The Queen Emma Summer Palace, also known as Hanaiakamalama, is an important historical landmark that was once a retreat for Queen Emma of Hawaii in the mid- to late 19th century. Today it serves as a landmark and historical museum offering insight into the queen's life.
If you're interested in history, you won't want to miss out on this destination. Most people spend about an hour or 2 here, but you can extend your stay a bit if you want to explore every fascinating corner and take in the impressive architecture inspired by Greek Revival styling.
Queen Emma Summer Palace - one of the highlights of 9 Best Things to Do in Oahu When it Rains and 10 Best Museums in Honolulu (Read all about Honolulu here)
photo by PaulT (Gunther Tschuch) (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
Queen Emma Summer Palace highlights
The museum part of the Queen Emma Summer Palace is one of the most popular aspects. You'll find an extensive collection of historical artefacts including items belonging to Queen Emma and her husband, King Kamehameha IV. In the Edinburgh Room specifically, you'll find a cabinet with china gifted to the Hawaiian royals by Queen Victoria.
In addition to the palace, you can also explore the grounds. They encompass 2.16 acres including the land the palace is on, and they contain a wide array of native Hawaiian plants. The entire plot is pristinely landscaped by the Daughters of Hawaii.
photo by PaulT (Gunther Tschuch) (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
Good to know when visiting Queen Emma Summer Palace
One of the most important things to know when visiting Queen Emma Summer Palace is that it's a nonprofit institution. You can enjoy peace of mind when you pay for admission or buy something at the gift shop, as all the proceeds go towards preserving this important historical landmark.
While you're in the area, you can explore some other impressive destinations around town. Pali Lookout is nearby, which is historically significant in its own right. It was the site where Kamehameha solidified his claim as king of the islands against the king of O'ahu at the time.
photo by PaulT (Gunther Tschuch) (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
Queen Emma Summer Palace
Location: 2913 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 4 pm (closed Sunday–Monday)
Phone: +1 808-595-3167
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