Royal Family of Hawai'i

[soCal girl]

I just came back from Hawai'i and I finally visited Iolani Palace! Now I know that every culture is different and Hawai'i is tiny but the palace isn't so much a palace but a nice big house (the pictures on the first page of this thread make it seem a lot bigger). It pales in comparison to it's European counterparts. I had to wear these booties to help preserve the palace floors but it was really interesting to finally go inside. The crystal panes in the front doors were supposed to be Hawaiian ladies but the people who created them were from California and did not know what Hawaiians looked like so they used their imagination: Greek goddesses (it was actually sad and funny at the same time looking at these window panes that were supposed to be exotic beauties).

Also on display is Queen Liliuokalani's quilt which she made during her days as a prisoner. It's a beautiful quilt which the Queen gave to a family friend. A couple years back the descendants of this family donated the quilt so that it would have some purpose besides being locked up inside a safe.

This is my favorite story the tour guide told my family. Queen Liliuokalani was invited to Queen Victoria's (Silver or Golden Jubilee, can't remember) and the stylist back in the day told the Queen and the Princess that they couldn't compete with Western royalty in Western designs. So this stylist suggested a peacock dress. I guess during those days people kept peacocks as pets so servants went around telling people that peacocks were bad luck to get the peacocks for the dress. The peacocks were plucked and a dress was made that weighed 35 pounds! I guess she really did stand out in London .

I guess this is the official website for Iolani Palace: http://www.iolanipalace.org/index.html
The Hawaiian monarchy is actually a really sad story. It didn't last very long and had a depressing ending.

[Avalon]

Originally Posted by soCal girl

I just came back from Hawai'i and I finally visited Iolani Palace! ...

That's a really nice story, SoCal girl. I would love to see Queen Liliuokalani in the peacock dres!!

[Kepola]

How much do you know about the island of Kaho'olawe?

[LadyGabrielle]

Aloha Kepola! If you are asking me, I have some knowledge but not alot. Most of my information is given by the elders or by the people involved in the clean up effort as well as Halau members who go there for spiritual reasons. All I know is that Kanaloa will one day be inhabited with its people again. Do you have more info to share?

[GlitteringTiaras]

Aloha e komo mai, Kepola!

[LadyGabrielle]

Yes, I agree with you as well G.T. but we know that will never happen. I also agree that there should be more HH available for the people. I know that there has been extensive building on Maui and here in Anahola but more is needed. As for the books, I have 2 out of 3. Thanks for the info.

[GlitteringTiaras]

Hawai’i is more than just Mai Tais, Chi Chis, hotel rooms, tacky tourist luaus, sunburned Haole skin, and Waikiki. It is a place, which is still struggling to preserve its culture, lands, and way of life. So while many are unfamiliar with its unique history, besides three kama`aina -- -- , I thought I would give a brief synopsis of the history of Hawai’i and its monarchy. Please share your thoughts, opinions, or whatever is on your mind about this special place called Hawai'i.


By the late 1770’s, prior to the Hawaiian unification (except for Ni’ihau and Kaua’i) by the King Kamehameha I, the islands were ruled by varying Mo’i: Ni’ihau and Kaua’i, O’ahu and Moloka’i, Lana’i, Maui, and Kaho`olawe, and Hawai’i which was divided into subsections of 3 to 6 warring Mo’i. After the Battle of Nu'uanu (located on O’ahu) the islands finally fell under one ruler, except for Ni’ihau and Kaua’i. Kamehameha could never conquer these islands via warfare. So he decided to try another tactic with Kaumuali’i: diplomacy. It worked.


So instead of relying on the infamous unreliable Wikipedia, I thought I would compile a list of reigning monarchs of Hawai’i with my own commentary, and other stuff that I learned from my Tutu, various Auntie’s, and whilst at KS middle school.

Kamehameha I
Born 1758
Strong, incredibly intelligent, warrior, and able to adapt to change.
Nephew of Kalani’opu’u
Ruled from 1795-1819.

Ka’ahumanu
Favorite wife of Kamehameha
1st woman Chief Councilor
Banned traditional Hawaiian culture, religion, and ways in favor of Christianity.

Liholiho, Kamehameha II
Puppet King while Ka’ahumanu was alive even though Kamehameha I named him as heir.
Ruled 1819-1824

Kauikeaouli, Kamehameha III
Ruled 1825-1854

Alexander Liholiho, Kamehameha IV
Ruled 1854-1863
Wife was Queen Emma. She had a unique relationship with Queen Victoria. Both wrote letters of support to each other. Queen Victoria remarked about Queen Emma "Nothing could be nicer or more dignified than her manner…" (see the book Emma: Hawai`i’s Remarkable Queen)


Kapuāiwa, Kamehameha V
Ruled 1863-1872
Last of the Kamehameha bloodline.

Lunalilo I
Rules 1873-1874


Kalākaua
Ruled 1874-1891
Known as the Merrie Monarch
Revived Hawaiian culture, traditions, and pride.

Lili`uokalani
Ruled 1891-1893
Intelligent, writer, poet, and a songwriter.
Last Monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom after the nation was illegally overthrown by the descendants of missionaries as well as with the help of the United States.

So perhaps others would like to add something or share their thoughts about the Hawaiian monarchy?

To understand, the CliffNotes/Youtube version, the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy watch this clip

here.

When the Youtube clip hits 7:53 - 8:10 (or beginning at -2:59) pay close attention. You might understand the pain as well as anger the Kanaka Maoli still feel to this day. Furthermore, why so many push for sovereignty.


Queen Lili`uokalani, photo date unknown

The Queen now a prisioner

Queen Kapi`olani and Princess Lili`uokalani preparing to board a ship, New York Harbor, bound for England, 1887

Coronation of King Kalakaua

[scooter]

Dear Hawaiian friends, thank you for all of the great info! I will be going back to Hawaii next month. It is my fifth time, but my 5 year old's first visit. We will be mostly in Maui this time with a 2 day stop in Oahu. Are there any Royal venues of interest in Maui? Usually we are more scuba/foodies there (sister used to be the sous chef at Roy's in Kahana). I had no idea that there were still royal relics in the islands. I appreciate everything you all have posted!
Mahalo and Aloha!

[GlitteringTiaras]

There are several places on O'ahu, Scooter.

Your first stop should be the Bishop Museum. Then visit `Iolani Palace, Queen Emma's summer palace, and Hulihe`e Palace. If you have time head on over to the North Shore and visit Waimea Valley. There are many parks you should check out, but it seems your time on O'ahu is limited. One last place I just thought about is the Mission Houses Museum.

On Maui check out the Bailey House. The house is in Wailuku, and finally visit the Hana Cultural Museum and Center.

[LadyGabrielle]

Aloha Scooter! GT has given you a good start to your adventure. On Maui I would also suggest you visit Waiola Church where a few our royal family are buried. I would also visit the old courhouse down by the wharf as they have numerous documents and some photos. There is also a guided walking tour that they provide which takes you through all the different historic sites in Lahaina town. I think you would enjoy that. You might also go to Lahainaluna highschool which was the first school and is the oldest school west of the rockies. The school was built on land that was given by Queen Keopuolani and her second husband, Governor Hoapili. She was Kamehamehas sacred wife. He would have to get on his hands and knees just to be in her presence. She and Hoapili are buried at Waiola church along with King Kaumualii who was King of Kauai. Any other questions, let me know.

GT, The clip was wonderful! Hopefully it will help others that are not familiar with the story of the overthrow. Watching it made my heart break as usual but it is a good way to get the message out there. The Queen was such a wonderful woman, she was regal in every way. What you said is true, this is why so many kanaka maoli are determined in one way or another to see that sovereignty is regained.

[Kepola]

Kaho'olawe is an island in which has a history of destructive intent, tragic loss, and now hope. I believe the following links will be help you gain a much more greater perspective as to why we Hawaiians have such great respect for such an island.

Kaho`olawe Island

Honolulu Star-Bulletin Features

Aloha no.

[Kepola]

Aloha, e ko mo mai Glittering Tiaras

[LadyGabrielle]

Mahalo Kepola for the info. I will read and learn. I do know that Kanaloa is a sacred island from ancient time. Is there anything else you could share while we are here in the forum?

[Kepola]

Originally Posted by lady anne

Mahalo Kepola for the info. I will read and learn. I do know that Kanaloa is a sacred island from ancient time. Is there anything else you could share while we are here in the forum?

Sorry for the late response.

I appreciate your asking me to share and it would be of great pleasure.

I'll start from the beginning:

Kaho'olawe is one of the older islands of the Hawaiian islands. The island itself is actually the summit of a volcano dome. http://z.about.com/d/gohawaii/1/0/N/...olaweSpace.gif
http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/...Kahoolawe1.jpg


The following site will give you a much better description than I ever could.
Kahoolawe Information Portal

If you need any further information, I would be pleased to help.

Aloha no.

[LadyGabrielle]

Mahalo Kepola. I appreciate your response.

[Kepola]

Originally Posted by lady anne

Mahalo Kepola. I appreciate your response.

Mahalo, anytime

[Turkish Delight]

Hello everyone, I tried to investigate this family and I found that photos.

Hawaii Royal Family on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Hawaii Royal Family 2 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
The Royal Palace, Honolulu, Hawaii on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[AnastasiaEvidence]

Here are more photos of Kaiulani.

[GlitteringTiaras]

Absolutely fantastic, Anastasia Evidence. Thank you.

I have a soft spot for Crown Princess Ka'iulani. She along with Queen Emma, King Kalakaua are among my favorites and most interested in of all the Hawaiian monarchs.

DISNEY!!!!! Say it isnt so! One of the things I love most about the Hawaiian Islands is that for the most part they are undeveloped in huge swaths, except around Honolulu. My sister was a chef at Roy Yamaguchi's in Kahana for years and it was my excuse to slip off to Maui on the slightest of excuses. When is this Lilo and Stitch perversion supposed to get under way?

The new Disney () Hotel will near Kapolei in the Ko Olina area. We'll see what happens, but the only positive thing I can say is that it will create jobs (even though there not high paying positions) in an area that is trying to revive (if that's the right word) itself hence Kapolei.

When you fly into Honolulu Airport, and you are sitting on the left hand side of the plane, you will be able to see it in all it's tacky glory once construction is complete.

On a lighter more interesting note, I've been researching a particular subject now, and I found some amazing information (primary sources not available online) regarding King Kalakaua. Later, when I have a chance, I'll post my findings.

[AnastasiaEvidence]

Your welcome Glittering Tiara's. Thanks! I have so more that are rare but since I don't know where I got them from I may not want to post at all. I am very glad you like the photos I showed.