ʻIolani Palace Grounds Walking Tour
The last official residence of the Hawaiian Monarchy.
Before there was a palace on this wahipana or historical site, this 11 acre parcel of land according to legend once somewhere held a shrine to Ka’ahupahau, the female shark akua or deity that once protected O’ahu’s bays. This ʻahu or shrine was later turned into a heiau by the name of Kaʻahaimauli, before again being converted into a heiau dedicated to Lono. After the collapse of the Kapu or Hawaiian religious system in 1819, the land was cleared of the heiau and became frequented by travelers and missionaries.
Here is what you will see and learn about:
Audio Samples
Listen to clips from a few of the chapters
Chapters
Each chapter corresponds to a location on the map below. Each chapter is 1-5min.
- King Kamehameha III: Kauikeaouli Gate
- Norfolk Pine Tree
- Pohukaina
- Sovereignty ʻAhu
- Likelike Gate
- Kanaʻina Building
- Paepaekapu-o-Līloa
- Kekauluohi or “New Archives Building”
- Banyan Court
- Spirit of Liliʻuokalanin Statue
- Hakaleleponi Gate
- John Dominis Gate
- ʻIolani Barracks
- Kīnaʻu Gate
- Kukui Nut Tree
- Coronation Pavilion
- Royal Palms
About this walking tour
- Starts at the gate facing king street, named Kauikeouli gate after Kamehameha III
- Walk around the palace, but not inside. Distance is about 0.5 mile.
- Street parking available as indicated by city signs
- 17 points to learn about on this tour
- Donʻt forget sun protection
Why Download our Walking Tour
