchy that lasted for 80 years. 

Development of Iolani Palace was accomplished in 1882, and it then grew to become the house of King Kalakaua and later his sister, Queen Liliuokalani. Simply over 10 years later, in 1893, the monarchy was overthrown. After that, Iolani Palace served as the federal government capitol constructing till 1969. 

Now, the palace has been restored to its authentic grandeur to showcase the opulence and innovation of the Hawaiian kingdom. 

#2 – You’ll be able to Higher Perceive Hawaiian Identification

Many individuals go to Hawaii with out realizing what it means to be Hawaiian. Iolani Palace serves as a spot to honor and rejoice Hawaiian identification. Guests can higher perceive Hawaiian as a race, identification, and tradition. 

Artifacts embody photographs, furnishings, paperwork, navy gadgets, and paintings. Strolling via it and seeing all the pieces in individual allowed me to actually immerse myself on this monumental period in Hawaiian historical past. 

#3 – Hear the Royal Hawaiian Band (On Fridays!)

This might be music to your ears! The Royal Hawaiian Band performs at Iolani Palace each Friday. 

King Kamehameha III created the Royal Hawaiian Band in 1836. They performed at official royal events, funerals, and parades. Additionally they had been recognized for touring all through the islands, bringing their music to areas all through the Hawaiian Kingdom. 

Right now, the Royal Hawaiian Band continues to supply polished, inventive performances in Hawaii and past. 

They carry out outdoors the palace on the garden, so that you don’t want a ticket to the palace to take pleasure in their music. Nonetheless, you undoubtedly ought to nonetheless see the total museum to understand the band’s significance. 

#4 – They Provide Nice Docent-Led Excursions

Iolani Palace provides two major choices: self-guided audio excursions, and docent-guided excursions. In the event you’re capable of go to on Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday, then a docent-led tour is definitely definitely worth the few further bucks. You’ll be capable of hear superb tales and ask questions as your educated information takes you thru the palace. 

#5 – Specialty Excursions Permit for Unimaginable Perception into Historical past

Past the common docent-led and self-guided audio excursions, Iolani Palace additionally provides a spread of specialty excursions. These applications present a deep dive into particular features of royal Hawaiian historical past. Previous and current specialty excursions embody Hawaii-Japan relations, royal trend, and a behind-the-scenes white-glove tour. 

#6 – Kamaaina Are Free As soon as a Month

Are you a Hawaii resident with a state ID? If that’s the case, you may tour Iolani Palace totally free throughout their Kamaaina Sunday. The month-to-month occasion options leisure and meals distributors, creating an awesome expertise the whole household can take pleasure in. 

Self-guided audio excursions enable kamaaina to stroll via historical past as they see close-up artifacts of Hawaii’s monarchy. 

#7 – See The place Queen Liliuokalani was Imprisoned

One of many greatest turning factors in Hawaiian historical past was when the brand new provisional Hawaiian authorities imprisoned Queen Liliuokalani. Her 1895 trial occurred in Iolani’s throne room, and he or she served an eight-month sentence contained in the palace. 

Right now, you may stroll via these pivotal moments as you tour Iolani Palace, seeing the sight of her trial and the room the place she served her time. Inside Iolani Palace’s imprisonment room is a quilt the overthrown queen labored on whereas below home arrest. 

Although Queen Liliuokalani’s arrest was essentially the most notable in the course of the overthrow and counter-revolution, a lot of her supporters had been sentenced to dying for treason. 

#8 – Iolani Palace is One of many Most Haunted Locations on Oahu

Many Honolulu ghost excursions will take you by Iolani Palace. The location was as soon as a royal burial floor, and guests with royal bloodline have reported listening to chanting or music contained in the palace. 

One ghost tour information even reported seeing a girl’s silhouette in the window of Queen Liliuokalani’s imprisonment room. The sighting occurred late at night time, when no dwelling souls can be contained in the palace. 

Even the bushes outdoors are stated to be haunted – many consider that banyan bushes, like the 2 in entrance of Iolani Palace – maintain misplaced spirits. 

A docent could possibly present much more accounts of paranormal exercise on the palace. 

#9 – It’s Situated Proper in Honolulu

Iolani Palace is value driving throughout the island to go to. In spite of everything, you’ll be capable of take a break from the solar and surf whereas studying about this unbelievable time in Hawaiian historical past. However for anybody staying in Honolulu or Waikiki, it’s extremely handy to go to Iolani Palace. 

This historic landmark is positioned in downtown Honolulu. There may be restricted paid parking onsite, together with road and storage parking close by. 

#10 – There are Different Nice Landmarks Close by

Iolani Palace is simply a part of an awesome day exploring Honolulu’s many landmarks and sights. Probably the greatest methods to comply with up your tour of the palace is by visiting Washington Palace, the place Queen Liliuokalani lived most of her life, together with the time earlier than and after residing at Iolani Palace. 

Proper throughout the road from Iolani Palace, you’ll discover historic Aliʻiolani Hale, house of Hawaii’s Supreme Court docket for over 150 years. It additionally has a hanging King Kamehameha Statue and is a well-liked spot when touring places where Hawaii Five-0 was filmed, because it supplied exterior photographs of the fictional headquarters. 

You’ll even be close to the Everlasting Flame Memorial, which honors the heroes of the 1941 assault on Pearl Harbor. 

Ideas for Visiting Iolani Palace

Able to discover Iolani Palace your self? Listed below are our high suggestions for profiting from your go to!

Go for a Docent-led Tour if Potential

We talked about their nice docent excursions above, however it’s value mentioning once more. You actually get an unbelievable expertise for a small value distinction, because the docents can present unbeatable perception and reply questions in the course of the tour. 

Be Aware of Your Youngsters

Palace employees do welcome kids, however they’re strict about ensuring they’re not operating round. You should maintain kids below 5 in your arms, in a service, in a palace-provided stroller, or holding your hand. And employees will ask you to go away in case your little one is disruptive or disorderly. 

So undoubtedly carry alongside the keiki (youngsters) for those who can handle them. However for those who fear they’ll nonetheless be on beach-day mode, take into account skipping this attraction till they’re a bit older. 

Reserve Your Iolani Palace Tour On-line

Whether or not you go for a self-guided or docent-led tour, be sure you reserve your time on-line prematurely. The palace doesn’t settle for any walk-up visits. 

Go Past the Tour

Audio and docent-led excursions of Iolani Palace take you thru the primary two ranges, the place you’ll discover luxurious rooms and workplaces. However you’ll additionally be capable of discover much more of the palace: the basement and the grounds. 

Outdoors, you’ll discover the queen’s coronation pavilion, royal barracks, and the previous website of the Royal Mausoleum. Inside, head to the basement, the place you’ll discover pictures and different reveals. 

In fact, obey all signage, as some areas are restricted. 

And don’t neglect to take a look at the present store – it’s an awesome place to purchase souvenirs, books, and native crafts. 

Iolani Palace and Different Historic Treasures

We all the time encourage Hawaii guests to discover the islands’ many historic and cultural websites. Your trip might be extra gratifying and enriching as you perceive the realm you’re visiting. 
Need assistance planning a well-rounded Hawaii trip? Let our crew of locally-based Hawaii travel agents assist! Whether or not you’re visiting Oahu (full with a visit to Iolani Palace) or one of many different islands, we will help with airfare, lodges, itineraries, and recommendation!