Keōua Hale was the palace of Princess Ruth Keelikōlani at 1302 Queen Emma Street in downtown Honolulu

Downtown Honolulu

Downtown Honolulu is the current historic, economic, governmental, and central part of Honolulu—bounded by Nuuanu Stream to the west, Ward Avenue to the east, Vineyard Boulevard to the north, and Honolulu Harbor to the south—situated within the larger Honolulu District...

, Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...

.

History

The mansion was built upon the site of Princess Ruth and her adoptive son Leleiohoku's residence in Honolulu, Kaakopua. It burned down in 1873 and plans were made to build a grander palace on the location. In the mean time Keelikōlani and Leleiohoku resided in another house on King's Street until the house was completed, although most of her time were spent on the Big Island of Hawaii at the Hulihee Palace

Hulihee Palace

The Hulihee Palace is located in historic Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on Alii Drive. The former vacation home of Hawaiian royalty, it was converted to a museum run by the Daughters of Hawaii, showcasing furniture and artifacts.-History:...

. Leleiohoku never saw the building completed, dying in 1877.

In the spring of 1883 Princess Ruth completed the building, and gave a grand luau

Luau

A luau is a Hawaiian feast. It may feature food, such as poi, kalua pig, poke, lomi salmon, opihi, haupia, and beer; and entertainment, such as Hawaiian music and hula...

 to celebrate the event. It was larger than the [[ʻIolani Palace]]. This was followed by a ball in the evening, which was attended by all the best society of Honolulu, whether of native or foreign birth. But after this festivity the princess was taken suddenly ill, and left for Kailua on Hawaii island

Hawaii (island)

The Island of Hawaii, also called the Big Island or Hawaii Island , is a volcanic island in the North Pacific Ocean...

 hoping to restore her health. She received medical attention, but did not recover. On 24 May her remains were brought back to Honolulu, and lay in state

Lying in state

Lying in state is a term used to describe the tradition in which a coffin is placed on view to allow the public at large to pay their respects to the deceased. It traditionally takes place in the principal government building of a country or city...

 in the new house. It was later inherited by Princess Bernice Pauahi who died in it.

Today, the site of Keōua Hale is occupied by Central Middle School.