Iolani Palace

The only royal palace in the US, Iolani Palace in Downtown Honolulu dates back to 1882 and served as an official residence for Hawaii's last reigning monarchs

Iolani Palace is one of Honolulu's most historic buildings and offers a fascinating look into the lives of the last generation of Hawaiian royalty. It was built during the rain of legendary King Kalākaua and completed in 1882. ʻIolani Palace served as the royal residence and the political center of the Kingdom of Hawaii. As the previous palace on the site had fallen into disrepair, King Kalākaua ordered the construction of a grand palace that would rival the royal residences in Europe. He wanted to showcase Hawaii as a modern and progressive kingdom and as a result, the building is one of the most technologically advanced buildings of its' time. The architecture of the palace complex is also remarkable: with its blend of Italian Renaissance style and indigenous Hawaiian influences, it is considered the only example of so-called American Florentine architecture anywhere in the world.

The sumptuous palace has also been the site of dramatic historical events that would change the course of Hawaiian history forever. After the death of King Kalākaua in 1891, he was succeeded by his sister, Queen Liliʻuokalani. She turned out the last monarch to reside in the palace, as the monarchy was overthrown in 1893 and the palace was seized by troops of the newly formed Provisionally Government of Hawaii. The tragic queen was actually put on trial in the palace throne room, forced to abdicate, and later imprisoned within the palace walls for 8 months following a failed attempt to restore the monarchy in 1895. Following extensive renovation efforts, the palace was restored and opened to the public as a museum in 1978 and the imprisonment room is still accessible to visitors.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Honolulu
Pearl Harbor
The headquarters of the United States Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor is the site of the catastrophic attack by the Japanese that brought the US into WWII in 1941
Downtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu is the city's bustling epicenter, not only the main business district but the most historic, known for its skyscrapers and Iolani Palace
USS Arizona Memorial
Floating above the hull of the sunken battleship, the USS Arizona Memorial was built to commemorate those killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
Aloha Tower
Completed in 1926, the Aloha Tower is a former lighthouse that was once the tallest structure in Hawaii and remains an iconic Honolulu landmark
Diamond Head
Diamond Head, Oahu’s iconic volcanic crater, offers a scenic hike with panoramic views of Honolulu and Waikiki, blending natural beauty with historical significance.
Kahala Beach
Kahala Beach, near Waikiki, offers a serene escape with soft sand, calm waters, and an upscale atmosphere, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.

Related Tours

The Best of Honolulu: Private Half-Day Tour with Pearl Harbor

As Hawaii’s main city, Honolulu is an iconic and exciting destination, often used as a gateway to explore the rest of the islands. Embark on an unforgettable journey with our private half-day highlights tour, including a visit to the historic Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, followed by a scenic sightseeing tour around Downtown Honolulu.

On this private half-day tour, you will:

  • Enjoy comfortable round-trip transportation from your hotel in Waikiki;
  • Discover the historic sites of Pearl Harbor, the U.S. naval base that gained international significance after a surprise military attack by Japan in 1941;
  • Immerse yourself in WWII history to understand how the attack on Pearl Harbor led the United States into the war;
  • Embark upon a ferry ride to the USS Arizona Memorial built directly over the remains of the sunken ship;
  • Explore the main highlights of Downtown Honolulu;
  • Learn about the Royal Family of Hawaii and admire the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S.;
  • Contemplate the gold-leaf Statue of King Kamehameha I, a powerful and revered figure in Hawaiian history;
  • See the majestic Aloha Tower, an iconic landmark at Honolulu Harbor.


Located on the island of O’ahu, which is popularly known as “the gathering place,” Honolulu represents a melting pot of cultures and is the financial, cultural, and touristic centre of Hawaii. While many come to enjoy the gorgeous beaches of Waikiki, the rich history of Pearl Harbor and Downtown Honolulu are well worth exploring.

Your private tour will begin at your accommodation in Waikiki, where your driver-guide will pick you up and begin your journey to your first destination: Pearl Harbor. You will soon be immersed in WWII history as your guide takes you back to that fateful day in 1941 when the Japanese bombs fell upon the US Pacific Fleet in a devastating attack that took over 2000 lives. As you make your way around the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, you will have the chance to visit two museums and see a wealth of artefacts, photos, and video testimonials of the horror inflicted upon the soldiers, sailors, and civilians in the area. 

You will also embark upon a ferry ride out to the USS Arizona Memorial, which stands above the remains of the sunken battleship that suffered the most severe damage in the attack. Widely considered one of the most poignant war memorials in the United States, you will contemplate the striking concave shape of the monument and the outline of the ship visible beneath the surface. When you enter, you will see the names of the victims engraved in marble in the solemn shrine within the memorial site.

Following your moving visit to Pearl Harbor, you will then proceed to explore Downtown Honolulu, the city’s commercial, historic, and cultural epicentre. Your guide will show you the key sights and explain what makes the city tick, tailoring the exact route according to your interests. You will learn about the tragic and fascinating history of the Hawaiian Royal family as you pass by the ornate statue of King Kamehameha I, the Kingdom of Hawaii’s first ruler. You will also pass the remarkable Iolani palace, the only royal palace in the US and the official residence of the last Hawaiian rulers until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. You will cruise past some of the city’s famous skyscrapers and see Honolulu Harbor and its most iconic landmark, the Aloha Tower. You will discover how this former lighthouse has long been a beacon welcoming travellers to Honolulu and remains an enduring symbol of Hawaiian hospitality.

After your exhilarating voyage of discovery around Honolulu, your driver-guide will return you to your hotel in Waikiki, armed with a wealth of knowledge and appreciation of what the city has to offer. Your guide will be happy to provide you with further recommendations for things to see and do for the rest of your time on the island.

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