MEDIA RELEASE

The Daughters of Hawaii and the Calabash Cousins celebrate the reopening of Hulihee Palace at “Day at Hulihee” on Saturday, March 27. An 8:30 a.m. traditional Hawaiian blessing kicks off the 9 a.m.-4 p.m. free open house that has the theme “We Remember the Past as We Rebuild for the Future.”

Browse among tented arts and crafts booths, a tempting bake sale featuring Aunty Nona’s scrumptious peach cake and the ever-popular “Classy Tutu” Tutu’s Attic. The Kuakini Hawaiian Civic Club will offer ono food and local hula halau will provide colorful cultural entertainment. There will also be 10 prize drawings for locally created art at 3 p.m.

“Day at Hulihee” also remembers Hawaii’s Citizen Prince who was born in March, Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole (1871-1922.) Hawaii observes a statewide holiday to commemorate Prince Kuhio’s dedication toward serving his people March 26.

Beginning in 1902, Kuhio served as a delegate to the U.S. Congress for 10 terms, was the driving force behind the development of Pearl Harbor and instituted the Hawaiian Homestead Commission. A monument at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park credits Prince Kuhio for founding the park in 1916.

After closing for earthquake repairs in December 2007, Hulihee Palace reopened for self-guided tours last fall. Museum and gift shop hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturdays.

Hulihee Palace admission, which at this time 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 or visit www.daughtersofhawaii.org

The gift shop can be reached by phoning 329-6558.

Caretakers of Hulihee Palace are the Daughters of Hawaii. The organization was founded in 1903 and opens membership to any woman who is directly descended from a person who lived in Hawaii prior to 1880. Helping the Daughters in its efforts since 1986 are the Calabash Cousins; membership is available to all.