Description: While in Honolulu, don’t miss the opportunity to visit America’s only royal palace. In addition to strolling through historical halls, you’ll experience an eye-opening glimpse into the last days of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
Built in 1882 by Hawaii’s final King, David Kalakaua, the palace has gone through many changes over the years. After the siege in 1893, it was used as headquarters of the provisional government and later as State headquarters, complete with Government Issue paint. All the glorious furnishings had been sold at auction and had to be recovered bit by bit once the new State Capitol was built and the Friends of `Iolani began their meticulous restoration.
In spite of the indecencies of the past, modern visitors are urged to offer the appropriate level of respect in this resting grounds of ali`i. An aura of hushed dignity also extends to touring the interior of the palace. Visitors are only allowed into the hallowed halls of the main structure twelve at a time accompanied by trained docents. Volunteer guides enthusiastically regale guests with historical facts, surprising anecdotes and detailed descriptions of the palace contents.
The Grand Tour, ($20) begins when a lovely wahine ushers the group through the palace grounds. After pointing out the coronation pavilion, the royal burial plots and various fragrant flowering trees, she leads guests to the steps of the verandah, where the docent begins his work. Pointing out the building’s exquisite exterior elements imported from around the world- the carved facade, the etched glass windows - he describes the unique mingling of native themes with popular turn-of-the-century styling brought from European courts.
Then visitors don protective booties and step inside. The State Dining room is set for a lavish dinner, with a 12-course menu that would shame a modern host. The Throne Room, enormous enough to house a grand ball, is replete with lavish red thrones rivaling a European 16th century court. The Blue Room, the setting for political debates and royal receptions has been meticulously restored. A crystal chandelier, recovered in sections from various owners who bought it at the infamous auction following the overthrown in 1893, shines overhead.
The palace is filled with gifts from dignitaries and foreign royals and brilliant portraits of the royal family and many delegates who enjoyed Aloha as the guests of King David and Queen Kapi`olani. The intimate poker room in the turret was a favored hangout for Robert Louis Stevenson and other notables of the era.
King David built `Iolani to show the world that Hawaii was no longer an isolated, primitive society. In his "American Florentine" palace, he installed electric lights and telephones before Buckingham Palace and the White House had them. But what he is most remembered for is his graciousness and merriment. He embraced people of all cultures on his trips around the globe while promoting and honoring his own Kingdom and culture, making David a King in the truest sense of the word, and `Iolani a palace fit for such a King.
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