An evening fit for a queen — Queen Kapiolani — at Honolulu’s royal palace

Oahu visitors can return to the era of Hawaiian royalty during rare evening tours of Honolulu’s Iolani Palace next Monday and Tuesday.

Once home to the island’s kings and queens, the palace in downtown Honolulu generally offers only daytime tours. But to celebrate the Dec. 31 anniversary of the birth of Queen Kapiolani in 1834, the palace will throw open its doors from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 28 and 29.

These are the only two dates during the year that guests can experience nighttime at the palace, with holiday entertainment similar to that enjoyed by the queen and her husband, King David Kalakaua, during the late 19th century.

Traditional hula will be performed in the Throne Room, while soloists from Hawaii Opera Theatre will entertain in the Blue Room. In the Upper Hall, various entertainers will sing songs composed by the queen and her four siblings, all of whom were well-known performers.

When the royal residence was completed in 1882, it was fitted with electric lights as a way to demonstrate to the world that, although remote, Hawaii was still a modern nation.

To avoid waiting in line, guests can reserve tour tickets — priced at $20 per person — on the palace’s website.

Info: Iolani Palace, (808) 522-0822

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