Hulihee Palace - Activities On Big Island Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Hulihe'e Palace, located on Kailua Bay on the Big Island, was built by John Adams Kuakini, who was the Governor of the island, and completed in 1838.

The Palace was built using native lava rock, with walls that are 3 feet thick, and is two stories tall with six rooms. This was Governor Kuakini's home until his death in 1844 at which point it passed along to his adopted son, William Pitt Leleiohoku. William died a few months later and left the home to his wife, Princess Ruth Luka Ke'elikolani.

Princes Ruth died in 1883 and, with no surviving heirs, the palace passed on to her cousin, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop which may sound familiar if you've heard of the The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum on Oahu. Princess Bernice died the next year and the palace was purchased by King David Kalakaua (see King David Kalakaua Statue) and Queen Kapi'olani.

The property was heavily renovated at that time and when Queen Kapi'olani died in 1899 the palace passed onto her adopted sons Prince Kuhio Kalaniana'ole and Prince David Kawananakoa and was eventually sold in 1914.

The property was again purchased in 1925 to become a museum that, to this day, is operated by the Daughters of Hawaii who also maintain the Queen Emma Summer Palace on Oahu. In 1973 the palace was placed on the National Register of Historic Sites.