"Io" is the name of the Hawaiian Hawk, a local bird that flies higher than the rest. "Lani" denotes heavenly or royal.
The Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu is the residence of the last reigning King of the Hawaiian Kingdom. King David Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani lived at the Iolani Palace during the late 1800's. King Kalakaua was descended from the Chiefs of Kona, who aided Kamehameha I in his conquests and in the consolidation of the Hawaiian Islands into one kingdom. Upon the death of King Kalakaua in 1891, his sister, Queen Liliuokalani was proclaimed queen on January 29, 1891. Queen Liliuokalani is Hawaii's first female monarch.
 King David Kalakaua |  Queen Liliuokalani |
The Iolani Palace is the official residence of the Hawaiian Monarchy and the only royal palace in the United States of America. The land around Iolani holds significance dating back to ancient Hawaiian culture. The palace grounds are thought to have been the site of an ancient heiau (place of worship) and today serves as a reminder of the times when The Kingdom of Hawaii was a sovereign nation. The Iolani Palace opened to the public in 1978 after structural restoration of the building was completed. Iolani holds a wealth of information and is an amazing place to visit to broaden your knowledge of the Hawaiian Islands and it's unique culture.
The ticket office is located in the Iolani Barracks on the Palace Grounds. Tickets may be purchased there Monday-Saturday from 8:30am-4pm. To make reservations, please call 808-522-0832 or 808-522-0823 or contact the Iolani staff online. For pre-recorded tour information call 808-538-1471.
Below is an image of one of the crests that appear on the gates at the Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu on the island of Oahu.
Below is an image of one of the crests that appear on the gates at the Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu on the island of Oahu.
"Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono" / "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."
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