Hulihe'e Palace

Hulihe'e Palace is a royal-era museum on Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona, with koa furniture, Hawaiian artifacts, oceanfront lanais and ties to Hawaii's monarchy.

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Hulihe'e Palace, Big Island

Relive the life of the Hawaiian mornarchs in this stylish mansion, located in downtown Kailua-Kona. The Victorian-style Hulihe'e Palace was commissioned in 1838 by John Adams Kuakini, Hawaii's second governor. It served as a summer home to Hawaii's royal families, including King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani.

Today, the palace offers a glimpse into the lives of royals in the 19th century. Various relics and artifacts are displayed. Make sure to check out the koa furniture, intricately crafted from the acacia koa tree. Especially impressive is the big formal dining table, which measures 70 inches (1,78 m) in diameter. It was constructed from one solid koa log.

Upstairs are two remarkable cabinets, which were built by a Chinese prisoner serving a life sentence for smuggling opium. He was instructed to build these pieces of furniture by King Kalakaua, who was told of his talents. When he was finished, the cabinets made such a big impression on the King that he pardoned the craftsman.

An earthquake partially destroyed the palace in 2006, but repairs were immediately put in place and the palace is again open to the public. It is now run by the Daughters of Hawaii, an organization dedicated to preserving Hawaiian history and culture.

Many also consider Hulihe'e Palace a hub for folk entertainment. A music and hula concert is held here every month, each one honoring one of the Hawaiian monarchs. The concerts are free of charge and begin at 4 pm.

The palace lies across the street from Moku'aikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in the state. Like Hulihe'e Palace, it is made from coral mortar and lava rock and features New England-style architecture. Its most prominent feature is a steeple rising 112 feet (34 m), making it the tallest man-made structure in Kailua-Kona.

Key Features

Royal-era museum on Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona
Built in 1838 by High Chief John Adams Kuakini
Former vacation home associated with Hawaiian royalty
Museum rooms display koa furniture, portraits, kapa, feather work, quilts and royal-era artifacts
Oceanfront lanais look toward Kailua Bay
Managed by the Daughters of Hawaii under the State Parks system
Guided and self-guided visits depend on the schedule and availability
Older building layout includes stairs and may require access planning
Near Moku'aikaua Church, Kailua Pier and Ahu'ena Heiau
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who built Hulihe'e Palace?

High Chief John Adams Kuakini, governor of Hawaii Island, built the palace in 1838 from lava rock. The home later became closely connected with Hawaiian royalty.

Why is Hulihe'e Palace important to Hawaiian royal history?

The palace was used by members of Hawaii's royal families and now holds furniture, portraits, feather work, kapa, quilts and other pieces connected with the monarchy era.

What does the name Hulihe'e mean?

The name is often translated as "turning octopus" or connected with octopus imagery in Hawaiian place-name interpretation. It gives the palace a name rooted in the older landscape of Kailua-Kona.

How is Hulihe'e Palace connected with the Kalakaua period?

The museum rooms are known for Victorian-era furnishings and artifacts associated with King Kalakaua, Queen Kapiolani and the late Hawaiian Kingdom period.

What historic places are near Hulihe'e Palace?

Moku'aikaua Church stands across Ali'i Drive, while Ahu'ena Heiau and Kailua Pier are nearby along the waterfront. Together they show why this part of Kailua-Kona is so important in Hawaiian history.