Hawaii’s Iolani Palace

HAWAII’S IOLONI PALACE

A ROYAL RESIDENCE ON AMERICAN SOIL

by Elizabeth Kelly

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TO VISIT A ROYAL RESIDENCE, you don’t need to go to Buckingham Palace in England. To see a grand building in Italian Renaissance style, you don’t have to travel to Rome either. In fact, you don’t even have to leave United States soil. The Iolani Palace in Honolulu, Hawaii is the only official royal residence in America, and today it houses a museum that attracts 100,000 visitors a year. If you’re traveling to Hawaii, you won’t want to miss the only example of American Florentine architecture in the entire world.

The History of the Iolani Palace The palace was originally built by King David Kalakaua to replace the previous Iolani Palace, which was in disrepair. The first royal resdence was more of house than an actual palace, but it had been the most stately home in the city of Honolulu. The palace commissioned by Kink Kalakaua, though, is a four-story palatial building in Italian Renaissance style, with Corinthian columns, imposing gates, carved wood paneling, and stained glass facades.

When completed in 1882, the total bill came to $360,000, a sum which nearly bankrupted the local government. The government paid the tab, though, as they wanted to ensure Hawaii’s reputation as a modern nation. Having a lavish palace helped establish Hawaii as an up-and-coming nation on the international scene.

Iolani Palace didn’t just stand out because of its unusual architecture. It was also the

first building in Hawaii to have electricity. You might be surprised to learn that the Hawaiian royal residence had electric lights before either the White House or even Buckingham Palace became electrified. While Queen Victoria was going to bed by candlelight, King Kalakaua and his wife flipped a light switch.

Royals continued to live in the Iolani Palace for eleven years, until the fall of the monarchy of Hawaii, when Queen Liliuokalani was deposed. When the kingdom was overthrown in 1893, the Queen and all of the currently residing royals were evicted from the palace. Today, it stands as a reminder of Hawaii’s grand monarchy period, and tourists can still get a vivid glimpse of the days before the islands became America’s fiftieth state. Touring the Palace You might be disappointed to learn that you can’t tour the entire museum and grounds on your own, as guided tours are the only way to see the entire palace. Don’t despair, though, as you’ll find the tour guides to be both entertaining and knowledgeable. You might feel like you’re in Japan, as you will be required to put on a pair of booties to walk across the beautiful palace floors. Audio tours allow for self-guided walks, The museum’s galleries can be toured alone, so if you are interested primarily in the artifacts and collections of the Iolani Palace, you can skip the grounds and the visits to the stately rooms and go straight for the treasures. A guided tour is highly recommended, though, as some of the home’s highlights are its lavish private rooms.

Highlights of the Iolani Palace Museum While the entire palace is not-to-be-missed, there are several bright spots on the tour. The two-story staircase is the only one of its kind you’re likely to see, carved completely out of local koa wood. The Throne Room, the King’s Library and the Dining Room are some of the rooms that have been restored to their former glory, complete with luxurious furnishings and chandeliers (some of the palace’s rooms remain unfurnished). The highlight of the gallery tour is the chance to see the actual royal crowns, personal relics of Hawaii’s former monarchy. Museum Information The palace is located at South King and Richards Street in downtown Honolulu. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children between 5 and 13. Children under 5 are not admitted, so you will need to hire a sitter or make alternate plans for half the family if you are traveling together (a distinct downside). You must call ahead to reserve a tours, which take place Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:15 pm. Admission is not allowed without a booked reservation, so be sure to call ahead, 808-522-0832.

The Iolani Palace is a chance to glimpse a part of our country’s diverse culture that you won’t

get to see in any other part of the United States.

It’s also a chance to see the stately side of Hawaii’s

history, which stands in stark contrast to the

island luaus and party scene. While it’s definitely

a downside that you can’t take your smaller

children, families with older ones will enjoy the

chance to experience the culture and history of

the island in such stunning surroundings. n

Bink Steinbach Over 20 years of Real Estate experience in and around the Washington County area. Lifetime resident of Washington County ~ Lake home specialist ~ Dedicated to serving your needs 262-707-1155 ~ www.BinkSteinbach.firstweber.com ~ bsteinbach@firstweber.com

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