Queen Emma Summer Palace or Hānaiakamalama, was the secluded mountain-home and summer retreat of Queen Emma of Hawai‘i from 1857 to 1885, her husband King Kamehameha IV and their son, Prince Albert Edward. Queen Emma inherited the home from her uncle, John Young II, son of John Young I an advisor to King Kamehameha I. Situated in the coolness of Nu‘uanu Valley, the home was used as a retreat for the royal family to escape downtown Honolulu and court life at ‘Iolani Palace.
Originally built in 1848, the Daughters of Hawai‘i acquired the home in 1915, narrowly avoiding the demolition of the house and construction of a baseball field on the grounds. The Territorial Government granted the Daughters the use of the home and 22,750 square feet of the grounds as long as the home was used and maintained as a museum. Hānaiakamalama is listed on the State and National Historic Registries and houses a collection of Queen Emma’s belongings, antiques, furnishings and royal regalia. Today the Palace is a historic landmark, museum, and cultural site preserved by the Daughters of Hawai‘i.
Docent-guided tours are generally available Thursday to Saturday at 11 AM and 1:30 PM. Docent-guided tours are based on docent availability with limited space available. Reservations are recommended; walk-ins based on availability.
Docent-Guided Tour
$20 General Admission
$18 Military with ID
$16 Seniors with ID (62 yrs & older)
$12 Youth (5-12)
$3 Children (4 yrs & under)
$16 Kama‘āina with ID
$9 Kama‘āina Keiki (5-12)
Self-guided tours are generally available Wednesday to Saturday starting at 10 AM, with the last entry 30 minutes before closing.
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 summer home of Queen Emma, King Kamehameha IV, and their son Prince Albert, and learn of the royal family’s contributions to Hawaiʻi education, healthcare, and culture. 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.
Located in lush Nu‘uanu Valley on the island of O‘ahu,the Queen Emma Summer Palace is the perfect place to hold your meeting, party, wedding or reception. Emmalani Hale, a separate building located next to the palace, provides space for 100-115 people for sit-down eating or entertainment. The Prince Albert Terrace—an uncovered terrace which overlooks a beautifully landscaped park—is also available for rent; this area can be tented, and accommodates 50-80 people.
We 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.
We 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.
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 Queen Emma Summer Palace? The Gift Shop carries a wonderful selection of gifts and trinkets for your wedding needs!
What our visitors say about their experience
Our guide was very knowledgeable and so inviting. I am originally from the Islands, but I did not know some things our guide was talking about. She also shared some experiences she had in that house….all good. This is a place to visit and never gets old.
PEARLZ808 via TripAdvisor
A hidden gem among the historic sites of Oahu.
The site is just a beautiful facility staffed by well-educated guides who bring the history alive with their passion for the site. Their guides are well educated in the history of the royal family and give you the most knowledgeable tour of the site and the royal family. The guides at the Summer Palace were able to answer questions about the royal family that other royal sites on the island could not. They bring the royal family and the Daughters of Hawaii alive to those who visit.
MRSSWASSOW via TripAdvisor
Work with Us!
Do you love learning, history, and people? Join the ʻohana at Queen Emma Summer Palace and lead tours.