Name: ‘Ukulele Class
Start: 2025-10-17
End: 2025-10-17
Location: Hulihe‘e Palace

Walk in the footsteps of Hawaiian royalty in Kailua-Kona

Discover where monarchs once danced, debated, and dreamed. Hulihe‘e Palace invites you to experience the soul of Hawai‘i’s royal past, carefully preserved by the Daughters of Hawai‘i.

Placed at the edge of Kailua Bay, Hulihe‘e Palace is more than a museum—it’s a living chronicle of Hawai‘i’s ali‘i, their personal lives, and the changes in the Hawaiian Kingdom. Built in 1838 by High Chief John Adams Kuakini, the palace began as a lava rock residence, reflecting both Hawaiian craftsmanship and Western influence. Kuakini, then Governor of Hawai‘i Island, envisioned it as a place of prestige and hospitality.

After Kuakini’s death, the palace passed through generations of Hawaiian royalty: his hānai son William Pitt Leleiohoku I, then Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani, one of the most powerful women in the kingdom and a fierce protector of Hawaiian traditions. Though she owned the palace, Princess Ruth preferred to sleep in a traditional grass hale pili on the grounds, a symbolic stand for cultural identity amid Westernization.

The palace later became the property of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, and in 1885, it was purchased by King David Kalākaua, the last reigning king of Hawai‘i. Kalākaua renamed it Hikulani Hale—“House of the Seventh Ruler”—and added plaster over thhe lava rock to give it a more refined, European appearance. Queen Kapi‘olani inherited the palace after his death, and it was eventually passed to her nephews, Princes Kūhiō and Kawānanakoa.

By the 1920s, Hulihe‘e had fallen into disrepair, its beauty hidden behind overgrown grounds and years of neglect. That’s when the Daughters of Hawai‘i stepped in. Founded in 1903 by women born in Hawai‘i before 1880, the Daughters were determined to preserve Hawai‘i’s royal heritage. In 1927, they officially took stewardship of the palace, resisting pressure to relinquish it for hotel development and instead restoring it as a museum.

Today, Hulihe‘e Palace stands as a testament to resilience and reverence. Visitors can explore six gracious rooms on two floors filled with koa wood furniture, feather standards, royal portraits, and heirlooms from the era of Princess Ruth, King Kalākaua, and Queen Kapi‘olani. The palace’s dual legacy—Western stone architecture beside traditional Hawaiian structures—offers a poignant reflection of a kingdom in transition.

In 1973, Hulihe‘e was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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