Queen Emma Summer Palace was the retreat that supported Queen Emma, often called the tragic heroine.
It is said to be the place where King Kamehameha IV, his wife Queen Emma, who were deeply supported by the Hawaiian people, and their son Prince Albert spent happy times together.
Located at the foot of the Pali Lookout, where the Hawaiian army defeated the Oahuan army in 1795, the palace sits on a slight elevation. Even today, it’s surrounded by greenery, and a very pleasant breeze blows through!
This building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, displays the furnishings and mementos of Queen Emma and her royal family.
Its modest exterior might differ slightly from the typical image of a palace, but it has a unique atmosphere that blends Greek and Hawaiian architectural styles.
It’s a hidden gem where you can learn about Hawaiian history, nature, and charm!
Recommended Exhibits at Queen Emma Summer Palace
The inside of the palace is like a museum, with a variety of exhibits densely displayed.
Although the facility isn’t very large, it’s filled with many interesting Hawaiian artifacts, so please take your time to appreciate them.
Portrait of King Kamehameha the Great
This is a portrait of Kamehameha I.
You might be a little surprised by how different it looks from the famous statues of King Kamehameha the Great, right?
It is said that the statues of King Kamehameha the Great were actually modeled after the most handsome soldier in the court at the time.
King Kamehameha the Great is an immensely important figure in Hawaiian history, so be sure to see what his real face looked like.
Portrait of Queen Emma
This is the portrait of Queen Emma, the central figure of the Summer Palace.
Born in Honolulu, she married King Kamehameha IV at the age of 20 and gave birth to their son, Prince Albert.
It is said that the three of them spent happy summers together at this retreat.
However, Prince Albert passed away at the age of four, and King Kamehameha IV died shortly thereafter, leading to Queen Emma being known as a tragic heroine.
This Summer Palace was what supported the tragic heroine, Queen Emma, until her later years.
Queen Emma was known for her vigorous philanthropic work and is recognized for establishing some of Hawaii’s first hospitals, churches, and schools.
Prince Albert’s Cradle
This is Prince Albert’s cradle, located in the main bedroom.
It was created at the request of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma and is made from four types of native Hawaiian wood: Koa, Kou, Milo, and Kamani.
The meticulous attention to detail in its design and materials is apparent, and it has been designated a national treasure due to its historical importance.
This piece conveys just how much the couple cherished Prince Albert.
Royal Feather Cape
A royal feather cape made from red and yellow feathers.
Both colors of feathers come from native Hawaiian birds (the ‘I’iwi and the Mamo).
The method of collecting the feathers was not to kill the birds and pluck them. Instead, they would gather fallen feathers or use a sticky substance to catch the birds, take a few feathers, and then release them immediately.
The history of these capes involves repeating this incredibly painstaking process to complete a single garment.
Basic Information about Queen Emma Summer Palace
| Name | Queen Emma Summer Palace |
| Address | 2913 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Admission | Adults (13-61): $14 Seniors (62+): $10 Youth (5-12): $5 Children (4 and under): $1 |
| Estimated Time | Approx. 30 minutes |
| Closed | Mondays, Wednesdays, Sundays |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
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