Originally names Hale Ali’i, the structure was renamed by King David Kalakaua in honor of King Kamehameha V, Alexander Liholiho I’olani. King Kalakaua and his Queen Kapi`olani was the first to call the palace their official home. Many state functions, and celebrations were held during this time along with official functions and ceremonies. During their reign the palace was filled with song and dance and was known to be the political, social and cultural center of the Hawaiian Kingdom. King Kalakaua died in 1891 and the throne passed to his sister Liliuokalani who was later imprisoned at the palace after forcibly abdicating her throne by a committee of foreign nationals, naturalized citizens and Americans.

The role of the Palace changed dramatically after the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The contents of the palace was sold at auction and the building became the headquarters for provisional, territorial and state government through 1969 when the Hawaii State Legislature moved to the newly completed Hawaii State Capitol building located just outside the palace grounds. Full restoration was completed in 1978, but restoration and efforts to find valuable Kingdom furnishings and objects auctioned away continues to this day.

The most public is the main floor, the official venue for state events, the upper level where the private residences are located and a basement where the kitchen, storage and staff offices were located. Several of the main floor and private suites are filled with artifacts, antiques, personal effects and paintings. All rooms are open to the public for viewing via guided tours that begin every 30 minutes throughout the day. The most popular room in the palace is the throne room. Done in gold and maroon it was the venue of many balls, receptions and celebrations as well as the site of Liluokalani’s trial. The most important room historically speaking is the imprisonment room where Queen Liliuokalani was held for five months. The other rooms contain wonderful treasures like the Grand Hall with a grand staircase made of Hawaiian hardwoods, the dining room filled with crystal and china and the Blue Room where royal portraits are on display. Also not to miss is a visit to the gallery. Located on the first floor, one can view the palace kitchen, history displays, royal crown and other royal jewelry and diplomatic orders and the priceless feather cloak of Kiwala’o.

Also located on the grounds is the Coronation Pavilion, which was built for the February 12, 1883 coronation of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi`olani, a fenced in mound, which marks burial sites of former Hawaiian chiefs the Hawaii Archives Building, I’olani Barracks and a huge banyan tree which is one the biggest in the state and a Kukui tree that was planted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 28, 1934.

Appropriate attire is expected when visiting the palace. Video and photographs of the palace interior is prohibited.

Written By: Lottie  Tagupa


Comments
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