Daughters of Hawai‘i > Hulihe’e Palace

Where royals came to unwind.

Located in historic Kailua-Kona on Ali‘i Drive, Hulihe‘e Palace was originally built of lava rock in 1838 during the Kingdom of Hawai‘i. The site is on land known as Kalāke‘e, a former residence of Kamehameha the Great. The Palace itself was first home to High Chief John Adams Kuakini, brother of Ka‘ahumanu the favorite wife of Kamehameha, and later home to more members of Hawaiian royalty than any other residence in Hawai‘i. Hulihe‘e Palace is two stories and six large graciously appointed rooms, with two inviting oceanfront lanai and lovely grounds.

By 1924, Hulihe‘e Palace was in ruin and hidden from the road by overgrown grounds. The Daughters were determined to save it. In 1925 the Territorial Legislature bought Hulihe‘e and set it aside for the Daughters to maintain as a museum. When the Daughters took over Hulihe‘e in 1927, there was little interest in historic preservation in Hawai‘i. Plans were being made by the Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company for an oceanfront hotel in Kailua-Kona. The grounds of Hulihe‘e were deemed the best location. The Daughters were pressured to relinquish Hulihe‘e, and they refused. Thanks to their spirit, Kailua-Kona still has open waterfront at Hulihe‘e.

In 1973, Hulihe‘e was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today Hulihe‘e is a museum showcasing artifacts from Hawaiian royalty in the era of Princess Ruth, King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi‘olani. Rooms feature beautiful koa wood furniture, portraits, kapa, feather work, Hawaiian quilts and artifacts from Hawai‘i’s royal past.

Palace Admission

  • First Entry: 10 AM
  • Last Entry: 3 PM
  • Reservations Encouraged
  • Walk-ins Based on Availability

Hours of Operation

  • Wed - Sat: 10 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Sun - Tue: Closed
  • Major Holidays: Closed
Book Your Visit

75-5718 Ali‘i Drive
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Click to View Map
Tel: (808) 329-1877

Palace Admission

Docent-guided tours are generally available Wednesday to Saturday at 11:30 AM. Docent-guided tours are based on docent availability with limited space available. Reservations are recommended; walk-ins based on availability.

Docent-Guided Tour
  • $22 General Admission
  • $18 Military with ID
  • $16 Seniors with ID (62 yrs & Older)
  • $14 Youth (5 - 12 yrs)
  • $3 Children (4 yrs & Under)
  • $16 Kama‘āina with ID
  • $9 Kama‘āina Keiki (5 - 12 yrs)

Self-guided tours are generally available Wednesday to Saturday starting at 10 AM, with the last entry 30 minutes before closing.

Self-Guided Tour
  • $16 General Admission
  • $12 Military with ID
  • $10 Seniors with ID (62 yrs & older)
  • $10 Youth (5-12)
  • $1 Children (4 yrs & under)
  • $12 Kama‘āina with ID
  • $3 Kama‘āina Keiki (5-12)
Book Your Visit

Unfortunately, there is no parking available at Hulihe‘e Palace.
Free public parking is available within walking distance of the Palace at 75-5668 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Paid public parking lots are also available on Sarona Rd.

View Parking Options on Google Maps

Download Parking Map (pdf)

Group Tours

For groups of more than 10 people, please call at least one-week prior to visiting to schedule a tour (808) 595-6291.

School Field Trips

Our tour teaches keiki an important part of Hawaiian history as they walk through the former vacation home of Hawaii’s royal family. We recommend a guided tour for K-12 levels and require that school organizers bring one chaperone for every 10 students.

For tour prices and to make arrangements for your school field trip, please email tour@daughtersofhawaii.org or call (808) 595-6291.

Accessibility

The Palace was built in the nineteenth century, therefore access may not be available for visitors who have difficulties climbing stairs. We are happy to make alternative arrangements for visitors who have difficulty climbing stairs. Please call (808) 595-6291 at least 48 hours prior to arrival to make arrangements.

Facility Rental

At the Hulihe‘e Palace, we’ve got the perfect setting for you. Whether it is a diamond and pearl anniversary, a wedding reception, your baby’s first lū‘au, graduation or that important business luncheon or dinner, the Hulihe‘e Palace is a unique and prestigious site for your event. With our breathtaking views of the oceanfront, you will make your special event a truly memorable and successful affair for you and your friends. Up to 300 people can be accommodated on the grounds.

View Our Rental Options

Events at Hulihe‘e Palace

In the news

Gift Shop

Our Gift Shop features locally hand-crafted items, many which are made exclusively for the store. We also carry the best and latest in Hawaiian books, including several Daughters of Hawai‘i publications now available for sale.

Having your wedding or reception at Hulihe‘e Palace? The Gift Shop carries a wonderful selection of gifts and trinkets for your wedding needs!

What our visitors say about their experience

Work with Us!

Do you love learning, history, and people? Join the ʻohana at Huliheʻe Palace and lead museum tours.

Employment Opportunities

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