MEDIA RELEASE

Historic Kailua Village’s monthly Kokua Kailua is 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21.

Kokua Kailua presents a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy Alii Drive as a pedestrian-only walkway. The festive marketplace atmosphere along Historic Kailua Village’s oceanfront is highlighted by dozens of vendors, artisans, unique shops and restaurants along the way.

This free event is designed to rally support for merchants and restaurants and remind everyone to shop, dine and buy local.

The next Kokua Kailua is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 18.

Kokua Kailua Village Stroll is sponsored by the Kailua Village Business Improvement District, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Destination Kona Coast, Kailua Village Merchants Association, Hulihee Palace, West Hawaii Today and Pacific Radio Group.

Palace event remembers ‘Peacock Princess’

Enjoy a free Afternoon at Hulihee Palace 4-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21 to remember the late Princess Kaiulani.

Presenting hula and serenade by the Merrie Monarchs, the event is part of a year-long series that honors Hawaii’s past monarchs and historical figures; donations are appreciated. Kindly 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,” said Casey Ballao, docent coordinator. “The young princess, who was especially 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,” Ballao 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 and 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,” Ballao said. “Back at Ainahau, her illness persisted, worsened and she died in two months; Kaiulani was 23 years old.”

Hulihee Palace is open for self-guided tours 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturdays. Palace admission, which at this time includes a self-guided tour brochure, remains $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and $1 for keiki under 18. Volunteer docents are sometimes available to give guided tours.

Caretakers of Hulihee Palace are the Daughters of Hawaii and the Calabash Cousins. The Daughters 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.

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.

— Find out more:
www.HistoricKailuaVillage.com