Iolani Palace

05/27/2020

Royal Orders are given by a ruler or lawmaking body to acknowledge outstanding achievements of individuals and diplomatic ties between nations. Collect the Royal Orders at the Palace in the form of souvenir pins. Choose from a variety of Royal Orders (pictured) for $9.95 each.

We are taking phone orders and can ship outside of Hawaii (additional fees may apply). Please call our shops at (808) 532-1050 to place an order or email us at [email protected] for any questions about our products. All shop purchases go towards the preservation and restoration of Iolani Palace. Mahalo for your support.

View more items on our website: www.iolanipalace.org/visit/palace-shop

05/26/2020

#OnThisDay in 1890, Mr. Alfred Fowler, a junior member of the British firm John Fowler & Co. (they produced steam plows), was Kalakaua’s guest at a breakfast in Iolani Palace’s Dining Room.

Mr. Fowler had arrived in Hawaii in early March and was due to leave for Japan in early June. Instead, he decided to stay so he could visit Hilo and Hamakua. Because he was a guest of Col. G. W. Macfarlane, the King’s Chamberlain, he attended other events at the Palace.

In late June, a Honolulu attorney named Mr. Paul Neumann announced the engagement of his daughter Eva to Mr. Fowler. They married that fall, and before leaving for England, Mr. and Mrs. Fowler were invited to breakfast with the King.

Pictured: Portrait of Mrs. Alfred Fowler. PC: johnsingersargent.org

05/23/2020

During the reign of the monarchs, Hawaii was a literate bilingual society. The legislative assembly conducted meetings in both English and Hawaiian.

Mark Twain, who arrived in Hawaii on March 18, 1866, was traveling as a newspaper journalist, writing letters to be published in the Sacramento Union. This is a portion of a letter written by Twain dated May 23, 1866 (about Bill Ragsdale who was acting as a translator for the legislative assembly):

“…translated and clattered it off in Kanaka (olelo Hawaii) with a volubility that was calculated to make a slow-spoken man like me distressingly nervous. Bill Ragsdale stands up in front of the Speaker’s pulpit, with his back against it, and fastens his quick black eye upon any member who rises, lets him say half a dozen sentences, and then interrupts him, and repeats his speech in a loud, rapid voice, turning every Kanaka (olelo Hawaii) speech into English and every English speech into Kanaka (olelo Hawaii), with a readiness and felicity of language that are remarkable...His tongue is in constant motion from eleven in the forenoon till four in the afternoon, and why it does not wear out is the affair of Providence, not mine.…I noticed when he translated for His Excellency David Kalakaua, who is an accomplished English scholar, he asked, “Did I translate you correctly, Your Excellency?” or something to that effect.”

From Mark Twain Letters from Hawaii, edited by A. Grove Day, University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, HI © 1966, pages 110-111.

Pictured: First photo - Kalakaua in 1860. Second photo - Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain). Third photo - Bill Ragsdale. Fourth photo: Courthouse where the legislature met.

05/22/2020

This week we’re shining the spotlight on docent Doug Askman as part of our #FacesofIolaniPalace. Mahalo to Doug, who’s been a Palace hardworking volunteer for over 20 years. He began his #IolaniPalace journey as a Guardian in 2000 before training to become a Palace Docent a year later. Before volunteering, Doug had been a loyal member of The Friends of Iolani Palace and enjoyed his visits so much that he decided to give back in a more hands-on way.

“I’m a history professor at Hawaii Pacific University, so I’ve always loved history,” Doug said. “At the time I started volunteering, I was working on my PhD and writing my dissertation. This can be a fairly isolated and isolating process. I wanted to do something that would make history come ‘alive,’ so volunteering at the Palace was a natural fit.”

When asked about his favorite part of being a Palace volunteer, Doug couldn’t choose just one. “I have two favorite parts. First is being able to just be in the Palace surrounded by all of the amazing artifacts and history. Second is being able to interact with visitors from all around the world.”

He also mentioned that he especially enjoys sharing connections between the Palace and the home countries, states, or cities of visitors. “People are always amazed by the many connections the Hawaiian kingdom had in the 19th century, especially when those links are related to their own lives.”

05/21/2020

In late March, we challenged our volunteers to name as many buildings, parks, roads, and other landmarks named for Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, who was born on March 26. They named 17 — how many can you name?

Example: the former Kuhio Theater in Waikiki. Hint: Some sites are also on the neighbor islands.

Pictured: Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole and the Kuhio Theater.

05/21/2020

Ho'omaika'i Class of 2020 from the Pop-Up Mākeke!

Get your graduate the perfect gift! Join Brickwood Galuteria and McKenna Maduli for more of our favorites goodies from the Pop-Up Mākeke.

Fergie-Lei Kamaka from Sun N Soul Boutique is sharing her beautiful earrings and giving away a matching earring and tote crossbody bag to one special viewer. Just follow the Pop-Up Mākeke's page, and like and share this video to enter to win.

Only two weeks left to shop, so don't miss out on the online deals and FREE shipping at popupmakeke.com

05/21/2020

Ho'omaika'i Class of 2020 from the Pop-Up Mākeke!

Get your graduate the perfect gift! Join Brickwood Galuteria and McKenna Maduli for more of our favorites goodies from the Pop-Up Mākeke.

Fergie-Lei Kamaka from Sun N Soul Boutique is sharing her beautiful earrings and giving away a matching earring and tote crossbody bag to one special viewer. Just follow the Pop-Up Mākeke's page, and like and share this video to enter to win.

Only two weeks left to shop, so don't miss out on the online deals and FREE shipping at popupmakeke.com

05/21/2020

Ho'omaika'i Class of 2020 from the Pop-Up Mākeke!

Get your graduate the perfect gift! Join Brickwood Galuteria and McKenna Maduli for more of our favorites goodies from the Pop-Up Mākeke.

Fergie-Lei Kamaka from Sun N Soul Boutique is sharing her beautiful earrings and giving away a matching earring and tote crossbody bag to one special viewer. Just follow the Pop-Up Mākeke's page, and like and share this video to enter to win.

Only two weeks left to shop, so don't miss out on the online deals and FREE shipping at popupmakeke.com

05/20/2020

Our #IolaniPalaceShops feature of the day: Iolani Palace Books Combo Set ($15.00).

This set includes three books that were produced by The Friends of Iolani Palace and are exclusive to the Palace Shops.

1. The Iolani Palace Portraits book provides information on the famous portraits and their artists that are on display at Iolani Palace.

2. The Queen’s Quilt is a very unique book that provides all of the details of one of the Palace’s most treasured items: Queen Liliuokalani’s Quilt, which she created during her imprisonment.

3. The Iolani Palace Guidebook provides a brief history of the monarchy and focuses on the Palace itself and all of its rooms.

Each book can be purchased separately for $7.00 each.

We are taking phone orders and can ship outside of Hawaii (additional fees may apply). Please call our shops at (808) 532-1050 to place an order or email us at [email protected] for any questions about our products. All shop purchases go towards the preservation and restoration of Iolani Palace. Mahalo for your support.

View more items on our website: www.iolanipalace.org/visit/palace-shop

05/18/2020

Poi Supper Table | #ObjectSpotlight

This week for our #ObjectSpotlight series, we're highlighting this modern take on a poi table which Queen Kapiolani presented to her husband King Kalakaua in 1886 on his 50th birthday. It is crafted from a variety of Native Hawaiian woods - kamani, kou and milo. The pedestal features an elaborate design, which is very representative of the time.

The table was passed down through the Kawananakoa family until they generously donated it on November 16, 1986 - the 150th anniversary of the King’s birth. Today, you can see the table in Queen Kapiolani’s bedroom.

05/15/2020

Mahalo to volunteer Ms. Anthony Evans, who celebrates five years as a Palace Guardian! As one of our #FacesOfIolaniPalace, Anthony is a Guardian, serving as a gracious host of the Palace, looking after both guests and docents while sharing the significance of the Palace with visitors from around the world. “I was so proud on my first day that I had one of the amazing security personnel take a photo of me!” Anthony proudly recalled.

When the opportunity to volunteer came around, Anthony said she jumped at the chance to play an important part in sharing #Hawaii’s incredible history with visitors. “I especially enjoy the moment guests from all over the world come through the door of the beautiful Palace and express—in awe—their pleasure as they walk alongside and then in front of the Grand Staircase,” Anthony said.

When asked about what facet of the Palace she receives the most questions regarding, Anthony responded, “The bidet! I’ve actually been amazed by the number of questions people have about this bathroom feature!”

…..

Do you have an interest in Hawaiian history and culture? Do you enjoy interacting and sharing stories with others? Consider volunteering with The Friends of Iolani Palace as a guardian or docent. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities at www.iolanipalace.org/contact/volunteer.

05/14/2020

Although times are uncertain, this one is not: We miss welcoming visitors from Hawaii and around the world to Iolani Palace. If you have visited us before, share your favorite photo memory in the comments below! We want to feature some pictures on our social media until we can open our doors once again.

PC: Instagram user @makingmemories_oahu

05/13/2020

It’s no secret that Queen Liliuokalani was a gifted songwriter. Her Majesty composed more than 160 songs, or mele, during her life. Learn to play or sing one of the Queen’s songs, including the classic “Aloha Oe,” with music sheets available for $5.00 each from our #IolaniPalaceShops.

We are taking phone orders and can ship outside of Hawaii (additional fees may apply). Please call our shops at (808) 532-1050 to place an order or email us at [email protected] for any questions about our products. All shop purchases go towards the preservation and restoration of Iolani Palace. Mahalo for your support.

View more items on our website: www.iolanipalace.org/visit/palace-shop

05/12/2020

#OnThisDay in 1892, Queen #Liliuokalani hosted a musical in the Throne Room of #IolaniPalace to thank the 70 individuals who had given her a koa piano.

The piano was made by the J. and C. Fischer Piano Company in New York with native koa wood from #Hawaii Island. It was on exhibition in #NewYorkCity before being shipped cross country and across the Pacific to Honolulu. The Pacific Commercial Advertiser in a review of the musical commented, “The new piano has a magnificent case as well as a grand tone, though it was not easy to judge the quality of the instrument, as no solo was played upon it.”

The piano was later moved to Liliuokalani’s private residence, Washington Place, where it remains today.

05/11/2020

Kalakaua's Prescription | #ObjectSpotlight

Did you know? King Kalakaua wrote his own prescriptions! Here's a quick look at one of His Majesty's prescriptions for this week's #ObjectSpotlight.

05/10/2020

#OnThisDay in 1887, His Majesty attended the wedding of Albert W. Heydtmann to Miss Gertrude Gardinier, Princess Kaiulani’s governess.

In addition to the king, the guest list included Princess Kaiulani and her father, as well as members of the diplomatic corps.

Pictured: Miss Gardinier and Kaiulani.

05/10/2020

Preview: Hawaiian Youths Abroad | Na Moolelo Lecture Series - May

Our Na Moolelo Lecture Series video for May is here! This month, we invited guests to discuss Hawaiian Youths Abroad. View the full video on YouTube: youtu.be/gVhs9OJ9c0k.

Between 1880 and 1887, 18 Hawaiians were selected and funded by the government of the Hawaiian Kingdom to participate in the Hawaiian Youths Abroad program, one of the earliest study abroad programs in the world. Studying in Italy, England, Scotland, China, Japan and the United States, the young scholars were selected by King Kalakaua to become future leaders of an independent and progressive nation, the Hawaiian Kingdom. In this lecture, Nalani Balutski will discuss the origins of Hawaiian Youths Abroad and explore the results of its resurgence in 2018 after what’s regarded as a 126-year hiatus.

Watch past presentations from Na Moolelo Lecture Series on our website: https://www.iolanipalace.org/na-moolelo/video-archive/

05/08/2020

#OnThisDay in 1882, King Kalakaua attended the opening of an exhibit supporting the Honolulu Library and Reading Room..

The Honolulu Library and Reading Room was established in 1879 and the 1882 exhibit was a benefit of the building fund. The exhibit, hosted by Mr. Campbell in his building on the corner of Fort and Queen Streets, lasted one week and included more than 1,300 items. The items on display included visual art, statutes, bronzes, carvings, ceramics, coins, jewelry, textiles, and natural history specimens. The exhibit catalog listed Hawaiian, Egyptian, Chinese and Japanese items, and books. Numerous items were on loan from His Majesty King Kalakaua, including these two portraits. Admission was 50 cents and children were half price, and season tickets were available for $2. Refreshments and musical entertainment were also offered to entice residents and visitors to attend.

The exhibit closed on May 16 and raised $2,600 (equal to almost $70,000 today), exceeding organizers’ expectations.

Pictured: Portraits of Kamehameha I and Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher.

05/08/2020

Sunrise goes ‘On the Road’ to historic Iolani Palace

Congratulations to the team at Hawaii News Now on their Associated Press Television and Radio Association award win for Best Morning Newscast for the Sunrise On the Road at Iolani Palace show! The early morning live broadcast in January 2019 commemorated the anniversary of Queen Liliuokalani's ascension to the Hawaiian Kingdom throne.

You can relive the experience and hear the many stories of our alii by watching clips on the HNN website: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2019/01/29/sunrise-goes-road-historic-iolani-palace/

- Inside the historic Iolani Palace hallways: https://bit.ly/35DOYIj
- Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii's first (and only) female monarch: https://bit.ly/2zk5H7r
- Iolani Palace was part of a huge technological period in the late 1800's: https://bit.ly/2WDXl2i
- Kuuipo Kumukahi plays 'Na Lani Eha Mele' at Iolani Palace: https://bit.ly/2WzrGiF
- A closer look at the life of King David Kalakaua: https://bit.ly/35Igsg0- 'Olelo Hawai'i and celebrating the Year of Indigenous Languages: https://bit.ly/2LbRoo8
- A tour of Iolani Palace's incredible throne room: https://bit.ly/2WAOHBM
- A look of the incredible Blue room that was once used by the Queen: https://bit.ly/2WeHvfq
- Here's a look of the remarkable dining room in Iolani Palace: https://bit.ly/2A9HbWZ
- Queen Liliuokalani made history as the first woman to rule Hawaii: https://bit.ly/2WDXJOi
- Here's a closer at some of the items found in King Kalakaua's office and bedroom: https://bit.ly/3diVYgi
- Natalie Ai Kamauu performs in Iolani Palace: https://bit.ly/2L8Yw4x

Tuesday marks the anniversary of the start of Queen Liliuokalani’s reign in 1891.

05/07/2020

05/06/2020

#OnThisDay in 1890, King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani hosted an evening of musical entertainment in the Blue Room of Iolani Palace. The Blue Room, set up for the musicians, was decorated with potted fern, palms, and flowers. During intermission, the large audience seated in the dining room was offered food and an opportunity to view feather cloaks that were on display in the Throne Room. The two-part program featured fourteen numbers. The evening ended with dancing in the Throne Room.

05/05/2020

#OnThisDay in 1819, Kamehameha I died.
#Kamehameha unified the island chain into a single political entity in 1810. #Kalakaua honored him in 1883 with a statute in front of the Government building. There are three other statues of Kamehameha I: Kapaau, Kohala (also unveiled in 1883); Washington, D. C. (unveiled in 1969); and Hilo (unveiled in 1997).

Pictured: The Kamehameha statue in front of Aliiolani Hale across from Iolani Palace.

05/05/2020

Today is the day: #GivingTuesdayNow — a global day of giving.

In response to the financial challenges non-profits and charitable organizations are now facing, people around the world are uniting for GivingTuesday. Join the global movement to support organizations during these challenging times. Please consider a gift to The Friends of Iolani Palace to help us continue our kuleana in protecting and preserving the stories of the Palace with kamaaina and visitors. During this time, The Friends of Iolani Palace has continued to care for this treasure of Hawaii. But we still need your continued generosity to be able to keep our doors open.

Mahalo for supporting The Friends of Iolani Palace, today and every day. We look forward to reopening our doors and welcoming the community back.

Kahiau – To give generously from the heart.

www.iolanipalace.org/donations-membership/individual-giving/individual-giving-form