MEDIA RELEASE
Historic Kailua Village’s monthly Kokua Kailua takes place 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19 along oceanfront Alii Drive. The normally busy thoroughfare is converted to a festive pedestrian-only walkway.
If you still haven’t been to Kokua Kailua, then you’re missing out on an opportunity to visit the many interesting shops and restaurants in Historic Kailua Village. And during Kokua Kailua, there is the added bonus of dozens of vendors along Alii Drive selling everything from art to jewelry to coffee.
Free entertainment on the lawn at Hulihee Palace begins 4 p.m.
The next Kokua Kailua is scheduled for Sunday, March 18.
PALACE HONORS HAWAIIAN PRINCESS
The Daughters of Hawaii and Calabash Cousins present Afternoon at Hulihee on Sunday, Feb. 19. The 4 p.m. event on the grounds of Hulihee Palace remembers the late Princess Ruth Keelikolani.
The event presents the Merrie Monarchs and Hawaiian performing arts by Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawaii. Kindly bring a beach mat or chair as seating won’t be provided.
Princess Ruth (1826-1883) was the half-sister of King Kamehameha IV and V. She inherited Hulihee after the death of her husband, William Pitt Leleiohoku; he was the adopted son of John Adams Kuakini.
Kuakini built the palace in 1838 after erecting Mokuaikaua Church, which sits directly across from the palace on Ali‘i Drive.
A tall woman of great girth, Princess Ruth outlived all of her husbands and children. Ancient Hawaiians, who were known for their statuesque presence, saw beauty in great size.
“Ruth used the palace for entertaining her royal kin but preferred to sleep in a grass house she had built on the palace grounds,†said Casey Ballao, docent coordinator. “The upstairs Kohala bedroom is dedicated to the princess and contains some of her personal furniture, including a large armchair and bedstead, both made of koa, and her coconut wood hatbox.â€
2012 SCHEDULE
Jan. 15: Band appearance remembering King Charles “Lunalilo†and Aunty Iolani Luahine
Feb. 19: Event remembering Princess Ruth Keelikolani
March 18: Band appearance remembering Queen Kaahumanu and Prince Kuhio
April 15: Event remembering Prince Edward Albert
May 20: Event remembering King Kamehameha IV “Alexander Liholihoâ€
June 10: Band appearance remembering King Kamehameha I “Paieaâ€
July 15: Event remembering John Adams Kuakini
Aug. 26: Event remembering King Kamehameha III “Kauikeaouliâ€
Sept. 16: Band appearance remembering Queen Lili‘uokalani
Oct. 21: Event remembering Princess Kaiulani
Nov. 18: Band appearance remembering King Kalakaua, Palace Curator Aunty Lei Collins and Bandmaster Charles “Bud Dant”
Dec 16: Event remembering Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop
Could be a rain out today.