Iolani Palace

'Iolani Palace in Honolulu, Hawaii, is the only official royal residence in the United States. Completed in 1882 for King Kalakaua, the palace blends European architectural influences with Hawaiian sensibility in a style sometimes called American Florentine, and it was remarkably advanced for its time, with electric lighting and telephones installed early in its life. It served as the residence and seat of the Hawaiian monarchy until the overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani in 1893, after which the queen was later confined within the palace itself.

Because of this history of loss and the imprisonment of the queen, the palace features in local tradition as a place touched by sorrow, and some visitors and staff describe an emotive or uncanny atmosphere. Such impressions are subjective and unverified; the palace presents itself as a solemn historic and cultural site rather than as a haunted attraction, and its story is treated with great respect by the Hawaiian community.

The true significance of 'Iolani Palace is profound: a symbol of the sovereign Hawaiian Kingdom, its culture and its overthrow. As a meticulously restored royal residence and a focus of Native Hawaiian history and identity, it rewards visitors who approach it thoughtfully and respectfully.

'Iolani Palace is a museum administered by the state and managed by the non-profit Friends of 'Iolani Palace. It is open to the public with admission charges, offering guided and self-guided (audio) tours of the restored royal apartments and state rooms; tours are popular and often best reserved in advance, and hours vary, so checking ahead is recommended.

As a sacred and historically sensitive site to Native Hawaiians, the palace asks visitors to dress and behave respectfully, follow rules on photography and the use of protective floor coverings, and treat the building, grounds and its history with dignity.