Iolani Palace

08/15/2020

#OnThisDay in 1888, His Majesty King #Kalakaua visited the American yacht Coronet. The Coronet was an American schooner that in 1886 had won a trans-Atlantic race. Upon her arrival in #Honolulu a rowing crew from the yacht issued racing challenges to the navy ships in port; the King’s crew at Healani (the King’s boathouse) and at the Myrtle boathouse.

A member of the Myrtle club who had watched the Coronet’s crew practice stated that he could raise a crew of four who could run away from Coronet’s crew of six. A crew from the USS Vandalia (a United States navy ship) was the only crew to accept the challenge. The “Vans” practiced by rowing around the Coronet “like a streak of greased lightning.” This performance caused the Coronet to back out.

19th century regattas, held on holidays and the King’s birthday, featured crews of four or six rowing (or pulling) western style boats through the water. The regattas mirror the rowing events of the modern Olympics and captivated artists like Joseph Strong who painted this 1886 mural of Honolulu Harbor.

08/14/2020

#OnThisDay in 1885, the Hawaiian Gazette reported:

“The boat house [pictured] of His Majesty, the scene of many an enjoyable entertainment in times past under the auspices of the Royal host, was again enlivened by the strains of music, mirth and merriment on the evening of the 14th of August, the occasion being the celebration of an oft recurring birthday.”

Whose birthday? The Hawaiian Gazette does not specify and nor do the other papers. Perhaps they were celebrating the August 14 birthday of the Emperor of China.

08/12/2020

#OnThisDay in 1898 while the Republic of #Hawaii and supporters of Annexation gathered at the Executive Building, Queen #Liliuokalani and a group of her supporters gathered at Washington Place. From there they heard Hawaii Ponoi played as Ka Hae Hawaii (the Hawaiian national flag) was lowered from the flagpole for the last time. In the words of Helena Allen, “The Hawaiian national flag fell like a fatally wounded oo bird” (The Betrayal of Liliuokalani, by Helena Allen, page 365).

That day marked the entrance of Hawaii into the United States. The Republic of Hawaii government remained in command until the Territorial Government was created on June 14, 1900.

On March 31, 1978, eighty years later after it was taken down, Ka Hae Hawaii was raised alone over the Palace by the Friends of Iolani Palace.

Pictured (in order): Liliuokalani and supporters at Washington Place; Raising of the flag at Iolani Palace on March 31, 1978.

08/11/2020

After Queen #Liliuokalani was deposed and the monarchy overthrown, annexationists and the Queen’s supporters traveled to Washington D. C. to present their cases. An annexation treaty was introduced in the Senate but was withdrawn following Grover Cleveland’s inauguration in March. President Cleveland chose to investigate the claims and desires of the two factions by sending a special commissioner to #Honolulu. Commissioner Blount (pictured) arrived on March 29, 1893. He spent a little over four months performing research and conducting interviews. Without revealing his conclusions, he left Hawaii #OnThisDay in 1893.

In his report, Commissioner Blount blamed Stevens (the American minister in the Kingdom in January 1893) for the revolution. He advised against re-submitting the Hawaiian treaty to the Senate and suggested that the United States consider undoing a great wrong by restoring the “legitimate government.”

08/11/2020

Thanks to $290,000 in funding from the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) to The Friends of Iolani Palace, repair and restoration will begin on the iconic pavilion built for King Kalakaua's 1883 coronation ceremony, as well as the removal of several beehives within the exterior façade of the royal residence.

The projects are being supported by HTA’s Hawaiian Culture initiative, which is one of four strategic pillars focused on strengthening the uniqueness and integrity of the Native Hawaiian culture and community through genuine experiences for both residents and visitors.

Mahalo to Hawaii Tourism Authority for their support so Iolani Palace and its surrounding buildings can be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations!

The bee removal process began today and both projects are anticipated to be completed by early October. Tours will not be impacted during the work and the Palace grounds will be open as scheduled.

08/10/2020

In 1881, as King #Kalakaua traveled around the world, his sister Princess #Liliuokalani was serving as Regent. In February, she had to deal with an epidemic of #smallpox on #Oahu. She quarantined those who might be sick and banned interisland travel to prevent smallpox from reaching the outer islands.

Meanwhile, the residents of #Hilo were dealing with a life-threatening issue of their own. The previous November an eruption began on Hawaii island and by summer, Pele had chosen to make life exciting for the residents of Hilo. Because of the #quarantine and travel ban, news of the eruption did not reach Honolulu.

Once the travel ban was lifted, #Honolulu learned that the flow of lava was less than three quarters of a mile from Hilo. Princess Regent Liliuokalani traveled to Hawaii island to see the lava, meet with residents, and develop a plan. Princess Ruth #Keelikolani, who arrived on Hawaii island before the Princess Regent, went up to the leading edge of the flow, stayed all night, and to appease Pele, she threw some of the best brandy into the lava. The lava flow stopped within a week and did not get any closer to Hilo.

Pictured: United States Geological Survey map of the 1881 flow.

08/07/2020

Happy Aloha Friday from the only official royal residence on U.S. soil! Learn more about this living restoration by visiting us and taking a Docent-Led Tour or Self-Led Audio Tour. Tours are limited so book now: www.iolanipalace.org/visit/tours-admission

08/05/2020

To meet the increased demand for tours, Iolani Palace will now be open for docent-led tours! These tours will only be available on Thursdays starting tomorrow, August 6, in addition to self-guided audio tours on Fridays and Saturdays.

Our docents have missed sharing stories and they’re excited to welcome you back through our doors.

Advance reservations are required for both the docent-led and self-guided audio tours and can be made online at www.iolanipalace.org or by calling 522-0832. Members of the Friends of Iolani Palace: please email [email protected] or call reservations for bookings.

Additionally, kamaaina and active military will receive a special entry rate of $19.95 per adult for docent-led tours through the end of December.

We hope to see you soon!

www.iolanipalace.org/visit/tours-admission

08/05/2020

#OnThisDay in 1889, the French ship Duquesne arrived in #Honolulu. She was scheduled to leave for Tahiti four days later on August 9.

While in town, the ship’s Admiral and officers met King #Kalakaua in the #IolaniPalace Throne Room and invited the King to tour their ship. The next day Kalakaua visited the ship. The officer of the deck was Midshipman Denys Benoist d’Azy. On August 12, the By Authority column in the Daily Bulletin announced that Denys Benoist d’Azy, for his role in hosting the King, was given the Decoration of Knight Companion the Royal Order of the Star of Oceania.’ Midshipman's d’Azy thanked His Majesty saying, “It is with great joy that I receive my first decoration from Your Majesty’s hands, and I will never forget the gratitude due the honor.”

Pictured: The Royal Order of the Star of Oceania

Interested in taking home a replica pin of the Royal Order? You can find it in the Palace Shop! Order online here: https://iolani-palace-shop.mybigcommerce.com/royal-order-of-oceania-pin/

08/04/2020

Hauoli la hanau Henry Berger. Born on August 4, 1844, Berger came to #Hawaii in 1872 on loan from the Prussian government (modern day Germany) at the request of Kamehameha V. Berger reorganized the Hawaiian Military Band before resigning from the Prussian army and becoming a naturalized citizen of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1879.

Under his direction, band concerts included European classical music, the popular music of the day, and music composed by local residents and members of the royal family. Berger collaborated with #Kalakaua on a tune that would become the Hawaiian national anthem and our state song. First published under the name Hymn of Kamehameha I, it appeared on concert programs as Hawaii Ponoi. In light of his many musical accomplishments, Queen #Liliuokalani bestowed upon him the title “Father of Hawaiian Music” in 1914. Professor Berger, who was fluent in Hawaiian, composed or arranged nearly all of the music played by the band.

In 1915, the Hawaii legislature passed an act granting Berger a pension. The act states that after more than 40 years of service and at age 71, he was eligible for an early retirement. They granted him a monthly pension of $125, the equivalent of $3,200 in 2019 dollars.

PC: Hawaii State Archives

08/04/2020

KS, ‘Āina Pauahi farmer turn to locally-grown products to support ‘Iolani Palace

Mahalo for your support, Kaunamano Farm and Kamehameha Schools!

Kaunamano Farms launches fundraiser on July 31 to coincide with the Hawaiian national holiday known as Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea (Sovereignty Restoration Day) as a link to the history of Hawai‘i’s ali‘i and ʻIolani Palace.

08/02/2020

We are excited to announce that you can now shop our products online! Visit our website to browse items from our Palace Shop such as books on the Hawaiian Monarchy and Hawaiian history, souvenir items like magnets and pins, apparel, locally made Koa wood crafts, jewelry, and much more. For a limited time, receive free shipping for orders of $100 or more.

Members also receive 20% off their purchase in-store or online. Some exclusions apply.

All shop purchases go towards the preservation and restoration of Iolani Palace. Mahalo for your support!
www.iolanipalace.org/visit/palace-shop

08/01/2020

#OnThisDay in 1980, a special table was installed in the bedroom of Queen #Kapiolani.

In 2018, a palace visitor contacted us regarding the bedroom table. A week before visiting, she had purchased a table with an identical carving on the top. The sale catalog attributed her table to English furniture manufacturer Gillows of Lancaster, but she was not convinced and hoped our table would help her identify the true maker. Unfortunately, we were not able to help. To this day we have been unable to discover the maker of the table nor have we been able to identify the wood.

07/31/2020

Our friends at DTL Hawaii have just launched a deck of cards inspired from their recent social media initiative, Actions of Aloha. Each card features a simple action of aloha that either can be done to show aloha to yourself, to your ohana, or to your community. Plus, 100% of profits will be donated to the Friends of Iolani Palace. Mahalo to DTL for this generous action of aloha towards Iolani Palace and encouraging good deeds everyday in our community.

Visit actionsofaloha.com to purchase cards or learn more about the initiative. #actionsofaloha #actionsofalohachallenge #dtlhawaii

07/31/2020

#OnThisDay in 1890, King #Kalakaua hosted a reception and #luau for Hawaiian families at #IolaniPalace to celebrate Restoration Day.

Restoration Day commemorates July 31, 1843, when Admiral Thomas of Great Britain restored Sovereignty to the Hawaiian Kingdom. For decades, the holiday featured saluting guns and a display of flags, luau, picnics, horse riding and racing.

After the death of Admiral Thomas in 1857, the large community wide celebrations began to dwindle and by the mid-1860s only small localized family celebrations were held. For years, this day has been commemorated at Thomas Square where a statue of #Kamehameha III (pictured) was recently erected in memory of this significant event.

07/30/2020

In celebration of Queen Liliuokalani’s birthday, the first 100 first-time members that join at the Na Ohana level now through September 2, will receive a complimentary copy of The Diaries of Queen Liliuokalani of Hawaii by David Forbes and published by Hui Hanai.

This new publication presents for the first time, the diaries Queen Liliuokalani penned between 1885 and 1900 and reveal her experience as heir apparent and monarch of the Hawaiian Islands during one of the most intense, complicated, and politically charged eras in Hawaiian history. The 576-page hardcover also includes nearly 100 text illustrations.

Mahalo to longtime Palace supporter Karen Hofstad and Zita Cup Choy, Iolani Palace’s historian, for donating the books!

In addition to the new book, this special Na Ohana Membership entitles visitors to free admission to the Palace and the Palace Galleries for the whole family (2 adults and 4 children), discounts at the Palace shop, subscription to the membership newsletter, invitations and reserved seating for special events.

This promotion will continue through the Queen’s birthday, September 2, 1838, or while supplies last.

Sign up or learn more at www.iolanipalace.org/donations-membership/membership.

07/29/2020

The Nihoa Society was formed in 1886 by the individuals who had accompanied Princess #Liliuokalani and Princess #Likelike on their 1885 day trip to #Nihoa, then also known as Bird Island. The purpose of the 1885 trip, as well as a trip taken in June of 1891, was to study the birds and plants.

Auwe! In 1885, J.J. Williams, who was in the party intending to take photographs, lost his camera and equipment during a rough landing on Nihoa. So, pictured is a photo taken by Mr. Williams during the 1891 trip and Nihoa today.

In 1891, before arriving on Nihoa, the party were guests at meals in Nawiliwili, hosted by Governor Kanoa, and later a meal in Waimea, Kauai. A newspaper account stated that when the party dropped anchor off Nihoa there were birds “in the thousands, hovering around with great apparent curiosity.” The 1891 trip ended with a luau in the State Dining Room of #IolaniPalace.

PC: Hawaii State Archives

07/26/2020

#OnThisDay in 1887, Queen #Kapiolani, Princess #Liliuokalani (pictured together), John Owen #Dominis and Curtis P. #Iaukea returned to #Honolulu. They had been gone over three months, traveling across the North American continent and then the Atlantic Ocean to England, where they represented the Hawaiian Kingdom at Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. James McGuire accompanied them as the Queen’s personal attendant.

In the diary he kept of the trip, Mr. McGuire, wrote on June 26, “As we neared the wharf a salute from the English Man of War (navy ship) was fired and the band on the wharf played Hawaii Ponoi and then Aloha Oe. There was a large crowd on the wharf to see the Queen land.”

07/25/2020

Due to the anticipated effects of Hurricane Douglas, Iolani Palace will be closed for tours on Saturday, July 25, 2020, and reopen on Friday, July 31, 2020. Guests with confirmed reservations will receive full refunds or the option to reschedule their tour to a later date. For more information, please contact Iolani Palace reservations office at (808) 522-0832.

07/24/2020

Last month as part of our #ObjectSpotlightSeries, we highlighted the Prometheus vase (pictured). Curious about how we obtained the object? In 1981, Kahauanu Lake donated the vase to The Friends of Iolani Palace in memory of his mother Cecelia Kuliaikanuu Parker-Waipa. Her Hawaiian name was given to her by Queen #Kapiolani. Cecilia was the widow of David Kalakaua Kawananakoa, the only son of Prince David Kawananakoa and Abigail M. Campbell.

Little was known about the vase when it was donated except that it could be seen in an early photograph of the King’s bedroom. Thirty-four years later, a palace volunteer found an ad that gave us the information.

In early May of 1883, G. W. Macfarlane & Co. received a shipment from London which included the Prometheus vase and other artworks, which were to be exhibited in the store before being sent to #SanFrancisco and #NewYork. Instead, George W. Macfarlane, who was on King #Kalakaua’s personal staff at the time, gave the vase to Kalakaua in honor of his coronation.

Today, the Prometheus vase is on display in the King’s Bedroom (pictured).

07/22/2020

#OnThisDay 1891 Queen #Liliuokalani hosted a breakfast at #IolaniPalace in the Dining Room (pictured). The Hawaiian Quintette Club furnished the music. Among the guests that day, included:

His Excellency Samuel Parker (pictured in second photo), whom the Queen had appointed to the Board of Health. In 1902, he married the widow of James Campbell, making him the stepfather of Abigail Campbell Kawananakoa.

Mrs. Ellen Graham, a visitor from New York.

Her Majesty’s Chamberlain, James W. Robertson. Mr. Robertson’s wife, Rose, was Kaiulani’s half-sister.

Mrs. William A. Aldrich, her husband and Charles Redd Bishop founded Bishop Bank, now known as First Hawaiian Bank. Mrs. Aldrich was a first cousin of John Owen Dominis.

Mrs. Haalelea (pictured in third photo) was one of the Queen’s personal friends. Mrs. Haalelea was involved in a number of Kapiolani and Liliuokalani’s charitable societies. In 1893 she spearheaded a fundraiser to fix the roof of Kawaiahao Church. Her event raised the 2019 equivalent of $57,600.