Up to an hour
Queen Emma Summer Palace
Step into a 19th-century New England home less than ten minutes outside of Honolulu in the lush Nuuanu Valley.
What you'll do
Partially built in Boston, Massasschuessetts, business merchant John Lewis planned for a New England home to be built in cool and breezy Nuuanu. Completed in 1848, the palace was eventually down to Queen Emma. When she received the home, it served as a vacation spot for herself, King Kamehameha IV, and their son, Prince Albert Edward.
You'll get to explore the seven-room home which was once the royal family's retreat from the hot and dusty climate of Honolulu. See a unique blend of Victorian furniture, royal art, and the hallmarks of Hawaiian royal style. The unique artifacts on display include the young Prince's cradle, a tiger-claw necklace, ahu'ula (feathered cloaks) and the kahili that signify Hawaiian royalty, porcelain from the Japanese emperor, china from Queen Victoria, and more. You'll also get the chance to explore the lush gardens which include both native and introduced tropical flowers and trees.
Facts
Queen Emma was born in 1836. She was descended both from Hawaiian chieftains and from John Young, an Englishman who became the friend and advisor of the great Kamehameha I.
The home was slated for demolition in the early 1900s, but the non-profit Daughters of Hawaii purchased it and continue to maintain the home.
What's included
Rare royal art on display and china from Queen Victoria
Self-guided tour of the 19th-century New England home
Where you'll be
2913 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, USOperating hours
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10AM - 3PM
Closings & holidays
Closed Sunday, Monday & Wednesday
New Year's Day, Prince Kuhio Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Kamehameha Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve (Early Close at 12:30PM), Christmas Day and New Year's Eve (Early Close at 12:30PM)
Find out more
For more information, please visit the Queen Emma Summer Palace website.
We're kind of popular, but don't just take our word for it.
Have a 5% discount, on us!
Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.