Ocean
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Float above lit ocean water after dark as Kona's resident manta rays somersault inches beneath you, the Big Island's single most unforgettable hour.
Culture
Hulihe'e Palace, Kailua-Kona
A seaside royal residence turned museum on Ali'i Drive, its koa halls full of the Hawaiian monarchy: feather work, quilts, portraits, and grand island furniture.
Once a summer home for Hawaiian royalty, Hulihe’e Palace stands on the seawall of Kailua-Kona, its koa rooms preserved by the Daughters of Hawai’i as a museum of the monarchy. Inside are feather work, Hawaiian quilts, portraits of the ali’i, and furniture built at a scale meant for kings.
It is a small, gracious stop in the heart of old Kailua town. Our concierge pairs it with a walk past Moku’aikaua Church, Hawaii’s oldest, and lunch along the water on Ali’i Drive.
Good to know
What else is nearby?
It sits in the heart of old Kailua-Kona. Pair it with Moku'aikaua Church, Hawaii's oldest church, right across the street, and a stroll and lunch along oceanfront Ali'i Drive.
What will we see inside?
Koa-paneled rooms of the Hawaiian monarchy filled with feather work, Hawaiian quilts, portraits of the ali'i, and grand island furniture, all cared for by the Daughters of Hawai'i. Many of the rooms look straight out to the sea.
How long does a visit take?
The palace is small and gracious, so most guests spend about 45 minutes to an hour inside, a little longer with a docent-led tour. It pairs easily with a morning or afternoon in old Kailua town.
Which days is it open, and is there a fee?
There is a modest admission, and the palace keeps limited days and hours that can change with the season, so we suggest confirming before you drive down. Ask us and we will check the current schedule for you.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Knowledgeable docents lead tours that bring the rooms and the royal history to life, and they are well worth it. You are also welcome to walk through on your own with general admission.
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Culture
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Ocean
Kealakekua Bay Kayak & Snorkel
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