Ho'oulu Community Farmers and Artisans Market, Hullihe'e Palace, and Don's Mai Tai
I tried to fit a Hulihe'e Palace tour into a number of different schedules, but it just didn't work very well (or at all). They only have 2 docent led tours on the days that they are open, and they are only open 4 days a week. It finally proved to be easier to just plan on dropping Brenda and Nancy off at the palace for the tour and then finding something to do for a couple of hours.
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However, I modified that plan, and changed the day so that we could go to the Ho'oulu Community Farmers and Artisans Market at 9:00 am and then the Hulihe'e Palace at 11:00. I further modified the plan, and I added Don's Mai Tai for lunch. After dropping them at the Palace, I can wait for the girls there. Don's Mai Tai validates parking, they have a beautiful bay view, they serve an assortment of adult beverages, the girls can walk to Don's from the Palace, and Nancy agreed to drive back to Waikoloa. A total win!
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We're planning to have lunch at Don's Mai Tai after they are finished with the tour.
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After lunch we'll take 190 back north and then cut down past Waikoloa Village. Nancy can drop me off at condo and then they can check out the King's and Queen's Marketplaces.
Keauhou Shopping Center for Breakfast
78-6831 Ali‘i Dr #232, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Our plan for today's trip is to first stop and the Clover and Mug for breakfast. It's right on the way to our first stop and opens up before the farmers' market.
Ho'oulu Community Farmers and Artisans Market
78-128 Ehukai St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740​
Open Wednesday and Friday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Excerpt from their website: In Hawaiian, Ho'oulu means "to grow", and we are honored to be one of the longest-standing Wednesday and Friday Farmers Market in Kailua-Kona.
The Big Island Market features 100% Big Island made, grown and created products. Fruits, Kona Coffee, art, value added products, handmade crafts, music, and more!
We like to call ourselves "The Gallery on the Green"
Hulihe'e Palace
75-5718 Ali‘i Drive
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Tel: (808) 329-1877
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Hours of Operation
Wed - Sat: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM, last Entry at 3 PM
Fri: 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Sun - Tue & Major Holidays: Closed
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We decided on a docent-guided tour on Friday 1/17/2025 at 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Nancy and Brenda will tour Hulihe'e Palace from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. I'll park at the Royal Kona Resort and wait for them at Don's Mai Tai.
After the tour, we'll eat lunch at Don's.
NOTE: I made reservations for the 1/17/2025 11:30 am docent tour on 12/20/2024. I put down both Nancy and Brenda's names and contact info but the receipt only shows Nancy. Need to double check with them that two will be admitted.
Docent-guided tours 11:30 am and 1:30 pm on Wednesday thru Saturday.
$22 General Admission $16 Seniors with ID (62 yrs & Older).
Self-guided tours on Wednesday thru Saturday starting at 10 AM, with the last tour starting at 3 PM.
$16 General Admission $10 Seniors with ID (62 yrs & older).
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Hulihe‘e Palace was built in 1838 by High Chief John Adams Kuakini. Originally constructed out of lava rock, it served as a summer vacation home for Hawaiian royalty. Today, it functions as a historic house museum showcasing artifacts and royal regalia. ​​​​
