Fall into fun at Kokua Kailua (Oct. 20)

MEDIA RELEASE

Kailua Village’s monthly Kokua Kailua is planned for Sunday, Oct. 20 and as always, Alii Drive will become a pedestrian-only walkway 1-6 p.m.

It is an ideal time to stroll oceanfront along Alii Drive while browsing and shopping from dozens of island vendors that line the street. Historic Kailua Village merchants open their doors for the occasion, many with special one-day only Kokua Kailua offers.

Settle into to a comfortable seat in one of Historic Kailua Village’s many restaurants and enjoy refreshing cocktails or a delicious meal before, during or after Kokua Kailua.

Palace event remembers ‘Peacock Princess’

Enjoy a free Afternoon at Hulihee Palace 4-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20 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 Hawai‘i 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.”

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.

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

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