What Is Huliheʻe Palace?
This was the center of government for the Big Island of Hawaiʻi from 1838 until 1884!
What Makes It Historical?
After Kamehameha II moved his royal headquarters to Maui in 1820, Royal Governor “John Adams” Kuakini took up control of the Big Island! Distancing himself from the royal seat of Kamakahonu, he had his own palace built from lava rock, coral, and local koa and ʻohiʻa wood. As the Hawaiian religion had largely dissolved with the death of Governor Kuakini’s brother-in-law, Kamehameha I, the governor encouraged Christian missionaries to settle in Kailua-Kona and build schools and churches.
When Governor Kuakini died in 1844, he passed the property to his adopted son, William Pitt Leleiohoku I, who died of measles four years later, leaving the palace to his wife, Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani! She would become one of Hawaiʻi’s most influential women! Trained in English, she spoke exclusively Hawaiian and demanded that folks only speak Hawaiian in her presence! Converted to Christianity, she sponsored chanters and hula dancers, and interceded with Pele when Mauna Loa threatened the city of Hilo in 1880! Though she entertained visitors at Huliheʻe Palace, she preferred to sleep in a traditional grass hut on the palace grounds!
When Princess Keʻelikōlani died in May of 1883, she was one of the largest landholders in all of Hawaiʻi, and she passed her holdings on the BIg Island and Oʻahu to her cousin, Bernice Pauahi Bishop, who used much of the land’s revenue to fund schools! The palace would become the summer home of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiʻolani, then a museum in 1927. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer with the Daughters of Hawaiʻi!
- Donate to the Daughters of Hawaiʻi!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
75-5718 Ali‘i Drive
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
The museum is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10:00 AM until 3:30PM, and on Fridays from 10:00 AM until 2:30 PM!