Stand on the royal shores where King Kamehameha the Great once trained for war, then tour the summer palace of Hawaiian royalty filled with original feather capes and koa furnishings — two of the most significant cultural sites in all of Hawaii, both within minutes of the pier.
What to expect
Your morning opens at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, where you walk ancient fishponds still inhabited by sea turtles and trace the footprints of Kamehameha's warriors across sacred heiau (temple) platforms. The tour then moves into Kailua village for a guided visit of Hulihē'e Palace — the lava-rock summer retreat of Hawaiian royalty, now a museum of royal artifacts. Guides contextualise each piece: the feather war cloaks, the double-hulled canoe models, the portraits of the last monarchs.
Good to know
Departs directly from Kailua Pier; the palace is a 3-minute walk from the tender landing. Full experience runs ~4 hrs, comfortably within ship schedules. Hulihē'e Palace (operated by the Daughters of Hawaii) charges USD 10 entry, typically included in tour price — confirm at booking.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Kailua-Kona — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Kailua-Kona
- Manta Ray Night Snorkel: Kona's Iconic After-Dark Encounter
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: Private Expert-Guided Day Tour
- Kohala Coast Helicopter Tour: Waterfalls, Valleys & Volcanic Craters
- Kona Coffee Farm Estate Tour & Premium Tasting Experience
- Fair Wind Snorkel Sail to Kealakekua Bay Marine Sanctuary