Iolani Palace
About
Step into Hawaiian royalty at America's only royal palace, where kids can explore opulent throne rooms, see actual crowns and jewels, and learn about King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani. The beautifully restored palace offers an engaging glimpse into Hawaii's unique monarchy history through guided tours that bring the stories of Hawaiian kings and queens to life.
Highlights
- ✓The spectacular Throne Room with red velvet thrones and ornate gold décor
- ✓Viewing the original Hawaiian crown jewels and royal regalia
- ✓The grand Koa wood staircase that was once reserved only for royalty
- ✓Learning about Hawaii's only reigning queen, Queen Liliʻuokalani, and her story
- ✓Exploring the beautiful palace grounds with banyan trees and historic Coronation Pavilion
Pro Tips
- 1.Book guided tours online in advance as they sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist season and school holidays
- 2.Start with the free basement gallery exhibits first,kids can learn background about Hawaiian monarchy without tour pressure
- 3.Tours require shoe covers (booties) over footwear to protect historic floors, which kids often find fun and novel
- 4.Visit the palace grounds and Coronation Pavilion for free if your children are too young for the formal tour
- 5.Audio tours are available for older kids who prefer self-paced exploration over guided groups
Best Time to Visit
Visit Tuesday or Wednesday mornings when tour groups are smaller and kids are fresher. The first tour of the day (9:00 AM) offers the quietest experience before afternoon crowds arrive and temperatures rise.
What to Know
Admission includes guided tour (around $27 for adults, $6 for children 5-12). Street parking is limited, but there are paid parking lots within walking distance. No food is available on-site, so eat before or after your visit.
Seasonal Notes
Closed Sundays and Mondays year-round. Tours run Tuesday through Saturday regardless of season. Summer months (June-August) see the highest visitor numbers. The palace hosts special cultural events throughout the year, including King Kamehameha Day celebrations in June.
Nearby Eats
Head to Highway Inn (five minutes away) for authentic Hawaiian comfort food including kid-friendly kalua pork and poi, or try Lillha Bakery for local pastries and simple lunch options that kids will enjoy.
More Activities Near Honolulu
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Bishop Museum
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Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA)
The Honolulu Museum of Art offers a refreshing cultural escape with over 50,000 artworks spanning centuries and cultures, plus serene courtyard gardens where kids can decompress between galleries. Best of all, admission is completely free for visitors under 18, making this an affordable way to introduce children to world-class art without the pressure of pricey tickets.
Children's Discovery Center
The Children's Discovery Center in Honolulu is a hands-on wonderland where keiki (kids) can explore Hawaiian culture, science concepts, and imaginative play through interactive exhibits. With its impressive 4.6-star rating from over 700 families, this indoor museum provides a perfect air-conditioned escape from Hawaii's heat while keeping little ones engaged and learning through play.