ʻIolani Palace, Royal palace museum in downtown Honolulu, United States
ʻIolani Palace is a 19th-century royal residence in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii. The two-story building combines European architectural elements with Hawaiian motifs, wide verandas, and a square footprint around a central courtyard.
King Kalākaua commissioned the palace in 1879 as the residence of the Hawaiian monarchy and equipped it with electric lighting and telephones. Queen Liliʻuokalani was held there following the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893.
The Hawaiian name means "hawk of heaven," a reference to the royal bird believed to watch over the kingdom. Visitors walk through rooms where the monarchy received dignitaries from Europe, Asia, and North America during the late 1800s.
Visitors can explore the grounds on foot or join guided tours of the interior offered on several weekdays. Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended, as protective shoe covers must be worn inside to protect the wooden floors.
The palace was one of the first buildings in Hawaii with electric lights, indoor toilets, and telephones, installed before the White House. The royal crown jewels, including crowns and scepters made with gold and Hawaiian feathers, are displayed today in museum cases.
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