‘Iolani Palace, built in 1882 by King Kalakaua, is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful and heartbreaking landmarks. Following the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the palace was initially used as an American government capitol building for over seventy years until the construction of the state capitol building in 1969. The Palace fell into disarray and destruction. Efforts by The Friends of ‘Iolani Palace, which was founded by Liliuokalani Kawananakoa Morris, (the grandniece of Queen Kapiolani) restored the palace to as close to its former glory as possible. Some of the contents of the Palace that were sold, stolen and dispersed across the globe were returned. The palace was reopened to the public in 1978.
The first floor holds the Grand Hall, State Dining Room, Blue Room, and the Throne Room. The second floor holds the King’s and Queen’s suites, Music Room, and the Imprisonment Room.
You enter the palace into the Grand Hall. The hall is lined with the portraits of the Hawaiian monarchs in their respective order of rule. The staircase is the only original woodwork from the original construction of the palace. The Throne room is embellished with refurbished velvet chairs, large mirrors, and emblems of foreign leaders that were gifted to the King. The Royal crown and scepter are also on display. Grand balls and receptions were often held in this room. Nearing the end of the monarchy, Queen Lili’uokalani was tried in this room.
The room in the back corner of the second floor is a place that represents a heartbreaking and painful history. Queen Lili’uokalani, the last monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, was held under house arrest in this room following her usurpation. In trying to regain control of her country and fight for the rights of her people, she was wrongfully imprisoned and illegally overthrown. The only item in this room today is the quilt she created during her time under house arrest.
‘Iolani Palace is a place of beauty and a reminder of a history that will never be forgotten.
Deeper Than Paradie 