Iolani Palace in Honolulu, Hawaii: Part 1

Constructed between 1879-1882, the Iolani Palace in Honolulu was the official residence of the royal family of Hawaii until the monarchy was overthrown in 1893. The palace is the only official state residence of royalty located on US soil and features decorative plaster ornamentation throughout the interior and a beautiful koa wood staircase in the grand hall. 

Iolani Palace ca. 1880s

Following the overthrow, the palace then served as the capitol building of the Provisional Government, Republic, Territory, and eventually the State of Hawaii up until 1969 when the new capitol was constructed. Today the Iolani Palace is a museum that's open for public tours and has been stunningly restored and maintained as a National Historic Site.

Iolani Barracks on the grounds of the Palace.