`Iolani Palace: The Only Royal Palace on American Soil

A remnant of the Hawaiian monarchy, `Iolani Palace stands out as a place of beauty and power, the sole official dwelling place of royalty in the United States. In its time `Iolani Palace has been much more than just the seat of royalty. After the fall of the monarchy in 1893 it became the center of the provisional Republican government, the seat of the territorial government and the seat of the state government of Hawai’i until 1969 when the Hawaiian capitol building was built. Once the state government had moved from the Palace, it was restored to its original state under the monarchy and has become a museum attracting visitors all over the world.

The Hawaiian Monarchy

The Hawaiian monarchy was born in 1795 when Kamehameha I, chief of the island of Hawai’i, united the islands under his authority. After a violent struggle he had united all the islands save one, Kaua’I, which would not be incorporated into the kingdom until 1810.

The island of Oahu played a central role in the monarchy. It served as Kamehameha’s base of operations for many years, although he would eventually return to his home island of Hawai’i. After Kamehameha’s death in 1819, it would become the center of Hawaiian government. The first palace of the monarchy was built on Oahu, originally named Hale Ali’i (House of the Chief). This was changed by King Kamehameha V, who renamed it `Iolani Palace in memory of his late brother. This palace was demolished in 1874.