Queen Emma's Summer Palace

Over the weekend I got to visit Queen Emma's Summer Palace. I've been meaning to go for quite a while now, but I haven't had the chance.

The back of the palace

The palace was a place of retreat and comfort for Queen Emma Kaleleonalani Rooke, King Kamehameha IV and their son Prince Albert between 1857-1885.

The house was built in 1848 by John Lewis. The house was sold to Queen Emma's uncle, John Young II for only $6,000. The house was then given the name Hanaiakamalama which means foster child of the moon. In 1857, John Young II left the house to his niece, Queen Emma, in his will.

In 1885, after Queen Emma's death, the home was bought by the monarchical government and leased. In the early 1900's it was bought by the Daughters of Hawai'i and was restored, in an effort to preserve a piece of Hawaiian history.

Upon entering the palace, you are asked to remove your shoes. Photos are allowed, but don't use flash.

The house is filled with beautiful portraits of the royal family. About 80% of the furniture in the house is original and belonged to the royal family, many of which were gifted to the family by other royalty throughout the world.

The Front Bedroom

The entry hallway

The beautiful 3 tiered cabinet in the Edinburgh Room

The Edinburgh Room

In the back bedroom, there is a tall glass display case. In the display case is a small fireman's jacket. It belonged to Prince Albert, who died at the age of 4 due to sudden illness. He became an honorary member of the Honolulu Fire Department.

The house is filled with so much history and it was a great honor to be able to see the furniture that the royal family had and to be able to walk in the rooms that they once filled.

If you're ever in Hawai'i I recommend visiting.

2913 Pali Hwy
Honolulu Hi 96817

What's your favorite museum you've visited?