HONOLULU — Iolani Palace was re-accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, according to a news release. 

In 2014, Iolani Palace initially received accreditation. Museums must apply for re-accreditation every 10 years. 

“We are proud to announce our re-accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, demonstrating to visitors, donors and the community our commitment to preserving, restoring and sharing this sacred place,” said Paula Akana, president and CEO of The Friends of Iolani Palace, in a statement. 

Accreditation is the highest national recognition museums receive.

In the U.S., there are about 33,000 museums, but only 1,080 are currently accredited. Iolani Palace is one of five museums in the state of Hawaii that are accredited. 

Museum professionals developed the American Alliance of Museums's accreditation program 50 years ago. To earn accreditation, museums must go through a rigorous process that requires a year of self-study and then a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. AAM’s Accreditation Commission, an independent body, examines the self-study and visiting committee report before bestowing accreditation on museums.

Iolani Palace, a National Historical Landmark, was built in 1882 by King Kalakaua, then the reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii. It was the home of the kingdom’s last reigning monarchs, including Kalakaua’s sister, Queen Liliuokalani. The palace is now restored to represent the time period before the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. It is open for tours to the public. 

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.