ʻIolani Barracks

ʻIolani Barracks is a coral block structure in downtown Honolulu featuring castle-like design with crenelated walls, towers, and an open courtyard at its center. Rooms surrounding the courtyard were built for military functions and remain visible today.

The building was constructed in 1870 and housed members of the Royal Guard until the Hawaiian monarchy fell in 1893. It marked an important development in the kingdom's military infrastructure during a period of significant political change.

The building shows how European military design was adapted using local coral blocks, reflecting a blend of foreign influence and Hawaiian building practices. Visitors can see this fusion in the structure's fortress-like appearance combined with materials sourced from the island itself.

The site now functions as a visitor center for the adjacent palace, offering a gift shop, ticket office, and indoor video theater for guests. The courtyard area has limited shade, so visiting during cooler parts of the day is advisable.

In the 1960s, the entire structure was carefully taken apart stone by stone and rebuilt in its current location to make room for other development. This major relocation preserved a building that the city considered worth saving despite the challenges involved.

Location: Honolulu

Inception: 1870

Architects: Theodore Heuck

GPS coordinates: 21.30750,-157.85889

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:08