Hulihee Palace Review

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Hulihee Palace

Fodor's Review:

A lovely rambling old stone home surrounded by jewel-green grass and sweeping ocean views and fronted by an elaborate wrought-iron gate, Hulihee Palace is one of only three royal palaces in America. The two-story residence was built by Governor John Adams Kuakini in 1838, a year after he completed Mokuaikaua Church. During the 1880s it served as King David Kalakaua's summer palace. It's constructed of local materials, including lava, coral, koa wood, and ohia timber. The oversize doors and furniture bear witness to the size of some of the Hawaiian people. On weekday afternoons hula schools rehearse on the grounds. Though severely damaged by the 2006 earthquakes, Hulihee Palace reopened to the public in October 2007. The palace is still clearly damaged, but it is structurally sound and visitors can tour the central lobby and hallway, and peek into the damaged side parlors. The palace is operated by the Daughters of Hawaii, a nonprofit focused on maintaining the heritage of the Islands, and its entrance fees, together with donations, are helping to repair the damage.

  • Cost: $5
  • Open: Weekdays 9-4, weekends 10-4
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