The Friends of Iolani Palace, a nonprofit citizens' organization, invites visitors to view the Iolani Palace in Honolulu by moonlight in honor of Queen Kapiolani’s birthday.
From December 29 - 30, the Iolani Palace will offer evening tours from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. each night, with the last tickets issued at 8:45 p.m. During the 2017 Queen Kapiolani Evening Tours, guests can take a step back in time and experience the palace as it was during the 19th century.
As the queen’s birthday takes place on December 31, the palace will be adorned with shimmering decorations and music will swell throughout the halls as it would at King Kalakaua’s holiday soirees.
To create an ambiance and atmosphere of court celebrations similar to those hosted during the height of the Hawaiian monarchy, entertainment will fill the rooms of the palace including pianist, Eric Shank and soloists from the Mae Z. Orvis Opera Studio of the Hawaii Opera Theatre serenading guests in the Blue Room.
In the Upper Hall, Puamana, Hoopono Wong and Kaiao Kaiao will perform songs written by Queen Kapiolani and Na Lani Eha, a name given to the four royal siblings – King Kalakaua, Queen Liliuokalani, Prince Leleiohoku and Princess Likelike – who were known for their talent at both composing and performing music.
Not only are the evening tours the only time guests can visit the palace at night, but it’s also a rare opportunity to ascend the famous koa staircase to the second floor and explore the palace to discover treasures of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
This year the exclusive evening tours will begin on Thursday, Dec. 28, with a VIP experience limited to 300 guests, featuring captivating live entertainment and delicious food courtesy of Pili Group and Young’s Market Company.
Tickets for the Thursday, Dec. 28, VIP tour experience is $95 for adults, $25 for children 5-12 years old, and free for 4-year-olds and under.
The tours will continue on Friday and Saturday evening with performances by Kamakakehau Fernandez, Kupaoa, Puamana, Iwalani Apo and many others, along with food for purchase courtesy of Burgers and Things.
A limited number of reserved tour times for $30 per person are available for the Dec. 29 and Dec. 30 evening tours.
Visit www.iolanipalace.org
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