I've visited the palace many times in my life... several times on school field trips and many times showing my mainland friends a bit of Hawai'i history. ^.^ I've taken countless pictures (some here) and of course have idolized the architecture!
Everyone is invited to check out the Iolani Palace website and learn a little bit about the history, tragedy and splendor that is the Hawai'i Royals.
Here are some pictures of the palace. Keep in mind they allow photography only in certain places, and only under guarded supervision so was to preserve the use and image of the Hawaiian Monarchy.
Taken in 1982. the front doors of the palace. I had to enhance the image a little bit because it was dark. Notice the scroll work around the door frame, it is done in plaster. The doors themselves are made of solid Koa, a native and rare wood in Hawai'i. The curtains are crocheted, by hand (not machine).
Also taken in 1982, the throne room. It was really looking that shabby too. The palace and its contents had fallen into decay by neglect and misuse. At one point, the palace had been closed due to vandalism. During the late 80's, you had to make a reservation and get approval to even get entrance into the Palace... sad closer inspection of the carpet and curtains behind the throne shows thread-bare areas. it was really sad.
Te wrought-iron gates of the palace sports an iron plaque with the royal crest. It is periodically stripped and repainted by the Friends of I'olani, the non-profit organization taking care of the palace and grounds by lease from the state.
During the 90's, the palace underwent huge renovations and restorations. The most anyone say of the palace was the exterior...
The gazebo on the grounds was built specifically for the Royal Hawaiian Band which plays there periodically. The curvature of the dome is not only mathematically but acoustically perfect for amplifying any sound from the floor. this structure is commonly called the bandstand. The RHB usually plays for free during the lunch hour on Fridays. When I worked in the downtown area, I would take my lunch there on the lawn and listen to the band. ^.^
The lamps outside of the palace used to hold candles, then burned natural gas, and now have been outfitted for electricity. They are the original lamp posts otherwise.
As part of the multi-million dollar restoration of the palace, the columns had been re-plastered and carved to mimic the original castings. The archways all around the wrap-around lanai (porch) were completely restored.
Detail of column re-plastering. You can also see a hint of the ceiling plaster work, which was also restored to its original glory.
Detail of the ceiling plaster work restored to its original glory. Keep in mind, in Victorian architecture, moldings and trimmings like these were the standard.
Restored to wonderful glory! The palace's Grande Hall. When visiting, you have to take off your shoes and wear booties! this protects the 1/2" thick finish and waxing to the koa wood plank flooring. the banister, stairs and railing are all made from native woods (mango, banyan, guava) and polished to shine.
People are not allowed to enter the throne room - so as to preserve the original carpeting (still there) which has been slowly and meticulously repaired to the best of the artisans' ability. Note a lot of the trimmings have been removed. They now reside in the Basement Gallery in preserved cases for their protection.
