Iolani Palace

The Basics

You can opt for guided or self-guided tours of the American Florentine-style palace, including the throne room and dining room; hear stories of the lavish royal functions that took place here; walk the palace’s expansive grounds; and see the royal jewels, including swords and crowns.

Many historical and cultural tours of Oahu include visits to Iolani Palace, including other must-sees such as Pearl Harbor, with added cultural context. Waikiki hop-on hop-off bus and trolley tours stop at the palace. Admission to Iolani Palace is included with the Go Oahu Card.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Iolani Palace is a must for those interested in Hawaiian history and culture.

• Reservations are required for guided tours, and walk-ins are welcome for self-guided tours. Both tours run between 60 and 90 minutes.

• Children under 5 years old are free, and must be in an infant carrier or safely strapped into a palace-provided stroller.

• The palace is considered a sacred place by locals, and guests are asked to dress appropriately. Shoes and shirts are required for entry; swimsuits and profanity on clothing are not permitted.

• Large bags, luggage, food, drinks, flash photography, video recording, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted.

• The entire palace complex is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Only manual wheelchairs are permitted; guests who would like a free loaner wheelchair should reserve one in advance.

How to Get There

Iolani Palace is located in downtown Honolulu, about 5.5 miles (8.8 kilometers) from Honolulu International Airport. It is easily accessible by car and bus from Waikiki and other parts of Oahu. Street parking is very limited, and there is a parking garage nearby.

When to Go

The palace is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, with the last entry at 3:30pm. The Royal Hawaiian Band presents free concerts on the palace grounds most Fridays at 12pm. Other live music and special events take place at the museum throughout the year; check the website for updates and schedules.

Historic Honolulu Walking Tour

Located in Oahu’s historic center, Iolani Palace is walking distance from the State Capitol, Chinatown, the golden King Kamehameha I statue, the Hawaii Art Museum, and other historical landmarks. Many outfitters offer historical walking tours of the area, which provide a deeper understanding of the state’s political and cultural history.

What is Iolani Palace and why is it significant?

Iolani Palace was once the royal residence in Honolulu, where Queen Lili‘uokalani, the last monarch of Hawaii, lived and reigned. The monarchy was overthrown in 1893, but the palace remains for visitors to see and explore its history. It is the only official royal palace within the US.

Can you tour Iolani Palace, and what are the options?

Yes, you can tour Iolani Palace and there are various options available. Through the palace directly, you can book tours with a palace docent or self-guided audio tours, plus an array of tours focussing on specific areas of interest. The palace features on the itineraries of many local-area tours, often combined with other nearby attractions.

How much does it cost to visit Iolani Palace?

Tickets for self-guided audio tours of Iolani Palace are about US$27 for an adult and US$12 for kids under 12. Docent-led tours are more expensive—adult tickets are about US$33, while children under 12 are US$15. Kids under 5 are free, but note that personal strollers are not allowed inside—small children must be in a carrier, or can sit in a stroller provided by the palace free of charge.

What are the opening hours of Iolani Palace?

The opening hours of Iolani Palace are from 9am to 4pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays. The palace is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so if you’re hoping to plan a weekend visit, be sure to book ahead for Saturday.

What should visitors expect to see inside Iolani Palace?

Some of the Iolani Palace’s main highlights include the king’s library, the throne room, the grand hall, the queen’s bedroom, the music room, and the Imprisonment Room, where Queen Liliʻuokalani was held after her conviction.

How long does a typical visit to Iolani Palace take?

If you’re exploring the interior of Iolani Palace, either during a docent-led tour or on the self-guided audio tour, you’ll want to plan about 1.5-2 hours for your visit. However, you can make a quick stop to see the exterior and pop into the palace shop, if short on time.

Ways to explore

You must book timed admission online in advance to go inside the Iolani Palace. Plan to spend 60 to 90 minutes touring. Choose between a self-guided audio tour or a docent-led experience that explores the palace’s staterooms, private quarters, and basement galleries. Audio tours allow for a flexible pace, while guided tours offer historical context from trained volunteers.

Iolani Palace is often included on walking tours of Honolulu, highlighting key government buildings and cultural landmarks. These tours may stop outside the palace to share historical insights or offer the option to go inside.

Accessibility

All parts of Iolani Palace and the adjacent Barracks are wheelchair accessible. Motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs are not permitted inside, but standard wheelchairs are available free on a first-come, first-served basis—reserve one in advance when purchasing tickets.

Age limits

Children under age 5 are free but must remain in a front-held carrier, in a palace-provided stroller, or hold an adult's hand at all times; personal strollers are not allowed.

What to pack

Personal items should be minimal. Large bags, backpacks, and food or beverages are not permitted inside the palace to preserve the artifacts and maintain flow.

What to wear

Shirts and shoes are required, and visitors must wear the shoe coverings provided by the Palace. Beachwear, bathing suits, or clothing with profanity are not permitted.

Not allowed

Flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks, clothing with profanity, personal strollers

Amenities

Restrooms and a gift shop are located at the visitor center in the Barracks.

Address

Situated in downtown Honolulu, Iolani Palace is centrally located and easy to reach, whether you’re exploring on foot, combining it with other downtown sights, or joining a cultural walking tour.

Driving

Driving to the palace is possible, but street parking is limited and often time-restricted. It’s generally more convenient to use a nearby parking garage or rely on rideshare services for direct drop-off near the grounds.

Public transportation

From Waikiki, take TheBus 2 or 13 toward downtown and get off at S King St + Punchbowl St or Queen St + Alakea St; it’s about a 5‑minute walk to the palace. Routes 1, 3, A (and at times 7, 20, 42) also serve these stops—check live times before you go.

Best times to visit

Visiting around the time doors open (9am) offers quieter galleries and fewer crowds.

Best days to visit

Plan your visit Tuesday through Saturday, when guided tours and self-led audio tours are available. The palace is closed on Sundays and Mondays, except for special events such as Kamaʻaina Sundays.

Best months to visit

Honolulu’s pleasant weather makes the palace a year-round attraction, but shoulder seasons from fall through spring (outside peak tourist and festival periods) tend to be more leisurely for walking tours and palace exploration.

Special events

On the second Sunday of each month, Kamaʻāina Sundays offer free admission and cultural activities for Hawaiʻi residents—complete with tours, workshops, and light refreshments.