Huliheʻe Palace
Historic Hawaiian royal summer home turned museum, showcasing opulent furnishings and rich cultural heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Huliheʻe Palace
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Hawaiian royal summer home turned museum, showcasing opulent furnishings and rich cultural heritage.
"An amazing experience here, we booked the docent guided tour for about 20 bucks and it was absolutely worth it."
🎯 Guided Tour Recommended
Docent-led tours offer deep historical insights, making the experience truly worthwhile. :star:
👟 Shoe Covers Required
Protect the palace floors by wearing provided shoe covers or going barefoot inside. :shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Royal Furnishings
Interior of the Palace
Admire ornate koa wood furniture and exquisite royal attire, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Hawaiian royalty.
Oceanfront Views
Palace Grounds
Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from the palace grounds, a serene backdrop to this historic site.
Kīʻope Pond
Southern end of the grounds
Explore this historic gathering place where freshwater springs once met the sea, a significant spot in Hawaiian history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book a Guided Tour
Respect the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Guided Tour Recommended
Docent-led tours offer deep historical insights, making the experience truly worthwhile. :star:
👟 Shoe Covers Required
Protect the palace floors by wearing provided shoe covers or going barefoot inside. :shoe:
🌊 Oceanfront Serenity
Enjoy the beautiful ocean views from the palace grounds; it's a peaceful spot. :ocean:
🕰️ Allow 2 Hours
Give yourself ample time to explore the grounds and read about the exhibits. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guided Tour Recommended
Docent-led tours offer deep historical insights, making the experience truly worthwhile. :star:
👟 Shoe Covers Required
Protect the palace floors by wearing provided shoe covers or going barefoot inside. :shoe:
🌊 Oceanfront Serenity
Enjoy the beautiful ocean views from the palace grounds; it's a peaceful spot. :ocean:
🕰️ Allow 2 Hours
Give yourself ample time to explore the grounds and read about the exhibits. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hulihe'e Palace for its well-preserved artifacts, stunning oceanfront location, and the rich historical insights provided by knowledgeable guides. The Daughters of Hawai'i are commended for their dedication to maintaining the palace and sharing Hawaiian culture. Some visitors note that while self-guided tours are an option, the docent-led experience significantly enhances the visit.
"Beautiful home and experience to share. I took the self guided tour but was still helped out when I had questions about the palace. The daughters of Hawaii did an amazing job sharing the rich history of the Hawaiian culture. When you arrive you can either wear shoe covers or remove your shoes prior to entering which I respected and appreciated. Learning about the rich history was great and taught me a lot about the royal family that once ruled over these beautiful islands."
Scott Fritz
"We had an amazing experience here, we booked the docent guided tour for about 20 bucks and it was absolutely worth it. Our tour guide had so much knowledge, down to the lineage and relationships of every member of the royal family whose portraits are on the upstairs walls which was very interesting. The tour was just over an hour, and we learned so many things. The upstairs room that houses the dresses shows what incredible style the royal family had. We would absolutely recommend doing the tour instead of the self-guided."
E'ala Boyd
"We visited this palace on a Friday in early March and had no crowd problem.
It was a very interesting look at how the Royal family lived. The museum was very well done and you could walk around the whole grounds. It took us about 2 hours to see and read everything.
Very nice."
James Nahach
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hulihe'e Palace is conveniently located in downtown Kailua-Kona, making it easily accessible. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from nearby hotels and attractions. Parking can be found in the vicinity, though it may be limited during peak times.
Yes, Hulihe'e Palace is situated near other significant historical locations on the Big Island, including Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, offering a comprehensive historical exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary, but a docent-guided tour is often recommended and priced around $20. Self-guided options are also available. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing.
Hulihe'e Palace is typically open on Fridays and other select days. It's advisable to confirm the operating hours before your visit, as they can change seasonally or for special events.
While not always mandatory, booking a guided tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during busier seasons, to secure your spot and ensure a knowledgeable guide.
Hulihe'e Palace is often open on Fridays, and sometimes on other days of the week. Weekend availability can vary, so checking their schedule is crucial for planning your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find beautifully preserved koa wood furniture, historical artifacts, and exhibits showcasing the royal family's clothing and personal items. The upstairs rooms display incredible royal fashion.
Yes, self-guided tours are available and allow you to explore at your own pace. However, many visitors find the docent-guided tour offers a much deeper understanding of the palace's history and significance.
Kīʻope Pond was historically a gathering place where freshwater springs met the sea. It's a significant feature on the palace grounds, reflecting ancient Hawaiian practices and the natural landscape.
The palace sometimes hosts cultural events and celebrations, such as those related to King Kamehameha Day, offering visitors a chance to experience Hawaiian traditions firsthand.
Many visitors suggest taking the docent-guided tour for a comprehensive and engaging experience, learning about the royal lineage and history from knowledgeable guides.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. Generally, photography inside historic buildings like Hulihe'e Palace may be restricted to preserve the artifacts. It's best to check with staff upon arrival.
The exterior of the palace, with its distinctive architecture and oceanfront setting, offers excellent photo opportunities. The grounds, including Kīʻope Pond, also provide picturesque backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage them to look at the portraits and imagine the lives of the royal family. The oceanfront setting also provides a pleasant environment for a family stroll. Consider a guided tour if your children are old enough to engage with the historical narratives.
🏛️ History Buffs
Take your time to absorb the details of the furniture, clothing, and personal items. The palace provides a tangible link to the pre-statehood era of Hawaii, offering insights into the lives of its last monarchs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Royal Summer Retreat
+1Today, the palace operates as a museum, offering visitors a tangible connection to Hawaii's past. The interior is adorned with exquisite koa wood furniture, period artwork, and personal belongings of the royal family. Walking through its rooms provides a vivid impression of the lifestyle and cultural richness of the era.
The palace's prime oceanfront location in Kailua-Kona adds to its allure. Visitors can stroll the grounds, admire the stunning Pacific vistas, and reflect on the historical significance of this royal residence. It's a peaceful yet informative destination for anyone interested in Hawaiian history and culture.
The Daughters of Hawaiʻi
This dedicated group offers guided tours, sharing their extensive knowledge and passion for Hawaiian heritage with visitors. Their efforts ensure that the stories and significance of the palace and its royal inhabitants are brought to life, providing an educational and enriching experience.
By visiting Hulihe'e Palace, you directly support the Daughters of Hawaiʻi's mission. Your admission fees and donations contribute to the preservation of this historic landmark and the continuation of Hawaiian cultural traditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit