The focus of Honolulu's civic centre is the Iolani Palace it is now a museum but was the official residence of King Kalakaua and his successor Queen Lili'uokalani, the last monarchs of Hawaii. It was completed in 1882 and is the only royal palace in the United States. In 1893, the monarchy came to an end when Queen Lili'uokalani was forced from her throne by a group of American businessmen. The Queen, in order to avoid blood shed, was forced to surrender. In a further humiliating move she was subsequently tried for treason and imprisoned in the palace. The palace became the Capitol first for the Republic, then for the Territory, after it was annexed by the United States and later for the State of Hawaii. The palace was restored to its former glory in 1969. The palace grounds include: the Coronation Pavilion, where the Royal Hawaiian Band plays on Friday's at 12:15: the Iolani Barracks and the Royal Tomb, which until 1865 housed the remains of King Kamehameha II and Queen Kamamalu who both died of measles in England. The popular TV series Hawaii 50 used opening and closing shots of the palace to depict their fictional police head quarters.

Honolulu Iolani Palace Opening Times Tuesday to Saturday 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Guided Tours Call (808) 532 1050 for information