The only royal residence in the US is located on this Hawaiian Island

There is only one official royal palace in the entire United States, and it's on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Built in 1882, Iolani Palace is where the last ruling monarchs – King Kalakaua, his wife Queen Kapiolani and his sister Queen Liliuokalani – lived until the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893.

Driving through downtown Honolulu, it's hard to miss Iolani Palace, with its regal exterior, especially when lit up at night. Situated on a sprawling lawn, it features Gothic and Italian Renaissance touches, with open verandas and corner towers. King Kalakaua is said to have been inspired by the grand palaces of Europe when designing his own in the islands.

To this day, the palace endures as one of the most important historical sites on Oahu.

Location

Honolulu, Oahu

Why it matters

Now a national historic landmark, Iolani Palace encapsulates some of the important moments in Hawaiian history, from the height of the Hawaiian Kingdom to its tragic end.

During Kalakaua's reign, Hawaii flourished as a vibrant, cosmopolitan society. The royals supported innovation, diplomatic relations and arts and culture. They traveled around the world, held galas and wrote songs. The palace itself was ahead of its time, even equipped with electricity, a telephone and indoor plumbing five years before the White House.

It's also where the kingdom faced its darkest hour: the overthrow and imprisonment of Queen Liliuokalani. In 1893, American businessmen who had their eyes set on annexation staged a coup with the support of U.S. Marines, and she was forced to abdicate her throne. Two years later, a group of Hawaiian royalists held an armed revolt to restore the monarchy, and the provisional government blamed her for the violence. Tried and convicted for misprision of treason, she was locked away in her bedroom in the palace for eight months.

What to see today

To visit the palace is like stepping back in time, both celebratory and more somber. It was restored to its former glory after almost 80 years of being used as a government building by the provisional government.

From the lavish crimson carpets to the crystal chandeliers and grand koa wood staircase, it's difficult not to feel in awe of the palace. You can wander through their chambers and take in details as small as the royal's fine China and sheet music that they composed.

Visitors are also welcome to the room Liliuokalani occupied during her imprisonment. On display, there is a patchwork quilt the queen made out of her clothing to document her sentence.

Ask a local

Iolani Palace is close to Honolulu's historic Chinatown, a blend of longstanding Chinese eateries and more modern local shops and restaurants. It's a compact neighborhood, comprising around 15 walkable blocks home to early 20th-century buildings. Come hungry, because there are Chinese bakeries, noodle shops, small vendors and many other affordable bites.

Plan your visit

• Best time: The palace is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., and closed on holidays.
• Hours/admission: Admission costs depend on what type of tour you choose, with a self-guided audio tour being the cheapest at $28 per adult, up to an intimate and more detailed two-hour White Glove Tour for $127 per adult.
• Getting there: Iolani Palace is located at 364 S King St., Honolulu, HI, 96813. Only street parking is available.
• Learn more: Additional details on how to book your tour can be found at iolanipalace.org.