Step off the busy streets of Honolulu and into the quiet beauty of Queen Emma Summer Palace—Hānaiakamalama—a cherished royal retreat nestled in Nu‘uanu Valley. This was not a seat of government, but a beloved home. Queen Emma and her husband, Kamehameha IV, came here to retreat from court life in Honolulu, reflect, and reconnect with the land and people she loved.

This is one of only three royal residences remaining from the Hawaiian monarchy. And it nearly vanished. In 1915, the home was slated for demolition to make way for a baseball field. That’s when the Daughters of Hawai‘i stepped in. These dedicated women rescued the home to preserve it for future generations, then turned it into a house-museum. Now visitors and residents can experience the rich history of Hawai‘i’s monarchy and the spirit of old Hawai‘i amongst the possessions of the beloved Queen Emma.