High Chief John Adams Kuakini, then governor of Hawaiʻi Island, built this oceanfront residence of lava rock in 1838. Later owners included Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani and King David Kalākaua, who covered the stone with plaster. The Daughters of Hawaiʻi have cared for it as a museum since 1927.
Why we love it
A rare, close-up look at royal Hawaiian life right on Aliʻi Drive, and an easy add-on to a morning in Kailua-Kona village.
What to expect
Right on Aliʻi Drive, the palace grounds sit at the edge of Kailua Bay, blending Western stone architecture with traditional Hawaiian structures, with a traditional grass hale pili on the grounds. Inside, six rooms on two floors hold koa wood furniture, feather standards, royal portraits, and heirlooms from the era of Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani, King Kalākaua, and Queen Kapiʻolani. A self-guided visit lets you move at your own pace, while the guided moʻolelo tour adds the stories behind the objects. Because the lot-free palace sits right in Kailua-Kona village, it’s an easy add-on to breakfast or shopping on Aliʻi Drive.
Know before you go
- Reservations
- Booking ahead is encouraged for self-guided visits, and walk-ins depend on availability. Entry runs 10am to 2:30pm, Wednesday through Saturday.
- Guided tour
- The moʻolelo (story) tour runs Wednesday through Saturday at 11:30am, needs a reservation, and depends on docent availability. Groups larger than 10 should call (808) 595-6291 at least a week ahead.
- Parking
- The palace has no lot of its own. Use the free public lot at 75-5668 Kuakini Hwy or the paid lots on Sarona Road, then walk over.
- Accessibility
- This is a 19th-century building with stairs, so not every area is reachable for visitors with mobility limits. Call (808) 595-6291 at least 48 hours ahead to arrange alternatives.
- Gift shop
- The shop sells locally handcrafted pieces, many made just for it, along with Hawaiian books that include Daughters of Hawaiʻi publications.
Photo: Calbear22 at English Wikipedia via Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
