The Hulihee Palace was constructed in 1838 to fulfil the orders of Big Island Governor John Adams Kuakini. Using native lava rock, koa and ohia timbers, coral lime mortar, the palace stands as a magnificent 2-story structure including an entry hall, a parlor, sitting room, dining room, and 2 bedrooms.

Originally, it was the residence of Big Island Governor Kuakini. When he died in 1844, his adopted son, William Pitt Leleiohoku, took over as its owner. Since his death came only after a few months, the palace was left under the care of his wife, Princess Ruth Keelikolani. It was during this time when the house was opened to the monarchs of Hawaii, including Kamehameha III and Queen Liliuokalani.

In 1925, the Territory of Hawaii purchased the palace and turned it over to the Daughters of Hawaii, an organization aiming “to perpetuate the memory and spirit of old Hawaii and of historic facts, and to preserve the nomenclature and correct pronunciation of the Hawaiian language.”