When we think of castles, Hawaii is not typically the first location that comes to mind.
However, the royals who once reigned over the Kingdom of Hawaii lived in state-of-the-art homes that are sure to take your breath away.
Many of these castles are still standing today, in the form of museums.
These historical landmarks are a great reason to visit Hawaii, as they provide visitors with the chance to learn more about the island’s storied past.
The following guide is here to let readers know what they can expect from each of these locations once they arrive in Hawaii.
Be sure to read on and learn more.
The 4 Most Beautiful Castles In Hawaii
Queen Emma Summer Palace
Located in Honolulu, Queen Emma Summer Palace used to serve as a home for the royals before it evolved into other forms of housing.
When it was originally constructed, it was designed as a residence for the son of an advisor to King Kamehameha I to live in.
His name was John Young II and the home would become known as a primary place of residence for Queen Emma, King Kamehameha IV, and Prince Albert Edward.
The palace was even constructed with the year-round comfort of the royal family in mind.
As most already realize, the summers in Hawaii can be very hot.
Instead of being built in an area where they would be exposed to the unrelenting summer heat that Honolulu has to offer, it was constructed in the gorgeous Nu’uanu Valley.
This allowed the royals to evade direct sunlight.
They were also able to avoid the health issues that are caused by excessive exposure to harmful UV rays.
Once Queen Emma passed away in 1885, the estate ended up changing hands a few times over the course of the years to come.
After her passing, the property was originally purchased by the Kingdom of Hawaii. From there, it became a commonly utilized location for Hawaiian visitors who were looking to remain safe from the summer heat.
The Daughters of Hawaii then acquired the palace in 1915 and worked tirelessly to ensure that the grounds remained preserved.
It became a museum and a historical landmark, thanks to their efforts.
The palace remains a tourist attraction today, as the Daughters of Hawaii supported the palace and kept the city of Honolulu from having the chance to tear it down to build a baseball field.
The general public can visit the palace as long as they make the proper reservations ahead of time.
Self-guided or docent tours are currently available.
Queen Emma’s antiques and belongings remain on site as well.
Hulihe’e Palace
Kailua-Kona visitors are sure to appreciate the stories that are associated with this renowned palace.
It once served as a summer home for the royals of Hawaii but nowadays, it serves an entirely different purpose.
This is one of the best locations for any visitor who is looking to learn more about Hawaiian culture and history.
This palace provides a closer look at the many stories that this beautiful island has to tell.
Can you believe that High Chief John Adams Kuakini first constructed this castle back in 1838, with the usage of lava rocks?
After this unique building process, the former governor of the island of Hawaii’s palace would soon take on a completely different purpose, though.
While the palace remained home to Hawaiian royals in the meantime, it was no longer used for these purposes once Hawaii eventually became a part of the United States.
By the time the 1920s rolled around, Hulihe’e had fallen into a state of ruin and was in need of serious repair.
The Daughters of Hawaii stepped in to make sure that the palace would be preserved in museum form.
Their goal was simple: they wanted islanders and visitors alike to continue to appreciate the historical significance of the structure.
To that end, they even put a stop to the Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company when they wanted to turn this location into a luxury hotel that would cater exclusively to tourists.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 as a result of their efforts, ensuring its continued safety.
Guided tours must be reserved by prospective visitors and they can be scheduled each week from Wednesday to Saturday.
Tours are limited to nine people per trip, so be forewarned.
The palace can even be rented for larger events, such as weddings.
Hale Koa (Iolani Barracks)
Hale Koa is the Hawaiian structure that most resembles the prototypical castle structure that the average person would imagine.
If you are looking for a Hawaiian castle that looks like something out of a fairy tale, Hale Koa is the place to be.
It is located on the Iolani Palace grounds and serves as the auxiliary area for tourists who are looking for souvenirs and the like.
This is where visitors can shop, buy tickets and check out the video theater.
These tourist activities are a great distraction but that is not all that Hale Koa has to offer to the Hawaiian visitor.
When this palace was first constructed back in 1871, it was designed to serve as a barracks for the Royal Guard.
Now, it is home to the state capital.
Once the royal guard no longer existed, there was no need for the barracks to exist either, and the necessary changes were made before long.
The monarchy eventually disbanded and Hale Koa served a wide range of different purposes before it became the attraction it has become today.
At first, it became a refuge for those who were displaced by the Chinatown fire.
It has also served as a government office building and the headquarters for the National Guard over the course of its life span.
In 1965, the barracks were dismantled and reconstructed at their current location on the grounds of the Iolani Palace.
Those who decide to visit Iolani Palace (we will have more on this location next) will undoubtedly be spending time at Hale Koa.
This is where the tourist attractions are located, providing guests with a one-stop shop.
It has never been easier to come to check out the castle and take in its awesome glory.
Iolani Palace
These Honolulu palace grounds have played a key role in Hawaiian history, for as far back as anyone can remember.
This location served as a place of worship for locals before the palace was even constructed.
Five kings resided here as well, in a different palace. In 1845, King Kamehameha II had a home built for himself on these grounds.
The palace’s original construction was torn down in 1874 and Iolani Palace construction began five years later.
Once the palace was completed in 1882, it became the official monarch residence for the state of Hawaii.
In 1969, it became the official capital building for the island.
For nearly 100 years, this palace served as a Hawaiian historical cornerstone.
The trial and imprisonment of Queen Liluokalani took place here.
Iolani even served as a crucial piece of the Hawaiian transition from a monarchy to a US state.
Extensive restoration took place once the 1970s rolled around.
The palace’s glory days were replicated with the new construction, as the furnishings and glassware were restored to their former glory.
Friends of Iolani Palace is now responsible for the management of this location in the present day and it is not used as a government building.
The historical monument remains open and it is used for a wide range of public and private events.
Tours are provided from Wednesday thru Sunday, from the hours of 9 AM to 4 PM. Professionally guided and self-guided tours are both available.
Hawaii Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Hawaii Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Royal Palaces Does Hawaii Have?
The United States may have a number of castles scattered throughout the 50 states but Hawaii is actually home to the only royal palace in the nation.
It’s the only royal palace on the island and is frequented by visitors on a regular basis for this reason.
Wasn’t There a Barracks Revolt
This revolt took place at Iolani Palace and is not widely discussed.
The revolt took place in 1873.
Hungarian Captain Joseph Jajczay had sent four men to the brig because they had deserted their treasury guarding posts.
Tensions reached their boiling point and a mutiny took place.
The captain was attacked, as well as the adjutant general.
King Lunalilo was eventually able to negotiate an end to the mutiny a few days later.
Are These Castles Associated With the Military?
Currently, none of these castles have any military involvement.
While some of them were used as military barracks before the present day, most of them are not closely associated with these purposes.
For the most part, these castles merely served as royal housing and did not have any usage from a military standpoint.
When Is The Best Time of Year To Visit These Castles?
The best time of year to visit Hawaii is between the months of March and September.
This is when the rainfall is at its lowest and temperatures are at their highest.
If you make the mistake of coming during the rainy season, you just may have a number of your chosen activities rained out entirely.
You’ll want to come when the weather is at its best.
