MEDIA RELEASE

Kokua Kailua welcomes everyone to enjoy the beautiful, sunny, oceanfront setting 1-6 p.m. Sunday, March 17.

Alii Drive becomes a pedestrian-only walkway during the afternoon event.

When not outside appreciating the ocean view, there are interesting shops to explore, and dozens of island vendors selling arts, crafts, island coffee and more. And when it’s time to take a seat, there are numerous restaurants ready to serve whatever you might be hungry for. At 4 p.m., enjoy an afternoon of entertainment on the lawn at Hulihee Palace.

The next Kokua Kailua is Sunday, April 17.

Palace honors Prince Kuhio, Queen Kaahumanu

The Daughters of Hawaii and the Calabash Cousins present Afternoon at Hulihee 4 p.m. Sunday, March 17 at Hulihee Palace to remember Prince Kuhio and Queen Kaahumanu.

Enjoy the voices of the Merrie Monarchs accompanied by the Hulihee Palace Band. Kindly bring a beach mat or chair as seating won’t be provided.

Known as the Citizen Prince, Kuhio was born on Kauai and raised by his aunt and uncle, Queen Kapiolani and King Kalakaua, to become successor to the royal throne. After Hawaii became a U.S. territory, the Republican Party persuaded Kuhio to enter politics

Kuhio was named Hawaii’s second delegate to the U.S. Congress in 1902 and served the post 10 times. Honored today as the father of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kuhio secured an area of Hawaii Island’s Kilauea Volcano in 1916 for public enjoyment.

He was the driving force behind the development of Pearl Harbor and instituted the Hawaiian Homestead Commission.

Queen Kaahumanu, who hailed from Hana, Maui, was the favorite wife of Kamehameha the Great. Though much younger than her husband, Kaahumanu was charismatic, intelligent and politically shrewd.

Kamehameha granted her the title of kuhina nui (queen regent) upon his death in 1819. Tired of the Hawaiian laws of kapu that forbade women from certain activities, she convinced the throne’s successor, Liholiho, to overturn the kapu system.

Hulihee Palace is open for self-guided tours. Museum and gift shop hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Hulihee Palace admission, which at this time includes a self-guided tour brochure, is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and $1 for keiki under 18. Volunteer docents are sometimes available to give guided tours.

For details, contact the palace at 329-1877, the palace office at 329-9555 or visit www.daughtersofhawaii.org. The gift shop can be reached by phoning 329-6558.

Caretakers of Hulihee Palace are the Daughters of Hawaii. The organization was founded in 1903 and opens membership to any woman who is directly descended from a person who lived in Hawaii prior to 1880. Helping the Daughters in its efforts since 1986 are the Calabash Cousins; membership is available to all.

2013 Afternoon at Hulihee schedule

All Afternoons at Hulihee present hula by Na Pua Ui O Hawaii Hula Halau and vocals by the Merrie Monarchs. Some events also include the Hulihee Palace Band and are noted below. On band dates, only kahiko hula is showcased. Other events offer a full hula show.

Jan. 13: Band appearance remembering King Charles “Lunalilo” and Aunty Iolani Luahine

Feb. 17: Event remembering Princess Ruth Keelikolani

March 17: Band appearance remembering Queen Kaahumanu and Prince Kuhio

April 21: Event remembering Prince Edward Albert

May 19: Event remembering King Kamehameha IV “Alexander Liholiho”

June 9: Band appearance remembering King Kamehameha I “Paiea”

July 21: Event remembering John Adams Kuakini

Aug. 18: Event remembering King Kamehameha III “Kauikeaouli”

Sept. 15: Band appearance remembering Queen Liliuokalani

Oct. 20: Event remembering Princess Kaiulani

Nov. 17: Band appearance remembering King Kalakaua, Palace Curator Aunty Lei Collins and Bandmaster Charles “Bud” Dant

Dec. 15: Event remembering Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop