2 of 5

Write now Article Tools

Review of Iolani Palace

America has always been fascinated with royalty. Whether Princess Grace of Monaco, Princess Diana of England, or King Hussein of Jordan, we've read their stories, watched their visits, and wondered what it would be like to be royalty. With the addition of Hawaii as a state in 1959, the U.S. has its own royalty history with kings and queens who ruled the island kingdom. Two monarchs, King David Kalakaua and Queen Lili'uokalani lived in Iolani Palace until the monarchy was overthrown in 1893.

The first Iolani Palace which was fairly modest was inhabited by King Kamehameha V and demolished in 1874. The new king, Monarch King David Kalakaua, the first king to visit the U.S. and to circumnavigate the globe, was known as a great patron of the arts and a wonderful host. So when he began construction of the new Iolani Palace in 1879, he wanted a home that would represent the grandeur of Hawaii's past and the rich architecture of Europe.

Kalakaua spared no expense in its construction (over $360,000) and nearly bankrupt the government in the three year building process. He imported expensive woods like ebony, mahogany, and redwood, slate for the roof, and installed every modern convenience indoor, plumbing, electric lights, and telephones. The palace was considered the Chateau de Versailles of Hawaii and became the political and social center of the sovereign island nation. Unfortunately, the king only ruled for 11 years until 1893. After that, the building was used as the capitol building for the Provisional Government, then the Republic, then the Territory, and finally the State of Hawaii until 1969. In 1978, the palace was opened to the public as a museum.

If you visit Iolani Palace today, you'll see its fine architecture known as American Florentine. On the first floor, there is a magnificent staircase of koa wood. The staircase faces the Grand Hall, The Throne Room, the Blue Meeting Room, and the Dining Room. The private bedrooms and library of the Hawaiian monarchs are upstairs. Also upstairs is the small room where Queen Lili uokalani was imprisoned after the second Wilcox rebellion. A quilt she made is still there. In the basement, there are displays of photographs of the palace, the Hawaiian crown jewels, and other regalia worn by the high chiefs of the islands.

On January 17, 1993, the Iolani Palace was the site of a massive observation marking the 100th anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarch. In April of

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Museum reviews: Iolani Palace, Honolulu, HI?
We want to hear your view. Write now!