Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace at 364 South King Street in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii, is the only official royal residence in the United States. Completed in 1882 under King Kalakaua, the building is an American Florentine design, with wide verandas, cast-iron columns and a grand koa staircase. It served as the seat of the Hawaiian monarchy until the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893, and the queen was later imprisoned in an upstairs room. The palace later housed territorial and state government offices before being restored as a museum. Visitors tour the Throne Room, the Blue Room, the State Dining Room, the Music Room and the private royal suites upstairs, with period furniture, portraits and royal regalia on display. Tours are docent-led or self-guided with an audio device, and visitors wear shoe coverings to protect the floors. The grounds, which are free, include the Coronation Pavilion, the royal barracks and a large banyan tree, and they make good photo subjects from the front gate along King Street. The best photo angle for the full facade is from the lawn near the gate. The Iolani Barracks and basement galleries hold exhibits about the monarchy and the palace's restoration. A typical visit takes one to one and a half hours. Tours run Tuesday through Saturday, with the ticket office open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and docent-led tickets are sold online and often sell out, so weekday mornings are the best bet for availability and smaller groups. Crowds peak on weekends and when cruise ships are in port. Docent-led tours cost $32.95 for adults, $29.95 for teens 13 to 17 and $14.95 for youths 5 to 12, while the self-led audio tour is priced lower. Interior photography rules apply, and visitors should confirm them at the ticket desk.