Hulihe’e Palace in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island: the Last Royal Hawaiian Home

Located on the water in Kailua-Kona, the Hulihe’e Palace is one of the few royal residences in the USA, and is an ideal place to visit to learn about the hostile takeover of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Yes, Hawaii is stolen land but as it seems that like the rest of the USA it’s not going to be returned to the rightful owners, it’s important to learn the history and understand the culture of the Hawaiian people.

As you travel through the Islands, you’ll see signs and graffiti that says “Hawaii is not the USA” and if you’re unfamiliar with the story of Hawaii’s colonization, this might not make sense. That’s why visiting places like the Hulihe’e Palace should be a part of anyone’s trip to Hawaii. As you read on, keep in mind that it’s possible to visit someone else’s land in a respectful, meaningful way. The Hulihe’e Palace tells just a part of the Hawaiian story, but it’s an important piece in understanding the land you’ve chosen to have a vacation.

It’s the same as visiting Montana or Alaska and enjoying all of that beauty and fun, but with Hawaii the takeover was even more recent and the stories are kept well alive. If you have questions about visiting Hawaiian cultural sites or need recommendations on how to talk to your kids about visiting a colonized land (like the entire USA) please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re happy to share our tips and connect you with great resources!

Highlights of the Hulihe’e Palace in Kona

Visiting the Hulihe’e Palace is both easy and affordable, and it’s conveniently located, so you’ve got very little reason not to set aside less than an hour to experience it. Set directly on the waterfront of Kailua-Kona, you can easily walk to the Hulihe’e Palace from the primary downtown hotels such as the Royal Kona Resort, King Kamehameha Hotel or Pacfic 19 Kona.

It’s a small palace, quite different from the Iolani Palace in Honolulu. As you go through the rooms of the Hulihe’e Palace you’ll see exhibits, photographs and portraits of the Hawaiian Royal Family. It’s a very unique palace in that it’s humble but clearly very nice and for a special family. When you visit places like Versailles or the White House, you’re overcome with the grandure and iconic history.

Here at the Hulihe’e Palace you can feel the gravity of the Hawaiian people giving over the Kingdom of Hawaii. You can feel elements of the story as you read about Queen Lili’uokalani, Princess Ruth Ke’elikolani and others and you see the collection of royal artifacts and furnishings. It’s a beautiful, small palace and the site was home to more Hawaiian royalty than any other place. Starting as a very different building built of rock during the time of Kamehameha I and then Queen Ka’ahumanu (the one that ended the Kapu), the story of the progression of Hawaii often ties back to the Hulihe’e Palace, up to King Kalakaua and eventually Queen Lili’uokalani.

Tips for a Meaningful Visit to the Palace in Kona

When you visit the Hulihe’e Palace, give yourself an hour to go through both floors of rooms. Take the time to read the displays and written information provided. Touring a historic home just to look at the furnishings does no good, but gaining insight and context into what you’re looking at completely changes the experience. At the Hulihe’e Palace you’ll see letters and written music, koa wood furniture, feather work… It’s all cool to look at, but it all comes with a story.

If you’re spending time at the Hulihe’e Palace with kids, there are all kinds of conversations you can have. You can talk about Hawaiian history, you can talk about Hawaiian royalty and how they lived differently during the different stages of the crown, and you can of course talk about the artifacts and furnishings you’ll see in the palace. Strike up a conversation with a docent and they’ll give you great information about everything you’re seeing.

Note: we actually were in the Hulihe’e Palace during an earthquake and watched the chandelier shake as the island rumbled. We felt very safe, as the Big Island gets a lot of earthquakes and the Hulihe’e Palace has made it through them!

Need to Know for the Hulihe’e Palace

The Hulihe’e Palace isn’t a grand photo opportunity or a long musuem visit. It’s a simple stop to do some learning and appreciate the story of Hawaii. There are some interesting things to photograph that you won’t see other places, such as royal feather work and historic koa features, but you don’t need to bring camera gear to capture it all. Bring your observation skills and listening ears (and camera phone) and you’ll be set. If you’ve got mobility issues, know that there is no elevator in the Hulihe’e Palace and there are steps up into the building.

Tours of the Hulihe’e Palace in Kona

If you’re not already familiar with this era of Hawaiian history, doing the docent guided tour is absolutely worth it. You are welcome to explore the palace rooms and grounds on your own with the cost of your admission, but the guided tour is worth your time and the extra few dollars. History is complex and getting a narrator to put in in line for you can be helpful. There are guided tours Wednesday through Saturday, twice a day. Check with the Palace door keeper about getting on a tour when you arrive. The Daughters of Hawaii are both the caretakers of the palace and manage the visitor experience.

Parking for Hawaiian Palace in Kona

Parking in Kailua-Kona can be a pain, but it’s not bad when you want to visit the Hulihe’e Palace. They don’t have their own dedicated parking, but there is both free and paid parking just a few blocks away. If you cross the street and go up just a block you’ll find parking at the marketplace that’s free for a short time, or you can go just south and you’ll find a paid parking lot that will allow for more time. If you’re staying in downtown Kailua-Kona, you can probably just walk to the Hulihe’e Palace.