Learn about Hawaiian history and see how the royals of the Kingdom of Hawaii lived in these Hawaiian castles. Iolani Palace, Hulihe’e Palace, and Queen Emma Summer Palace are the best castles in Hawaii for your next trip.
Hawaii
might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of castles, but the royals of the Kingdom of Hawaii loved to live in extravagant homes. Many of these homes still stand today as museums and historical landmarks for the public to visit to learn about Hawaii’s monarchy history.Insurance comparison app Jerry
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million carsIolani Palace
Address: 364 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
What is the story of Iolani Palace?
The grounds of Iolani Palace have been a part of Hawaiian history for as long as we know. Before the palace was built, the grounds were a place of worship. The grounds then served as the residence for five kings in a different palace when King Kamahemeha III had a home built on the grounds in 1845.
The original palace was torn down in 1874 and construction began on Iolani Palace in 1879. Upon completion in 1882, Iolani Palace would come to serve as the official residence of monarchs and then as the Hawaiian capital building until 1969.
The palace was a cornerstone of Hawaiian history for 87 years. It was the location of the trial and imprisonment of Queen Liluokalani and served as an important setting for the transition from Hawaii’s monarchy to a US state.
In the 1970s the palace was extensively restored. Loads of effort went into replicating the state of the palace back to its monarchic heyday, complete with recovered glassware and furnishings. Today, the Palace is not used as a government building. Instead, it is managed by the Friends of Iolani Palace and serves as a historic monument open to the public, and a site for public and private events.
How to visit Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace is located in the heart of Honolulu and is easily accessible to the public. The palace is open for tours from Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. There are both self-guided and professionally guided tours.
Prices start at $25 for adult general admission with discounts for Hawaiian residents, military personnel, and children and youth.
You can also visit Iolani Palace for one of the many events that they host or book parts of the grounds for your private events.
To book tours and events check out their website
. Hale Koa (Iolani Barracks)
Address: 364 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
What is the story of Hale Koa?
Hale Koa is the building that most resembles the archetype of a castle in Hawaii. Located on the same grounds as Iolani Palace, and serves as the palace shop, ticket office, and video theater.
The tourist activities held at the barracks are just one part of its history, though. The original building was constructed in 1871 on the land that is now home to the Hawaii state capital and was designed to house the Royal Guard.
The original barracks eventually became unnecessary for the royal guard as the royal guard eventually ceased to exist. After the disbanding of the monarchy, the barracks served at one point as a home for refugees following the Chinatown fire, at another time as the National Guard headquarters, and as a government office building.
In 1965, the original barracks were dismantled and reconstructed at their current location on the Iolani Palace grounds.
How to visit Hale Koa
When you visit Iolani Palace, you will undoubtedly see Hale Koa. The building serves as a center for the tourist attractions on the grounds, where you can go in and see the castle in its current glory.
Hulihe’e Palace
Address: 75-5718 Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
What is the story of Hulihe’e Palace?
Once a summer home for Hawaiian royals, Hulihe’e Palace now serves as a place to commemorate Hawaiian history and celebrate Hawaiian culture.
The palace was originally built in 1838 out of lava rock by High Chief John Adams Kuakini, former governor of the island of Hawaii. The house later became home to more Hawaiian royals than any other property in Hawaii, but after Hawaii became a US state, the palace fell out of use.
In 1924, the palace was overgrown and falling into ruin. The Daughters of Hawaii sought to save the palace and put it to use as a museum. They even stood up for the historical value of the building, shutting down the Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company when the company tried to decommission the palace to open an oceanside hotel.
In 1973 Hulihe’e was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and today it serves as a museum of Hawaiian history during the era of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi’olani.
How to visit Hulihe’e Palace
Hulihe’e Palace is located on the historic Kailua-Kona on the Island of Hawaii. The museum is open to the public by reserving guided tours between Wednesday and Saturday. Tours start at $22 for general admission with discounts for Hawaiian residents, military personnel, youth, children, and senior visitors. Tours are limited to 9 people per group.
The palace can also be reserved for weddings and other large events.
Visit the Daughters of Hawaii website
to book your tour or event! Queen Emma Summer Palace
Address: 2913 Pali Highway Honolulu, HI 96817
What is the story of Emma Summer Palace?
Emma Summer Palace was another former home to the royals. Originally built for John Young II, son of an advisor to King Kamehameha I, the house is best known as being the former home to Queen Emma, King Kamehameha IV, and Prince Albert Edward.
The palace was built in the beautiful Nu’uanu Valley so the royal family could have a retreat from the summer heat in Honolulu.
After Queen Emma’s death in 1885, the estate was purchased by the Kingdom of Hawaii and would serve as a popular location for non-Hawaiian to avoid the heat in the city.
In 1915 the palace was acquired by the Daughters of Hawaii, who worked to preserve the grounds as a historical monument and museum. Much like the Hulihe’e Palace, the Daughter of Hawaii supported the maintenance of the palace through city plans to tear it down to build a baseball field.
Today, Queen Emma Summer Palace is a museum, historic site, and tourist attraction, still managed by the Daughter of Hawaii.
How to visit Emma Summer Palace
The palace is open to the public by reservation. Visitors can book self-guided or docent-guided tours of the palace to learn about the history of Hawaii and see some original antiques, furnishings, and belongings of Queen Emma.
Tour reservations are available from Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 4 pm.
The property and palace can also be booked for weddings and large private events.
Visit the Daughter of Hawaii website
to book your visit or event! How to get the best car insurance rates in Hawaii
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