Pd catalysts supported on activated carbon, Al2O3 and MgO were prepared, characterized and evaluated in cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) hydrogenation reaction. Pd catalyst supported on Al2O3 showed a better performance both on catalytic activity (CHP conversion, 99.5%; alpha-cumyl alcohol selectivity, 107.3%) and stability as compared to Pd catalysts supported on activated carbon and MgO. This is attributed to the high surface acidity and fair hydrothermal stability of Al2O3. Changes in support structure and Pd sintering during CHP hydrogenation resulted in the drop of catalytic activity.