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Iolani Palace

364 South King Street, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96813
808 522 0822
Website
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As featured in 3 days in Honolulu
Ranked #15 of 141 attractions in Honolulu
Type: Historic Sites, Specialty Museums, History Museums
Fee: Yes
Recommended length of visit: 1-2 hours
Traveler Description: The Iolani Palace is one of the most impressive structures in Honolulu and holds much of the state's history in its walls.  The Palace was the... more »
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707 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
New Orleans, LA, Los Angeles, CA
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013 NEW

Magnificently restored, audio tours, confiscated artifacts and furniture have been brought back to their rightful home. Provides a disquieting, enlightening window on the USA's empire-building.

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Toronto, Canada
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013 NEW

We did this yesterday and I have to say that we really enjoyed it. We are both history fans and the tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly. The palace is very small compared to European standards. The cultural aspect was interesting and we learned quite a bit. The signage is there when you first enter the grounds. The tickets are... More

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See 2 more reviews by peterpel for Honolulu
Hudson, Ohio
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

I have lived a LOT of places. My mother was Hawaiian, I was raised in my youth in Hawaii, half of my family are still local Hawaiians -and thus, more so than I. I have never been a fanatical sports fan, but I have seen them. I have never met an Ohioan (where I currently reside) that can tell me... More

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See 3 more reviews by missywould for Honolulu
Orlando, Florida
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013 NEW

The Palace was ok but only if you need to fill in some time. All depends upon how big of a world traveler you are. If this is a first trip anywhere, then definitely go see it, but if you have been around, it is a skip.

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See 5 more reviews by L R for Honolulu
Los Angeles
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013

I didn't visit the palace until my 3rd trip to Oahu, and I'm glad I finally made the time. I did the taped tour on my own, which I prefer to having to keep up with a guide. I would suggest doing the palace in conjunction with the nearby mission houses museum and Kawaiahao church. That way you get at... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by USC-Gal for Honolulu
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
61 reviews 61 reviews
29 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2013

Although its off the beaten track the trolley buses stop near it. The grounds are brilliant and so is the palace. It's such a historical building and shouldn't be missed!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 6 more reviews by Ellemmeff for Honolulu
Springfield, Missouri
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2013

To get a better understanding of Hawaii's history, the Palace is a place to start. The Palace is beautiful. We took the self-guided tour. The price for the tour is very reasonable. The Palace is furnished with historically correct artifacts. The story of the Qween after the King dies is very touching. We found the staff very helpful and polite.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 5 more reviews by Kewpiegirl for Honolulu
Saskatchewan
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
27 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2013

Although time did not allow us to take the interior tour of the palace, it was an interesting icon to visit and the photos will definitely be included in our album of our visit to Oahu.

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See 11 more reviews by Prairie_Dusters for Honolulu
Littleton, Colorado
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

We walked all around the building before we figured out that the office to buy tickets were in another building with no signs. Then there were no directions or signs of where to go in. Tours were sold out before we got there in the morning. The audio tour was interesting though, but I wouldn't go again. And there is... More

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See 4 more reviews by Kathy M for Honolulu
Fairfax, Virginia
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

This is a must for anyone that believes in understanding the place they visit and respecting the locals. You can begin to understand the "Real Hawaii" untill you've visitied the Palace.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 2 more reviews by HawaiiNCaribbean for Honolulu

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