MEDIA RELEASE

Kailua Village’s monthly Kokua Kailua is scheduled for 1-6 p.m. Sunday, July 17 along Alii Drive.

Celebrate summer with friends and family while enjoying Alii Drive as a pedestrian-only walkway. There will be vendors and merchants with lots to offer shoppers, live music, and of course the many dining options of Kailua Village to savor as well. At 4 p.m., enjoy an afternoon on the lawn at Hulihee Palace.

“We appreciate the ongoing support by visitors and residents during Kokua Kailua,” says Eric von Platen Luder, president of the Kailua Village Business Improvement District. “Kokua Kailua is such a fantastic opportunity to spend an afternoon along the shoreline and amongst the many artisans, farmers and others that participate in this festive event.”

PALACE EVENT HONORS GOV. JOHN ADAMS KUAKINI

The Daughters of Hawaii and the Calabash Cousins present a free Hula Afternoon 4-5 p.m. Sunday, July 17 at Hulihee Palace. Enjoy a hula afternoon to remember the late Gov. John Adams Kuakini.

The monthly event is part of a year-long series that honors Hawaii’s past monarchs and historical figures; donations are appreciated.

Kindly bring a beach mat or chair as seating won’t be provided.

“A cousin to Kamehameha I, Kuakini served as the second governor of the Island of Hawaii, appointed by King Kamehameha II, Liholiho,” said Fanny Au Hoy, docent coordinator. “He built Hulihee in 1838, a year after finishing Mokuaikaua Church.”

Constructed of lava rock, coral lime mortar, koa and ohia wood, the two-story building, first served as Kuakini’s principal residence until his death in 1844.

The palace was bequeathed to Kuakini’s adopted son, William Pitt Leleiohoku. Upon his death only a few months later, it was passed on to his wife, Princess Ruth Keelikolani. Ruth’s cousin Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop inherited the palace in 1883. King David Kalakaua purchased the home the following year after Pauahi died.

“Kalakaua extensively renovated the palace with an elaborate Victorian flair and it has been restored to the grandeur of this era,“ Au Hoy said.

2011 Hulihee Palace / Kokua Kailua Schedule

* Aug. 14: Remembering King Kamehameha III “Kauikeaouli”

* Sept. 18: Remembering Queen Liliuokalani

* Oct. 16: Remembering Princess Kaiulani

* Nov. 20: Remembering King Kalakaua, Palace Curator Aunty Lei Collins and Bandmaster Charles “Bud Dant”

* Dec. 18: Remembering Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop