We opted for the Grand Tour at this historic site. A beautiful edifice, very pleasing to look at, roomy, large, quite a blending of Italian and Tropical styles set on a beautiful landscaped area on the 'business end' of Honolulu. My 9 year old daughter was entranced with the really vivid descriptions that our tour leader provided of the history of the home and what each room signified. I would definitely do this again, but would go early in the morning as the tours throughout the day fill up the later you arrive there. Many of the rooms, however, are sparsely appointed with furnishings so be prepared to see some nice, but empty, old rooms. But still, the house itself is so influential in the Hawaiian culture that it would be one site not to miss. Be prepared for difficult parking, and running back to the parking meter to fill it with quarters to cover the 2 hours you need to do this attraction properly.

We loved the tour. I work for the National Park Service, and I think they are doing a good job in both curatorial and interpretive work. We learned more of the Hawaiian royalty history during this tour than we did in the whole week previous on the big island. It is very interesting. When I heard the stories of abuse the palace had endured, I was amazed that they have been able to restore it to such beauty. The Queen's quilt was a real high point for me. I will visit whenever I return to Honolulu--which will be regularly. Our whole trip was lovely!

Yes, you are still IN the USA. The statement that is made is that "this is the only royal palace on Americian soil" which is the truth. The building is a fine example of Florintine architecture. Iolani had indoor plumbing, electricity and even a phone system long before the rest of the nation. There is now a collection of artifacts in the renovated basement. As for the Five-0 reference. Yes, McGarrett's office was a soundstage certain scenes were filmed inside the palace.
The room which was used for this was the Queen's bedroom where Queen Lilokulani was held prisoner. In fact, the promo photos for Five-0 were taken at the King's desk which is inthe next room. Like it or not, Five-0 and the Palace are connected. The only thing I regret of the palace tour is that the docents stubbornly refuse to give reference to this. Aside from that I do indeed love the tour; guess this makes me a "lover of Hawaiiana".

I've been to Hawaii twice and visited all the islands. The entire chain of islands are beautiful. I did not think the Iolini Palace was a rip off as someone else wrote. I did not find one thing about Hawaii that I did not love. All the islands are beautiful. I can't wait to go back again.
Patricia