Iolani Palace

04/13/2025

In 1920, the Prince of Wales arrived in Hawaiʻi for a brief 24-hour visit, docking on the morning of April 13 aboard HMS Renown. Upon arrival, he was welcomed at the pier before making a formal call on Governor McCarthy at ʻIolani Palace. While there, he recognized several familiar faces among the portraits on the walls, including Admiral Richard D. Thomas, the British Naval officer who played a significant role in restoring Hawaiian soverignty to King Kamehameha III in 1843.

During his visit, the future King Edward VIII attended a pageant celebrating the centennial of the Hawaiian Mission, where he was seated beside Princess Kawānanakoa, the widow of Prince David Kawānanakoa. The two were photographed together at the event.

That afternoon, His Royal Highness was introduced to surfing by Duke Kahanamoku, experiencing firsthand the sport that would later captivate the world.

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi State Archives

04/12/2025

On this day in 1877, King Kalākaua named his sister, Lydia, as heir apparent following the passing of their brother, Leleiohoku, two days earlier. In her autobiography, she reflected on this pivotal moment:

“…the booming of the cannon… announced that I was heir apparent to the throne of Hawaiʻi. From that moment dates my official title of Liliʻuokalani, that being the name under which I was formally proclaimed princess and heir apparent…”

This marked not only a change in the line of succession but also a change in name. Born Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamakaʻeha, she was hānai (adopted) by Pākī and Konia, the parents of Bernice Pauahi. She was educated at the Chiefs’ Children’s School alongside her brothers and other aliʻi children. Before being named heir to the throne, Liliʻuokalani did not hold a government position but later served as regent during King Kalākaua’s world tour in 1881.

In January 1891, she ascended the throne as Queen of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi State Archives

04/10/2025

On April 10, 1877, Prince Leleiohoku, the younger brother of King Kalākaua and heir to the throne, passed away. Born on January 10, 1854, he was hānai (adopted) by Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani.

After graduating from St. Alban’s College (now ʻIolani School) in 1872, he worked as a clerk in the foreign office. Two years later, he was named heir to the throne and served as regent, acting on behalf of the King during his travels to the United States. His obituary praised his service, noting, “his prospects for a long, honorable, and useful career were of the brightest, and his death, so unexpected, and we had almost said unnecessary, falls like a crushing blow upon the nation.”

Prince Leleiohoku was also a gifted composer with a remarkable tenor voice. His composition Kāua I Ka Huahuaʻi (We Two in the Spray) is a love song better known internationally by its English title, Hawaiian War Chant.

His funeral procession was a grand affair, with over 2,000 participants. The hearse was drawn by 231 members of the Native Working Men’s Society, known as the “Poʻoula,” and flanked on each side by 150 kahili bearers, three to four deep. Prince Leleiohoku now rests in the Kalākaua Crypt at Mauna ʻAla.

Photo credit: Prince Leleihoku portrait, Hawaiʻi State Archives

04/09/2025

Volunteer Recognition Event Recap

Mahalo to our dedicated volunteers who joined us at ʻIolani Palace for a special recognition event in celebration of National Volunteer Month!

As stewards of this historic treasure, our volunteers play a vital role in preserving and sharing the legacy of Hawaiʻi’s monarchy. Whether guiding guests through the Palace, assisting with special events, or supporting behind-the-scenes efforts, their dedication keeps history alive for future generations.

The morning was filled with heartfelt appreciation, camaraderie, and reflections on the impact of their service. We are grateful for their time, passion, and commitment to ʻIolani Palace.

Interested in joining our volunteer ʻohana? Learn more at www.iolanipalace.org/contact/volunteer

04/09/2025

04/08/2025

On this day in 1892, Queen Liliʻuokalani hosted a formal dinner at ʻIolani Palace in honor of Rear Admiral George Brown, U.S. Navy.

Approximately thirty-five guests attended, including members of the admiral’s staff and the royal family. The evening’s entertainment was provided by the Royal Hawaiian Band, which performed eight selections in addition to the national anthems of Hawaiʻi and the United States.

A researcher once noted that Queen Liliʻuokalani took particular pride in her ability to carve a turkey. Perhaps she demonstrated her skill at this very gathering?

04/08/2025

Celebrate 125 years of Okinawan immigration to Hawaiʻi at a special Kamaʻāina Sunday on April 13 from 9AM - 2PM! Enjoy vibrant cultural performances by Okinawan performances, Hālau O Nā Pua Kukui with Kumu Hula Ed Collier, and the Royal Hawaiian Band. Explore special Okinawan-themed activities in the theater room, take advantage of free audio tours, and savor delicious local food—fun for the whole ʻohana!

Save and swipe to see the special schedule we have for this Kamaʻāina Sunday! 📅

We hope to see you there!

04/07/2025

Today, we celebrate the birthday of Princess Poʻomaikelani, the younger sister of Queen Kapiʻolani, who was born on April 7, 1839. From 1884 to 1889, birthday lūʻau were often held in her honor at the King’s Boathouse or the Pink Bungalow.

In 1883, she played a significant role in the coronation of her brother-in-law, King Kalākaua, carrying the pūloʻuloʻu now displayed in the Throne Room. Shortly after, the ceremony she was granted the title of Princess. The following year, after the passing of her sister Kekaulike, she was appointed Governor of Hawaiʻi Island, a position she held for two years. When visiting Oʻahu, she stayed in the center bedroom on the second floor of ʻIolani Palace.

After her government service, Princess Poʻomaikelani dedicated herself to charitable work, supporting Queen Kapiʻolani’s efforts to improve the well-being of the Hawaiian people.

Hauʻoli Lā Hānau, Princess Poʻomaikelani!

Photo credit: Princess Poʻomaikelani portrait and Pink Bungalow, Hawaiʻi State Archives

04/05/2025

On April 5, 1890, King Kalākaua welcomed four sets of distinguished guests in succession.

At 9:30 a.m., His Majesty received Mr. C.S. Noyes, editor of the Washington Evening Star, along with Miss Noyes and Miss Winifred Sweet of San Francisco.

At 10:00 a.m., he hosted Mr. James Mills, Managing Director of the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand, and his wife, as well as the Honorable Colonel and Mrs. Gardiner of England.

At 10:30 a.m., Honolulu attorney Paul Neumann and his daughter, Eva Neumann Fowler, paid a visit to the King.

Finally, at 11:00 a.m., the Reverend Alexander Mackintosh of St. Andrew’s Church introduced the Reverend Archdeacon and Mrs. Shaw of Yokohama. Also presented to His Majesty was Captain C. Young of the S.S. Yamashiro Maru, accompanied by Miss Young.

Photo credit: Throne Room, Hawaiʻi State Archives

04/03/2025

On this day in 1882, His Excellency Michinori S. Nagasaki of Japan accompanied King Kalākaua on a journey around Oʻahu. They spent the night at Major Boyd’s ranch in Kailua and, the following day, enjoyed what was described as a “very excellent lunch” at the home of John McKeague.

Nagasaki had previously served on the committee that welcomed King Kalākaua to Japan in 1881. During his time in Honolulu, he bestowed the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Rising Sun (pictured) upon Her Royal Highness Princess Liliʻuokalani, Governor John Owen Dominis, the Honorable Archibald S. Cleghorn, and the Honorable Charles R. Bishop.

04/02/2025

Join us for a FREE cultural workshop during Kamaʻāina Sunday on April 13, from 9 AM – 12 PM, where you’ll learn to make a Kōkō pūʻalu (Loose Net Bag) from ‘Umi Kai. You’ll gain the skills to create a proper piko (start) and tie the maka (eye) securely, ensuring your bag is sturdy and durable. You’ll have the perfect bag for picking fruit from mango, papaya, and avocado trees, carrying a glass ball or ʻumeke, or even as a beach bag. 🌺

Don’t miss this hands-on opportunity to connect with Hawaiian culture and leave with a one-of-a-kind handmade piece. 🌊

04/01/2025

On April 1, 1884, at 10 a.m., 36 visitors who arrived in Honolulu aboard the steam ship Alameda were presented by American Minister Resident Rollin M. Daggett to His Majesty’s Chamberlain Colonel Charles Hastings Judd. The Chamberlain then introduced them to King Kalakaua. Col. Judd then took the group on a tour of selected rooms in the Palace.

Today, guests can take our Chamberlain’s Tour for a similar experience.

https://www.iolanipalace.org/visit/tours-admission/chamberlains-tour/

Photo credit: King Kalākaua and Colonel Charles H. Judd, Hawaiʻi State Archives

03/31/2025

Join us on Sunday, April 13, for a special Kamaʻāina Sunday celebrating 125 years of Okinawan immigration to Hawaiʻi! Experience a day filled with entertainment, free audio tours, and delicious local food. Bring the keiki for fun activities, and stay tuned for a cultural workshop announcement!

03/31/2025

Liliʻuokalani Kawānanakoa Morris, born in 1905, was the youngest daughter of Prince David Kawānanakoa. A dedicated advocate for Hawaiian culture and community, she was active in various Hawaiian Civic Clubs and a member of Hale O Nā Aliʻi, the Kaʻahumanu Society, and the Daughters of Hawaiʻi. She also served on the Hawaiian Homes Commission, working to uplift Native Hawaiians through land stewardship and community support.

Liliʻuokalani holds a special place in history as the founder of The Friends of ʻIolani Palace. In 1966, she established the organization and served as its president until her passing in 1969. Her leadership, alongside the efforts of the women of the Junior League of Hawaiʻi and hundreds of dedicated volunteers, was instrumental in restoring ʻIolani Palace to its former grandeur—a lasting tribute to Hawaiʻi’s royal legacy.

Pictured: Liliʻuokalani Morris and ʻIolani Palace restoration architect Charles Peterson

03/28/2025

Abigail Campbell was born on New Year’s Day in 1882 to James Campbell and Abigail Kuaihelani Maipinepine. She attended private schools and graduated from the College of Notre Dame in San Jose in 1902.

Two years later, she married David Kawānanakoa, nephew of Queen Kapiʻolani. Together, they had three children: David, Kapiʻolani, and Liliʻuokalani.

Throughout her life, Princess Kawānanakoa dedicated herself to community service and civic leadership. She held prominent roles in numerous organizations, including Regent of Hale O Nā Aliʻi, Honorary President of the Kaʻahumanu Society and the Hawaiian Girls Club, President of the St. Francis Hospital Guild, and member of the Daughters of Hawaiʻi, the Humane Society, the Outdoor Circle, and more.

In addition to her community work, she was an influential political figure. As Hawaiʻi's Republican National Committeewoman, she represented the territory at the 1924 and 1928 conventions. In 1929, she founded the Republican Women of Hawaiʻi, an organization focused on advancing legislation to improve the welfare of women and children.

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi State Archives

03/27/2025

Princess Ruth Keʻelikolani was one of the most powerful and influential women of her time. A great-granddaughter of Kamehameha I and sister to Kings Kamehameha IV and V, she served as Governor of Hawaiʻi Island for 21 years and, by the mid-1800s, had become the wealthiest woman in the Hawaiian Kingdom.

In an era when many embraced Christianity, Princess Ruth remained steadfast in her cultural beliefs. She refused to convert to Christianity or travel beyond the islands. At Huliheʻe Palace in Kona, she chose to live in a large grass hale rather than the grand Western-style home on the same property.

Though fluent in English, Keʻelikolani communicated exclusively in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, emphasizing her commitment to Hawaiian traditions. In 1881, when lava from Mauna Loa threatened Hilo, she boldly approached the advancing flow, staying overnight at its edge. To appease Pele, she poured the finest brandy onto the lava. Within a week, the flow stopped, sparing the town.

Princess Ruth's life was marked by resilience in the face of profound loss. Her mother passed away shortly after her birth, and her first husband died at just 22. All three of her biological children died young, including her eldest, William Pitt Kīnaʻu, at age 17. In 1877, her hānai son and the heir apparent to the throne, Leleiohoku, succumbed to rheumatic fever.

Despite these tragedies, Princess Ruth Keʻelikolani’s unwavering dedication to her people, language, and culture solidified her legacy as a guardian of Hawaiian identity. Today, her influence endures through the lands she bequeathed to her cousin, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, which form the foundation of Kamehameha Schools.

PC: Hawaiʻi State Archives

03/26/2025

Hauʻoli lā hānau e Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole! Today, we honor his legacy with a state holiday celebrating the Territory of Hawaiʻi's second delegate to Congress. March 26, 2025, marks what would have been his 154th birthday.

Known as Prince Kalanianaʻole in the 19th century, Kūhiō was the nephew of Queen Kapiʻolani and a steadfast advocate for the Hawaiian people. From 1902 until his passing in 1922, he served as Hawaiʻi’s non-voting delegate to Congress, where he was an influential member of several committees, including Agriculture, Coinage, Weights and Measures, Military Affairs, Post Office and Post Roads, Private Land Claims, and Territories.

A biography from the U.S. House of Representatives comments

"When Theodore Roosevelt greeted Kūhiō in 1903, he balked at the name Kalanianaʻole. ‘I cannot pronounce his last name. I never would be able to remember it; anyhow, can’t we cut it off somewhere and make it simpler?’ From then on, most in Washington, D.C. referred to him as ‘Kuhio’ or ‘Prince Cupid,’ after his childhood nickname."

While in Washington, Kūhiō worked tirelessly to educate his fellow congressmen and administrators about Hawaiʻi. He often hosted extended tours of the islands, including a notable 1915 visit that welcomed 27 Representatives, 10 Senators, congressional family members, staff, and journalists.

In April 1920, Kūhiō introduced what he initially called the Hawaiian Rehabilitation Bill, with Senator Harry Stewart New of Indiana introducing a companion bill in the Senate. After passing both chambers by voice vote in June 1921, the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act was signed into law by President Warren G. Harding.

Today, we remember Prince Kūhiō not only as a leader and legislator but as a tireless advocate for the lāhui.

PC: Hawaiʻi State Archives

03/25/2025

Queen Emma was a compassionate leader and advocate for healthcare and education in the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Born Emma Kalanikaumakaʻamano Naʻea Rooke on January 2, 1836, in Honolulu, she was the daughter of F***y Kekelaokalani Young and High Chief George Naʻea. She became a hānai of her maternal aunt, Grace Kamaʻikui Rooke, and her husband, Dr. T.C.B. Rooke.

Emma began her education at the Chiefs’ Children’s School at age five, where she studied alongside future leaders, including Lydia Kamakaʻeha, the future Queen Liliʻuokalani. At 13, her education continued under the guidance of an English governess, Sarah Rhodes von Pfister. Fluent in both Hawaiian and English, Emma grew into a well-educated and cultured young woman.

On June 19, 1856, she married King Kamehameha IV at Kawaiahaʻo Church, with her former classmate Lydia Kamakaʻeha serving as one of several bridesmaids. The couple welcomed their only child, Prince Albert Edward, on May 20, 1858. Tragically, the young prince passed away before his fourth birthday, a heartbreaking loss for both the royal family and the kingdom.

Queen Emma channeled her compassion into serving her people. In 1859, she and King Kamehameha IV launched a fundraising campaign to build a hospital, personally going door to door with a subscription list. Their efforts led to the opening of The Queen’s Hospital the following year, ensuring access to healthcare for the Hawaiian people.

Recognizing the limited educational opportunities for girls, Queen Emma founded St. Andrew’s Priory School for Girls in 1867, providing young women with a foundation for success.

More than 150 years later, Queen Emma’s legacy endures. Both The Queen’s Health Systems and St. Andrew’s School continue to thrive, serving the Hawai‘i community and reflecting her enduring commitment to health, education, and the well-being of her people.

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi State Archives