Photography by John Wicart | Special to Hawaii 24/7

Hawaii 24/7 Staff

The seaside grounds of Hulihee Palace were filled with art and hula during the annual spring fundraiser, Day at Hulihee, on Saturday (March 26). A traditional Hawaiian blessing kicked off the event, which is hosted by palace caretakers the Daughters of Hawaii and Calabash Cousins.

Day at Hulihee remembers Hawaii’s Citizen Prince who was born in March, Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole (1871-1922). Hawaii observes a statewide holiday to commemorate Prince Kuhio’s dedication toward serving his people March 26.

Beginning in 1902, Kuhio was a delegate to the U.S. Congress for 10 terms, was the driving force behind the development of Pearl Harbor on Oahu and instituted the Hawaiian Homestead Commission.

A monument at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park credits Prince Kuhio for founding the park in 1916.