Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: October at ʻIolani Palace — Games on the Lawn, a Princess's Gown, and a Golden Ornament

There’s a special feeling on the grounds of ʻIolani Palace this month. America’s only official royal residence — the stately downtown Honolulu landmark completed in 1882 under King Kalākaua — is rolling out an October lineup that blends royal heritage with family fun, and it’s all happening over the next few weeks.

A Sunday Built for Play

Things kick off on October 11 with Kamaʻāina Sunday, the palace’s free monthly gathering on the grounds, running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This month’s theme is “Hana Leʻaleʻa” — fun activities — and the games on the schedule span the globe. Visitors can try kōnane, the traditional Hawaiian strategy game, with Kapena Baptista; the Japanese card game hanafuda with Hanafuda Hawaiʻi; and mahjong with the Bad Luck Club.

There’s plenty more on the lawn. Hula Hui ʻO Kapunahala, led by Kumu Hula Carolee Nishi, will perform alongside Hōlei and Ei Nei. Competitive spirits can join the Kōnane Tournament from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — open to ages 12 and up, capped at 16 players, with check-in from 9 a.m. and advance online registration encouraged. Creative types can take part in hulu hairpin and hulu brooch workshops led by Kawika Lum-Nelmida at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. (in-person registration from 8:30 a.m. at the Kīnaʻu Gate on Richards Street; ages 18+, one workshop per guest, first come, first served).

Hawaiʻi residents with a valid ID can also enjoy complimentary self-led audio tours — the first 500 residents get a ticket, one per person. The day is supported by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s Kūkulu Ola Program, with the 60th Anniversary Diamond Sponsor Hawaiian Native Corporation, LAUKOA.

Princess Kaʻiulani’s Gown Takes Center Stage

Five days later, on Friday, October 16, the palace unveils the final installation of its Aliʻi Garment Reproduction Project — an iconic gown worn by Princess Kaʻiulani, reproduced by Hilo-based international fashion designer and historical-dress researcher Iris Viacrusis. The timing is no accident: October 16 is the princess’s birthday (she was born in 1875).

Kaʻiulani — niece and heir presumptive of Queen Liliʻuokalani, educated in England, celebrated in Victorian society as the “Island Rose” — famously sailed to Washington after the 1893 overthrow to address the American press in defense of her people. She died in 1899 at just 23. Viacrusis appears in person to share her research and craft, and the palace’s curatorial team is adding context through the princess’s personal objects and photographs.

The project, launched in 2015, has already recreated garments of Queen Liliʻuokalani, Queen Kapiʻolani, and King Kalākaua; Kaʻiulani’s gown completes the series. Tickets are $40 with specific tour times, members of The Friends of ʻIolani Palace go free, and only a limited number of tickets remain.

A Golden Keepsake for the Holidays

Collectors should mark Thursday, October 15, when the 2026 ʻIolani Palace ornament goes on sale at the Palace Shop and online, with preorders already open. This year’s edition commemorates the 145th anniversary of King Kalākaua’s 1881 world circumnavigation — he was the first reigning monarch to travel around the globe — and it’s modeled on his original world travels medal: a silver Maltese cross with a hand-painted porcelain globe at its center. The ornament is brass with an imitation rhodium silver finish and a deep red grosgrain ribbon, priced at $40, with members getting early access plus a 20% discount.

More to Look Forward To

The season keeps going: an online silent auction runs October 26 through November 15, the 60th Diamond Anniversary Gala takes place November 15, and residents get free self-led audio tours on King Kalākaua’s birthday, November 16, and on Queen Kapiʻolani’s birthday, December 31. Queen Kapiʻolani Evening Tours return December 26–27 from 5 to 9 p.m., with member presale November 17 and public sale November 18. (Heads-up: the basement galleries are closed for renovations.)

Like the royal celebrations making headlines this season, ʻIolani Palace keeps proving that monarchy and community make a fine pair. Whether you’re there for the games, the gown, or the golden keepsake, October in Honolulu has a distinctly royal glow.