Queen Emma's 19th-century summer home in Nuʻuanu Valley, now a house museum run by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi. You tour the rooms on your own with a phone brochure, or with a docent at 11 am or 1 pm. The old house has stairs, and tall trees shade the Prince Albert Terrace outside.
Know before you go. Queen Emma Summer Palace doesn't list sensory hours or a quiet room. Here's what it does say about the tours, the stairs and the grounds.
Hours
Wednesday to Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm; closed Sunday to Tuesday and on major holidays. Self-guided tours start from 10 am; plan to arrive by 2:15 pm for the last entry (the Palace's main page and tours page say 2:30 pm). Guided Moʻolelo tours: the Palace's main page lists 11:30 am and its events page Friday and Saturday only; its tours page and booking page show 11 am and 1 pm, Wednesday to Saturday, so book there or call 808-595-3167. Online booking has no self-guided tickets for Thu Nov 26, Fri Nov 27, Thu Dec 24, Fri Dec 25 or Thu Dec 31 2026, or Fri Jan 1 2027; call 808-595-3167 before planning a visit on one of those days.
2913 Pali Highway, Honolulu, HI 96817 (heading up Pali Highway, the entrance is a right turn after the Laʻimi intersection, right after a bus stop)
“As 11:00AM and 1:00PM are our only available guided-tour time slots, multiple groups are scheduled at the same time. To help us accommodate everyone, we are unable to accept early arrivals, so please plan to arrive no more than 5 minutes before your scheduled tour.”
“Outside, the gardens add to the calm. Tall trees offer cool shade over the Prince Albert Terrace, a favorite spot to sit, reflect, or enjoy the breeze.” daughtersofhawaii.org (Tour Hānaiakamalama)
To make other arrangements because of the stairs, call 808-595-6291 at least 48 hours before you arrive.
The house is full of Queen Emma's own furniture, china, quilts and portraits. Agreeing ahead of time on looking with eyes, not hands, can make the rooms easier.
The tour includes the sad story of Queen Emma's son and heir, Prince Albert. A quick word about it on the drive can help a kid who feels sad stories strongly.
Self-guided tours run Wednesday to Saturday from 10 am. You scan a QR code at the entrance that opens a digital brochure about every room; reservations are encouraged and walk-ins are welcome when there is space.
Guided Moʻolelo tours last about an hour, depend on docent availability, and must be booked at least one day ahead. The Palace's main page lists 11:30 am and its events page Friday and Saturday only; its tours page and booking page show 11 am and 1 pm, Wednesday to Saturday, so book there or call 808-595-3167. Several groups are scheduled at once, so the Palace can't take early arrivals: arrive no more than 5 minutes before.
The Palace was built in the 1800s, and access may not be available for visitors who have difficulty climbing stairs; the Palace is happy to make other arrangements with 48 hours' notice at 808-595-6291.
Quieter
The gardens and the Prince Albert Terracequiet zone
Self-guided tour: adults 18 to 64 (non-residents) $16, youth 6 to 17 (non-residents) $14, keiki 5 and under free. Hoa Kamaʻāina rate $12 for kamaʻāina with valid ID, seniors 65 and up, and military with valid ID. Guided Moʻolelo tour: $20, with no special pricing; the Palace's pages differ on whether keiki 5 and under pay, so ask when you book.
Booking: online, by phone at 808-595-3167, or by email at tour@daughtersofhawaii.org. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your reservation. Groups of more than 10 call 808-595-6291 at least one week ahead.
Parking: limited parking on site.
Kulāia: A Season of Celebration, Nov 1 to Dec 30 2026: the Palace is decorated with Christmas trees by invited community organizations. Holiday workshops at Hānaiakamalama (the Palace's Hawaiian name): Lauhala Ornaments, Tue Nov 17 2026, 5 to 8 pm, and Hula For The Holidays, Sun Nov 22 2026, 3 to 5:30 pm, $75 each (workshops need a reserved spot); a Christmas Tea is set for Sun Dec 6 2026, 11 am to 2 pm (reserve a spot; seats $100 each, tables of 8 $800 to $1,000). A Lei Poʻo Workshop is set for Sat Dec 12 2026, 8 am to noon, $100 with materials; reserve and pay directly with the instructor (leipooslaybykuhi.com or leipooslaybykuhi@gmail.com).
Call
808-595-3167Queen Emma Summer Palace: tour bookings and questions808-595-6291Daughters of Hawaiʻi: other arrangements for visitors who have difficulty with stairs (48 hours ahead) and groups of more than 10
