The $5 stamp (above middle) prepays the Overnight rate. It shows a view of the Royal Throne inside 'Iolani Palace.

King Kalakaua ascended the throne on February 12 1874. After becoming King, the sugar plantation owners began negotiations with the United States for a treaty which would give favorable treatment for the importation of Hawaiian sugar into the U.S. The King even traveled to Washington DC and met with President Grant. The Treaty was ratified on September 9 1876 and led to the rapid expansion of the sugar industry in Hawai'i.

With the economy on an upward trend, King Kalakaua planned a new palace. The Legislature approved the funds for it in 1878. In 1879, the older small 'Iolani Palace was torn down and the cornerstone for the new 'Iolani Palace was laid by King Kalakaua on December 31st of the same year. 'Iolani means "Bird of Heaven".

The new Palace was completed in 1882 and a formal ceremony was held on December 27 1882. The building has two main stories, with an attic, a basement and six small towers on the roof. It was constructed of brick,concrete block and iron. The interior walls were of plaster and the wooden trim was in koa, cedar and walnut woods.

Upon entering the palace you enter a larger foyer with a wide sweeping hand-carved staircase that goes to the second floor. On the right of the foyer is the Throne Room (shown on the $5 stamp). On the left is the Blue Room where receptions and State dinners were held.

On the second floor are bedrooms, a music room and a library. The basement contained the kitchen and the servants quarters. Gas lighting was replaced with electricity in 1887.

When Queen Lili'uokalani was overthrown in 1893, 'Iolani Palace became known as the "Executive Building" serving as the seat of the Republic of Hawai'i. Then in 1898 the Territory of Hawai'i and in 1959 the State of Hawai'i. A new Capitol was built on Beretania Avenue behind 'Iolani Palace in 1969, and the State government moved out of the Palace to their new quarters where they are at this present day.

In 1969, a group called "Friends of 'Iolani Palace" was formed. Their formidable task was to restore the palace to its previous splendor. Millions of dollars went into the Palace reconstruction, provided by Federal, State and local grants and donations. The restoration of the palace was completed in 1978, and tours by the general public began the same year.

The basement now contains the "Palace Galleries" where, amonst other things, the Crown Jewels are on display (including the Royal crown shown on the $10 minisheet). Plus the red and gold feather cloak that Chief Kiwala‘o (ruling chief of the Big Island) was wearing when killed in battle in 1782. The hunt still goes on for original pieces of furniture and other adornments that belonged to the Palace but have been lost over time.

If you visit Honolulu, be sure and take a tour of the Palace, located at the corner of King Street and Richards Street, downtown. Visit the Friends of 'Iolani Palace website. Call for reservations in advance. Be prepared to remove your shoes at the Palace entrance where you will be supplied with special shoes that will not damage the wooden floors. No taking of photographs are allowed inside. Oh, and turn off your cell phone.