Queen Emma Summer Palace is a return to the days when Hawai'i was a monarchy. Queen Emma occupied the property from 1857 until she passed in 1885. The house is in very good condition and contains memorabilia, artifacts and books on Hawai'i. The Palace is secluded. Although it is only a 10-minute drive to downtown Honolulu, it's cooler than the coast in summer. The property also has a impressive view of the surrounding area. There is a story that it was marked out as a baseball stadium, but the plan was scrapped after a public outcry.