Iolani Palace

On September 21, 1889, His Majesty King Kalākaua attended a lūʻau hosted by Paul R. Isenberg, son of Paul and Hannah Rice Isenberg, at the family’s Waiʻalae residence in honor of the Hawaii Baseball League. Along with enjoying a lavish lūʻau, guests were treated to speeches, toasts, and music by the Royal Hawaiian Band. The site of this 1889 lūʻau is now part of a golf course.

Isenberg Street in Mōʻiliʻili is named after Paul Rice Isenberg, who served as the President of the Mōʻiliʻili Baseball League when the street was created. Isenberg Street runs mauka to makai and forms the Diamond Head boundary of the old Honolulu Stadium, now a park and ‘ewa of the Mōʻiliʻili baseball park, where the game is still played.

On this day in 1881, Princess Regent Liliʻuokalani welcomed the newly consecrated Bishop of Olba (previously known to the local community as Father Hermann) and six newly arrived Catholic clergy during an audience at Kīnaʻu Hale. Kīnaʻu Hale, located on the ʻEwa side of the ʻIolani Palace grounds, served as a royal residence while ʻIolani Palace was under construction.

During this audience, Liliʻuokalani asked Mr. Freer, Consul and Commissioner for France, to deliver Royal Orders to The Right Reverend Louis Maigret (head of the Catholic Church in the Kingdom) and Father Damien. Both clergymen were honored with the Royal Order of Kalākaua.

Pictured: Reverend Louis Maigret; Father Damien in France nearly 20 years earlier

On this day in 1888, Curtis P. ‘Iaukea submitted his resignation as Chamberlain to King Kalākaua, a position he held since August 1886. He pledged to continue serving until his successor was appointed.

At the time, rumors around town suggested that John Owen Dominis or F. H. Austin would be worthy successors. On September 28, James W. Robertson, who had been working as a bookkeeper in the Chamberlain’s office for about 18 months, was appointed Vice-Chamberlain, effective October 1. On December 17, George W. Macfarlane was appointed as His Majesty’s new Chamberlain.

PC: Robertson image from the Pacific Commercial Advertiser; ʻIaukea and Macfarlane images from the Hawaiʻi State Archives

Did you know there are other cultural resources in the ʻIolani Palace collection that aren’t currently on display?

For example, this autograph book that belonged to Princess Kaʻiulani is filled with notes, beautiful sketches, signatures (including King Kalākaua’s), photos, cards, and poems dating from 1883 to 1896. Some were from Kaʻiulani herself and others were from people she met during her world travels. Languages found in the book include English, Hawaiian, French, and German.

If you’re curious about other hidden treasures at ‘Iolani Palace, book our White Glove Tour to visit the Palace attic and the chance to view items not on public display.

https://www.iolanipalace.org/visit/tours-admission/white-glove-tour/

Hauʻoli Lā Hoʻomanaʻo! Today, we remember the wedding anniversary of Lydia and John O. Dominis. Their wedding took place at the home of Lydia’s hānai sister, Mrs. Charles Reed Bishop.

On September 18, 1862, the Hawaiian language newspaper Hoku o ka Pakipika reported:

“Malaila nō ka Mō‘ī, ke Ali‘i, ka Mea Ki‘eki‘e Princess V. Ka‘ahumanu, ka Mea Ki‘eki‘e Prince L. Kamehameha, ka mea Hanohano Gov. Kekuanaōʻa, Col. P. Y. Kekūaoakalani, a me nā mākua o ke kaikamahine, a me nā mākua a me nā hoahānau o ke kāne.”

In English: “Present were the King, Her Highness Princess V. (Victoria) Kaʻahumanu, His Highness Prince L. (Lot) Kamehameha, the Honorable Governor Kekuanaōʻa, Colonel P. Y. (Peter Young) Kekūaoakalani, and the parents of the bride, and the parent and cousins of the groom.”

Similar stories appeared in Ka Nupepa Kuokoa and the Pacific Commercial Advertiser.

Photo credits: Bishop home- Wikimedia Commons
Lydia and John Hawaii State Archives

On September 15, 1881, Princess Regent Liliʻuokalani returned to Honolulu after a week of travels. Accompanying her were her sister, Princess Likelike, and the Hon. J. M. Kapena, the Postmaster General at the time, along with “kona ukali ponoi” (her personal attendants).
On Saturday, September 10, as their steamer approached Maliko Bay, Maui, shouts of “Eia, ke hele mai nei ko kākou mau Aliʻi Wahine punahele aloha nui iā,” or “Here come our beloved Princesses,” echoed from the watchers on the heights.

When addressing the community on Maui, the Princess Regent expressed her joy and emphasized her “… great desire to meet and see the people whom she had been so long prevented from meeting, owing to the prevalence of the epidemic…”

The epidemic, smallpox, had shut down inter-island travel in February. Restrictions were lifted in early July, allowing travel to resume.

After landing at Maliko, Princess Liliʻuokalani attended church in Makawao, visited the East Maui Female Seminary, and toured the new government (English) school in Pāʻia. She and her party then made stops in Wailuku, Pukoʻo (Molokaʻi), and Kalaupapa before returning to Honolulu.

PC: Department of Land and Natural Resources, black-and-white photo of Maliko Bay

Shop at and support The Friends of ‘Iolani Palace #77176 at the same time through the Give Aloha program. Foodland will match a portion of each gift made by Maikaʻi members to benefit a wide-range of Hawaiʻi’s nonprofit organizations, including us!

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On this day in 1883, King Kalākaua delivered an address at Kaumakapili Church. He spoke in Hawaiian for about half an hour, and his remarks were repeatedly interrupted by loud and enthusiastic applause.

His Majesty began by explaining the different interpretations of the word “temperance.” He proposed temperance in comparison to excess and urged the audience to recognize the dangers of freely consuming alcoholic beverages.
Kalākaua emphasized three guiding principles: the love of God, the love of one another, and the love of our country. He poignantly noted, “They are my jewels,” while gesturing toward the many children in attendance.

His talk was followed by a discussion about the formation of a temperance organization.

Pictured: Kaumakapili Church at Smith and Beretania Streets

King Kalākaua joined the volunteer fire department in 1861, was elected foreman of Engine Company 4 in 1871, and remained an active member even after ascending to the throne.

In the early hours of September 11, 1883, His Majesty, along with His Excellency W. M. Gibson, Governor Dominis, and others, responded to a fire alarm. The fire broke out in an unoccupied stable at the corner of Merchant and Alakea Streets and was extinguished by 12:30 a.m., with estimated losses of $150 (about $4,600 today).

According to that day’s edition of The Daily Bulletin, “Prior to the arrival of the engines, His Majesty secured a small private hose and turned a stream of water onto a burning fence in order to prevent the flames from spreading to the neighboring buildings.”

If you’re looking for a way to give back to the local community, consider volunteering with The Friends of ʻIolani Palace! Help us share the rich legacy and stories of the aliʻi and others who once roamed the halls of this historic place.
To learn more, view volunteer position descriptions, and submit an application, visit www.iolanipalace.org/contact/volunteer. We hope you’ll join our volunteer ʻohana!

Don’t miss your chance to experience ʻIolani Palace’s captivating exhibit, ʻĀinamoana: The Lands of the Sea, before it leaves soon! Dive into the rich history of Hawaiian diplomacy, featuring a unique map from the first atlas printed in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and an intricately woven feather lei worn by King Kalākaua himself.

Uncover Kalākaua’s vision of a connected Oceanic world, highlighted by his 1887 proposal for a Polynesian Confederation to resist Western colonialism. The exhibit also showcases royal orders, stunning artwork, historical maps, and personal items from the Hawaiian monarchy that bring this vision to life.

Located in the Bartels Gallery, the exhibit is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit soon to immerse yourself in this powerful celebration of cultural resurgence and political unity before it’s gone.

Celebrate Hawaiian History Month at Kamaʻāina Sunday on September 8 at ʻIolani Palace! Enjoy live music from Hālau Kaulakahi, Ka ʻOhana Krug and Kuʻuipo Kumukahi, learn traditional Hawaiian braiding from master artisan Gordon ʻUmi Kai, and take part in lei making, lauhala weaving, and more. Free for Hawaiʻi residents!

On September 6, 1895, the Executive Council of the Republic of Hawaiʻi paroled Queen Liliʻuokalani to her home, Washington Place.

She had been arrested earlier that year, on January 16, 1895. In early February, she was put on trial and convicted of “not informing the Republic of Hawaiʻi Government that her supporters were plotting to return her to power.”
Her sentence of a $5,000 fine and five years of hard labor was immediately commuted to house arrest. She was imprisoned in the Makai Diamond Head room on the second floor of the Palace, then known as the Executive Building, from January 16, 1895, until her parole at 3:25 pm on September 6, 1895.

The conditions of her parole included:
• She was to “live in a quiet, unostentatious manner and to abstain from having political meetings or other gatherings at her home or attending such meetings elsewhere.”
• She was not allowed to leave her home, Washington Place, overnight without written consent from the government.
• Visitors were limited to personal friends and those conducting business.
• Her staff was fixed at 13 men, 8 women, and their children.

In February 1896, as a reward for faithfully abiding by these restrictions, her parole was modified, granting her permission to leave Oʻahu with written consent from the Republic of Hawaiʻi.

On October 23, 1896, Queen Liliʻuokalani was pardoned, and all restrictions on her freedom were lifted.

Photo Credit: Wiki Commons

Original copies of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s music, including her beloved composition “Aloha ʻOe,” are housed in the Hawaii State Archives. On this original copy of “Aloha ʻOe,” she notes that it was composed at Maunawili in 1878 and played by the Royal Hawaiian Band in San Francisco in August 1883, where it gained immense popularity.
The band arrived in San Francisco on August 15 to participate in the Knights Templars conclave ceremonies. A correspondent for the Pacific Commercial Advertiser reported, “The band is in great demand and greatly praised. It has been giving on average three performances a day. The people only want the Kanaka band.”
Another correspondent echoed this praise: "The Hawaiian Band has done themselves great credit. Not only are they skillful as musicians, but their deportment is excellent, and it is conceded that they are the best musicians that ever visited this state."

PC: Hawaii State Archives

Increase your support of The Friends of ʻIolani Palace through ’s Give Aloha program this September!

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P.S. We’ve got a banner up at a Foodland Oʻahu location. If you see it, snap it and share it with us!

Join us for Kamaʻāina Sunday at ʻIolani Palace on September 8 as we celebrate Hawaiian History Month with the theme, I Ka Wā Ma Mua, Ka Wā Ma Hope: The Future is in the Past. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Hawaiʻi with live performances by Hālau Kaulakahi and Ka ʻOhana Krug, a special braiding workshop by master artisan Gordon ʻUmi Kai, lei making, lauhala weaving, and more! Free for Hawaiʻi residents. Visit www.IolaniPalace.org for more details.

Hauʻoli Lā Hānau e Queen Liliʻuokalani, born on this day in 1838.

“The extinct crater or mountain which forms the background to the city of Honolulu is known as the Punch-bowl; at its base is situated the Queen’s Hospital…Very near to its site, on Sept. 2, 1838 I was born. My father’s name was Kapaʻakea, and my mother was Keohokālole... Immediately after my birth I was wrapped in the finest soft tapa cloth, and taken to the house of another chief, by whom I was adopted…This was, and indeed is, in accordance with Hawaiian customs…At the age of four years I was sent to what was then known as the Royal School, because its pupils were exclusively persons whose claims to the throne were acknowledged.”- Queen Liliʻuokalani

Today, we celebrate and remember the life and legacy of Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamakaʻeha, the eighth and last ruling monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

In honor of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s 186th birthday and Hawaiian History Month, ʻIolani Palace will offer free self-led audio tours for kamaʻāina from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today! Additionally, a variety of events on the palace grounds, presented by Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī Coalition, will be held to celebrate Her Majesty’s life. See the full schedule at https://www.hawaiiponoi.info/

Join us next week for Kamaʻāina Sunday as we celebrate Hawaiian History Month.

Presented by Hawaiian Native Corporation, this month’s theme, “I Ka Wā Ma Mua, Ka Wā Ma Hope: The Future is in the Past,” invites guests to explore the connections between Hawaiʻi’s history and its future.

For all the details, visit https://www.iolanipalace.org/visit/kamaaina-sundays/

While in Paris in late August of 1881, Kalākaua visited the International Exposition of Electric light. He joined Mr. Siemens and other electrical engineers for the inaugural ride of the first electric streetcar put into service in Paris. It travelled rapidly between the Palace of Industry, where the exposition was being held, and the Place de la Concorde.

Pictured: Electric streetcar at the exhibition, Paris 1881. PC. Siemens.

This story is courtesy of ʻIolani Palace volunteer researcher Marla Arbach, who found and translated the story found in the August 31, 1881 edition of La Correspondencia de España (Madrid).

Happy 40th Anniversary to the Palace Shop! In August 1984, the Palace Shop opened its doors in the Barracks, originally in the room now serving as the video theater. The inaugural inventory featured exclusive items like 7 different postcards, 5 sets of slides, and a selection of books, including “Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen” and “The Legends and Myths of Hawaii” which are still available today.

See how it’s changed over the years!

The Palace Shop 40th Anniversary | The Friends of ʻIolani Palace The Palace Shop has been a cherished part of our community for 40 years! Since opening in August 1984, the Palace shop evolved from offering just a few postc...

While on a tour of ʻIolani Palace, William Donald Chapman, a member of England’s House of Lords and a Hawaiʻi resident, noted there was no image of Queen Victoria in the Palace. Knowing about the strong connections in the 19th century between Hawaiʻi and Great Britain, he subsequently told Queen Elizabeth II of this omission. Her Majesty gave instructions to offer an engraving from the Windsor Castle archives to fill in that gap. The engraving was commissioned in the 19th century to commemorate Queen Victoria’s 1837 accession to the throne.

On this day August 29, 1987, on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, Lord Northfield presented to Governor John Waihee this engraving of her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria. The diplomatic gift to the people of Hawaiʻi is on loan from the Hawaiʻi State Archives and is displayed in the Blue Room.

The engraving by Samuel Cousin is based on a painting done by Alfred Edward Chalon.

At 11 p.m. on August 27, 1890, King Kalākaua left Honolulu for Kalaupapa. He was traveling to Molokaʻi to consult with Mother Marianne about selecting a site for a memorial. This memorial was a gift from The National Leprosy Fund in London, donated by the people of Great Britain. The fund was established to investigate the cause of leprosy and search for treatments. After the death of Father Damien, money was set aside to create a memorial on Molokaʻi. The fund paid for the memorial, and H. R. Armstrong covered the shipping costs to Hawaiʻi. The memorial is located at the corner of Damien Road and Pauahi Street.

On August 24, 1885, Paul Pertovitz was made a Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Kapiʻolani in recognition of the portraits he had painted for King Kalākaua.

The portraits by the the Hungarian-born painter are part of our collection. Pertovitz specialized in portraits painting dozens before arriving in Honolulu in 1885. That year, he painted three portraits, one of Kalākaua, one of Queen Kapiʻolani, and one of her sister, Poʻomaikelani. He also painted portraits of Walter Murray Gibson and Alexander J. Cartwright.

In September 1885, Pertovitz was appointed court artist and commissioned by King Kalākaua to travel to Egypt and Europe to paint portraits of the Khedive, the King and Queen of Italy, and other royal personages whom His Majesty had met during his 1881 world tour.
Pertovitz died in Rome on June 14, 1887. He left all of his property to the Roman Catholic Mission of Honolulu.

In early August of 1885, Fryer’s Circus came to town and opened to the public on August 12. Prior to opening night, residents were intrigued by a review from a California paper about the amazing feats in the second half of the show.

“But perhaps the cleverest part of the circus, and one which certainly gives the most pleasure, is the military drill by eight little ponies, who, without rider or any kind of guide, go through all of the military evolutions at the simple word of command.” (Daily Bulletin 1885-8-11)

On this day in 1885, King Kalākaua attended the last Oʻahu performance and “expressed himself to Captain Bligh as delighted with the whole performance.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser 1885-8-24 pg 2 col 1)

PC: Pacific Commercial Advertiser ad for Fryer’s Circus