Founded in 1903 by seven women who were daughters of American Protestant missionaries, the Daughters of Hawai‘i was one of the first organizations in Hawai‘i to recognize the importance of historical preservation. Since the 1900s it has been distinguished for preserving Queen Emma’s Summer Palace in Honolulu and Hulihe`e Palace in Kailua-Kona, restoring them with original furnishings. The Daughters continue to operate and maintain these palaces as their principal activity.