It was just OK. If you've never seen a nice home from the 1800s, or you're very interested in Hawaiian royal ancestry, then you'll find it more interesting. The grounds are very pretty, right on the water. A relaxing place. It has no restrooms. $8 for adults to enter the palace. Walking the grounds are free.

Very pretty and popular historical landmark in Kona.

Visiting Hulihe‘e Palace in Kailua-Kona on a rainy day turned out to be a delightful experience for our family. The historic charm of this former royal summer residence provided a captivating backdrop for learning about Hawaiian royalty. Despite the weather, the well-preserved artifacts and royal regalia were fascinating to explore, offering a unique insight into Hawaii's cultural heritage. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly, making our visit both educational and enjoyable. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in Hawaiian history and culture. A rainy day well spent!

What an incredible place to visit... walking in this building (no shoes allowed) was like walking through a time warp into the past. I learned of the history of the royalty of past Hawaiian culture and the many women that organized the group called the "Daighters of Hawaii" who organized years ago I attempt to salvage this palace and open it up as a museum to preserve a vital piece of history. The building is small, two stories several rooms, however made me imagine the enormous feel it must have had as natives where living in huts still. It was incredible to see ancient tools and jewelry worn and used by past native Hawaiian royalty along with grasping a clear picture to cultural superstitions of shadows befalling people and executions (I wont go in depth as that would spoil this adventure). The host is extremely educated and was very kind and attentive to all my questions. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Oh, No pictures allowed inside... bummer but the experience will create everlasting memories!

This was a rare house for the time period that it held a complex royal family. It was relaxing to go through the rooms of this quaint house filled with beautiful wooden furniture, and large bowls. It being so close to the beautiful ocean side, I could imagine how Grand it must have been at one time. If you go, there is a 45 min. tour, given twice a day. Favorite spot in the house was the downstairs breeze way at back door, over looking the ocean. My second favorite spot was the upstairs window, which carried a soothing breeze, again over looking the ocean. When you first enter the house you will be asked to remove your shoes. Socks are ok to wear.

What a refreshing change of pace from all the retail and food choices here on Alii Drive. So worth your time to stop in here and witness first hand the history, koa furniture, architecture, interior design, artifacts, historical photography, and pics of Royalty, (ask about Princess Ruth) throughout both floors of this well kept Palace. But first, you'll need to head towards the ocean and stroll around to the back, through the wonderfully manicured grounds to enter. The sounds, fragrance, and rhythms of the water, immediately relax you for your journey back in time. The best part... You are asked to take your shoes off and wander about barefoot, yes barefoot! If that doesn't sound appropriate for you, they will provide you with slippers for over your shoes. We absolutely chose barefoot 🤙 The flooring is immaculate and made with local materials, so the feel is incredible. The "Daughters of Hawaii" currently run the Museum and offer tours if you like. Small donation fee at the back door, and it's definitely worth every dollar.

Absolutely brilliant! Please do yourself a favor and stop by either take a guided tour (reservation required) or take a self guided tour for $10 per adult. The Palace is a great way to learn about the Royals and the way they lived. The grounds are beautiful surrounded by greenery and the crystal blue waters!

Very worth the price of the tour. You can only go in to see the grounds and the palace if you've bought tickets to the organized tour.

So glad we came here and paid for the tour. There is so much history, and it is complicated, to the home that I would not have learned as much by just reading the (helpful) pamphlet and walking around. Sunshine was our tour guide and she has so much knowledge to share. Be prepared to remove your shoes, don't forget to check out the gift shop, and use the restroom ahead of time as there is no bathroom on site.

The palace has a lot of interesting history and antiques. The guided experience isn't necessary, but they definitely have more information than is on the plaques and they seemed to be really into the content and history of the palace and the family that used to live there. No shoes and no photography inside, but you can take pictures of the outside.

Great history lesson! Just to point out. The woman outlived the men.

Tour was very informative and the guide had a vast knowledge of the history of the royal families that have stayed there in Hawaii.

Great little museum. The guided tour explains a lot more than the signs

Check out this amazing palace right in the heart of Kona town! The docent guided tour was completely worth it - the history and knowledge shared was immense, she really knew her stuff!, and I don't want to think of what I would've missed just taking the self-guided tour!

Our tour guide was an elegant Hawaiian woman with an encyclopedic knowledge of local history and traditions. Almost total access to some pretty amazing pieces from around the world owned and used by generations of royalty. Truly inspiring.

Great way to learn about the Hawaiian culture.. Very sad, what is happened to their culture. But this place is a great way to keep it alive.

A wonderful historical site with guides who can provide lots of information on Hawai'i royalty and the rich history of King Kamahameha and his family and descendants.

A great place to learn about Hawaiian history, especially the royal lineages. The house itself is beautiful, the hardwood floors from the 1880s and filled with ancient and historical artifaEra. There is so little left of the Polynesian culture and this museum provides an excellent historical account for those inclined to learn. If you're lucky, Travis will be there to greet you and share stories about the items and people that shaped these islands into the modern era.

Great summer palace with most of the original furnishings. There is a self guided tour but the tour with the guide was far more through. You learn about all the rulers of Hawaii since the Europeans arrived. Weapons, games, clothing, furniture, etc. are on display. 2 stories and a gift shop. No parking nearby so we walked from our rental. Lots of shops and restaurants in the area. Get there early on cruise ship days as it can get crowded.

Beautifully kept museum with a great and informative tour by the docent, who knew the history and made it meaningful abd fun. I'd recommend a stop by next time you are in Kona.

Beautiful manor right on the coast a block and a half across from the Farmer's Market. we had a great time viewing all of the fascinating items used by Hawaiian royalty from back in those days. Staff were very friendly and hospitable. You must use the foot coverings they provide otherwise go barefoot in the house as no shoes are allowed to be worn inside. Highly recommend! Note: they also have senior discounts so ask for those.

Smaller summer palace of the Hawaiian royals. Great docent tour of the full two floors. Lots of great artifacts to view. Book a tour online to view on the weekdays.

The building itself is interesting. They have some cases with artifacts but not a whole lot. Much of the furniture is original. If you are interested in more than just seeing the building, take the guided tour. The items will be explained as well as some history. Be aware that the coercive part of the history of how Europeans, read americans,displaced the royal government and took over is glossed over.