Where royals came to unwind.
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
- 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
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)
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.
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.
Events at Hulihe‘e Palace
‘Ukulele Class
Hulihe‘e Palace
75-5718 Ali‘i Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
‘Ukulele Class
Hulihe‘e Palace
75-5718 Ali‘i Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

AOHCC – Private Event Last Few Tickets
Hulihe‘e Palace
75-5718 Ali‘i Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
‘Ukulele Class
Hulihe‘e Palace
75-5718 Ali‘i Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
‘Ukulele Class
Hulihe‘e Palace
75-5718 Ali‘i Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
‘Ukulele Class
Hulihe‘e Palace
75-5718 Ali‘i Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
In the news
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01 May
King Kamehameha Day Ho‘olaule‘a
Read moreJoin us on Saturday, June 7, 2025 for the King Kamehameha Day Ho‘olaule‘a at Hulihe‘e Palace!
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12 Mar
Calling All Vendors & Food Trucks in Kona!
Read moreWe are seeking local vendors, artisans, and services, handmade and locally made items, and food vendors, all whose products and services celebrate Hawai‘i’s rich heritage.
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20 Nov
Kalikimaka Pāʻina: A Christmas Lūʻau
Read moreWe're excited to host this pāʻina to kick-off the holiday season on Dec. 7th!
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12 Apr
King Kamehameha Day Ho‘olaule‘a
Read moreJoin us on Saturday, June 8, 2024 for the King Kamehameha Day Ho‘olaule‘a at Hulihe‘e Palace!
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12 Mar
Remembrance of Kauikeaouli
Read moreJoin us on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 8 AM at Sea Quest Hawai‘i for our annual ho‘okupu ceremony honoring Kauikeaouli, King Kamehameha III.
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09 Jan
Bubbles, Brunch and Bound in Roses
Read moreWe are excited to join in on the fun with our very first mu‘u event at Hulihe‘e on January 27th!
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19 Dec
Calling All Vendors: Day at Huliheʻe Palace
Read moreWe are seeking local vendors, artisans, and services, handmade and locally made items, and food vendors, all whose products and services celebrate Hawai‘i’s rich heritage.
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19 Dec
41st Annual Day at Huliheʻe Palace Festival
Read moreThis year's 40th anniversary of the festival will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 9 AM to 2 PM.
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
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This is a wonderful place to get an introduction to Hawaiian history. The place is beautiful and the docents are marvelous. Kenneth shared his passion and knowledge with us, and the other docent, upstairs, was excellent too. We are now eager to learn more. The gift shop where you buy the tickets is tiny but has some beautiful things. The entire place is serene with lovely views of the bay.
RUTH S via TripAdvisor -
My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed our guided tour of the Hulihe’e Palace. The docent was very knowledgeable about the history of the ancient Hawaiian artifacts which are housed here as well as the history of the 19th century Hawaiian royalty. I was particularly impressed that the docent was able to relate historical things from this Palace with those of the Iolani Palace which we visited in Honolulu. This was helpful in connecting several historical dots for us.
TRAVELINGGOGI via TripAdvisor
Work with Us!
Do you love learning, history, and people? Join the ʻohana at Huliheʻe Palace and lead museum tours.