Categorized | Entertainment

Kokua Kailua stroll, palace concert (Oct. 17)

MEDIA RELEASE

The Daughters of Hawaii and Calabash Cousins present a free concert 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17 at Hulihee Palace to honor the late Princess Kaiulani, who is fondly remembered as the “People’s Princess.” Enjoy the voices of the Merrie Monarchs and Hawaiian performing arts by Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawaii.

Bring a beach mat or chair as seating won’t be provided.

Princess Victoria Kawekiu Lunalilo Kalaninuiahilapalapa Kaiulani was the last heir to the Hawaiian throne. Born in 1875 to Princess Miriam Likelike, she was the niece of King Kalakaua.

“Her father was an Edinburgh Scot named Archibald Cleghorn, who was a governor of Oahu,” says Fanny Au Hoy, docent coordinator. “The young princess, who was fond of peacocks, lived in Waikiki at the garden estate of Ainahau. Today, it is the present location of the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel.”

A fellow Scot, Robert Lewis Stevenson, became friends with Princess Kaiulani and he wrote numerous poems about his “fair maiden.” Known for her grace and hospitality, Kaiulani traveled abroad and studied in London as a teenager. Though a long way from Hawaii, she soon found herself in the fight to save the monarchy from American annexationists.

“Kaiulani went to Washington and visited President Grover Cleveland and his wife to plead her cause,” Au Hoy said. “Enchanted by the young, beautiful and fashionable Kaiulani, President Cleveland sent a personal representative to Hawaii to report on the political situation.”

Kaiulani’s aunt, Queen Liliuokalani, and others suggested the princess choose a husband to help Hawaii’s political situation: the nephew of the Emperor of Japan or her Hawaiian cousin, Prince David Kawananakoa. Bitter and disillusioned, Kaiulani realized her chance at the throne was gone forever when Hawaii officially became part of the U.S. in August 1898.

A few months later, after attending a wedding at Parker Ranch, Kaiulani got caught in a cold, cutting “Waimea rain” and the princess became seriously ill.

“Her father came to the Big Island with the family doctor and Kaiulani improved at Mana enough to be carried by litter to a ship bound for Honolulu,” Au Hoy said. “Back at Ainahau, her illness persisted, worsened and she died in two months; Kaiulani was 23 years old.”

The concert takes place during the monthly Kokua Kailua Village Stroll, which runs 1-6 p.m. along Alii Drive.

2010 Hulihee Palace Concert Schedule: 4 p.m. on the palace grounds

Nov. 21: Band Concert remembering King Kalakaua, Palace Curator Aunty Lei Collins and Bandmaster Charles “Bud Dant
Dec. 12: Hula Concert remembering Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop

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