Hawaiian Culture, History, and Traditions
Hawaii was originally inhabited by Polynesians thousands of years ago. The remote location of this tropical island chain kept the native civilization isolated from the rest of the world for several hundred years. When Spanish explorers arrived on these islands in the late 1700s, they found a thriving, diverse, and complex society of native island dwellers. The native people’s understanding and deep connection to the islands’ landscape and bountiful natural resources is evidenced in their understanding of the land and their fierce determination to respect and preserve their precious homeland. This is called ‘mālama ʻāina’- to take care of the land.
The Kingdom of Hawaii was established in 1795. Kamehameha I, also known as Kamehameha the Great, conquered these lands and became the first official ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The Hawaiian Islands were unified and remained under his rule until his death. Succession was passed down through generations of rulers in the royal family line until it was overthrown in 1893 when it officially became the Republic of Hawaii. Hawaii was formally annexed to the United States in 1898 but didn’t officially become the fiftieth state until 1959. Since then, the rich history of the royal family and its contributions to the success and preservation of the native land and culture have been celebrated and preserved as a tribute to the original rulers of this island chain.
Hulihe'e Palace
Nestled along the pristine shores of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hulihe’e Palace stands as a timeless testament to Hawaiian royalty’s rich history and enduring legacy. This historic landmark, built in the early 19th century, offers a captivating glimpse into a bygone era when Hawaii was ruled by monarchs who shaped the destiny of these enchanting islands. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating history and cultural significance of Hulihe’e Palace, a place where the stories of Hawaiian kings and queens come to life.
This must-see historic palace was once a vacation home for Hawaii’s royal family. It was built in 1838 by High Chief John Adams Kaukini, Governor of the Island of Hawaii, during the height of Hawaiian Royalty. The main building was built as a single structure from lava rock and coral and served as a summer retreat for many of the Hawaiian Royal family.
In 1886 King Kalakaua renovated and expanded the palace, transforming it into a two-story structure that blended Hawaiian and Western architectural styles. The home boasted six large rooms, elegant verandas, ornate wood furnishing, crystal chandeliers, and many traditional features such as koa wood furnishings and lauhala matting. Creating a fusion of cultures. By 1924, the Palace was in ruins. In 1925, it was bought by the Territory of Hawaii for the Daughters of Hawaii, who then worked to save the structure, make renovations, clear the overgrown grounds, and bring the palace back to its former glory. The buildings were converted into a living museum with 2 lanais overlooking the ocean, and the once-overgrown gardens were magically transformed into expansive, manicured tropical gardens.
Visitors to the palace can explore the rooms where these monarchs once lived and held court, gaining insight into their opulent lifestyles and contributions to Hawaiian culture. The palace’s rich historical collection includes artifacts, photographs, and personal belongings of the royal family, allowing visitors to connect with Hawaii’s royal heritage on a deeply personal level.
Visiting Hulihe’e Palace is like stepping back to the days of Hawaiian royalty. The palace is open to the public, and guided tours or self-guided tours are available to provide a deeper understanding of its history and significance. As you explore the elegant rooms, lush gardens, and sweeping ocean views, you can’t help but feel a sense of reverence for the monarchs who once called this place home.
Visit the Daughters of Hawaii website to learn more and book your visit. Call ahead as the palace is also available for weddings, events, and receptions, so make sure they are open when you plan to visit.
The palace is located at: 75-5718 Ali‘i Drive Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Check their website for opening hours and to book your museum tour.
Once your visit to the magnificent palace is concluded, continue your southern route to Volcano, our Volcano bed and breakfast is easy to find as it is located on the main Highway from Kona
