MEDIA RELEASE
The upcoming Kokua Kailua Village Stroll on Sunday, March 21, 2010 from 1pm until 6pm, will welcome kamaaina and visitors with nearly 95 participating vendors.
Spending an afternoon with friends and family in Historic Kailua Village during Kokua Kailua is becoming more and more popular as everyone discovers the fun of strolling Alii Drive, which is converted into a pedestrian-only marketplace for the free monthly event.
There are special offers in restaurants and unique merchandise from local shopkeepers. There are massage therapists for on the spot relaxation. There are artists displaying koa wood art, paintings, and glass art. There is face painting for children. And there is the incomparable oceanfront setting along scenic Kailua Bay to enjoy.
Adding to the day’s festivities are Kailua Village restaurant gift certificate drawings at 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. plus a free concert at 4 p.m. on the lawn at Hulihee Palace.
Kokua Kailua volunteers are always welcome. Interested persons should contact Dorlene Kolina Chao at 936-9202.
April’s Kokua Kailua Village Stroll date is scheduled for Sunday, April 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 and Pacific Radio Group. The program is designed to rally support for merchants and restaurants and to remind residents to shop, dine and buy local.
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Outdoor band concert remembers past royalty
The Daughters of Hawaii and the Calabash Cousins present a free concert 4 p.m. Sunday, March 21 at Hulihee Palace to remember the Prince Kuhio and Queen Kaahumanu. Enjoy the voices of the Merrie Monarchs accompanied by the Hulihee Palace Band.
Bring a beach mat or chair as seating won’t be provided. Concert goers are encouraged to take advantage of the free “chair check†conveniently located across from the palace and enjoy the Kokua Kailua Village Stroll from 1-6 p.m.
Known as the Citizen Prince, Kuhio was born on Kauai and raised by his aunt and uncle, Queen Kapiolani and King Kalakaua, to become successor to the royal throne. After Hawaii became a U.S. territory, the Republican Party persuaded Kuhio to enter politics.
“Kuhio was named Hawaii’s second delegate to the U.S. Congress in 1902 and served the post 10 times,†said Fanny Au Hoy, palace administrator. “Honored today as the father of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kuhio secured an area of the Big Island’s Kilauea Volcano in 1916 for public enjoyment. He was the driving force behind the development of Pearl Harbor and instituted the Hawaiian Homestead Commission.â€
Queen Kaahumanu, who hailed from Hana, Maui, was the favorite wife of Kamehameha the Great.
“Though much younger than her husband, Kaahumanu was charismatic, intelligent and politically shrewd,†Au Hoy said. “Kamehameha granted her the title of kuhina nui (queen regent) upon his death in 1819. Tired of the Hawaiian laws of kapu that forbade women from certain activities, she convinced the throne’s successor, Liholiho, to overturn the kapu system.â€
Hulihee Palace museum and gift shop hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturdays. Palace admission, which 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.
For details, contact the palace at 329-1877, the palace office at 329-9555, gift shop at 329-6558 or visit www.daughtersofhawaii.org