Iolani Barracks
4.8 (9)attraction
4.8 (9)Built from coral block for the Royal Guard in 1871, this courtyard barracks was later relocated to the palace grounds.
Description
Designed by architect Theodore Heuck, the structure—also known as Hale Koa—features an open courtyard bordered by rooms that once functioned as a mess hall, dispensary, berth room, and lockup. Following the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and the Royal Guard's disbanding, the site absorbed shifting civic duties, including service as temporary shelter for refugees of the 1899 Chinatown fire, headquarters for the National Guard of Hawaiʻi, a service club, government offices, and storage. Formerly situated on the grounds of today's Hawaiʻi State Capitol, the space now houses The Palace Shop, ticket office, and video theatre.
