The official residence of King David Kalakaua and his sister
and successor Queen Lili'uokalani who was the last ruling Hawaiian
monarch. Built in 1882, the Palace is the only Royal residence in
the United states and, among other things, carries the distinction
of having telephone and electricity installed before the White House.
Queen Lili'uokalani was deposed and the Hawaiian monarchy overthrown
in 1893. The Queen was imprisoned in the Palace for 8 months and charged
with treason for attempting to restore Hawaii's sovereignty. My
grandfather reportedly was a member of the Queen's guard and fought against
the overthrow of the monarchy.
The Palace served as capitol for the Provisional Government, Territory and
State of Hawaii until 1969 when the Palace was vacated and restoration begun.
The Palace is now a museum under the direction of the Friends of 'Iolani Palace.