MEDIA RELEASE

Enjoy sizzling summer fun at Historic Kailua Village’s monthly Kokua Kailua festivities Sunday, July 21. Alii Drive is closed to traffic and becomes a pedestrian-only walkway 1-6 p.m. during Kokua Kailua.

Hulihee event remembers palace builder John Adams Kuakini

The Daughters of Hawaii and Calabash Cousins present Afternoon at Hulihee 4 p.m. Sunday, July 21 at Hulihee Palace to remember the late John Adams Kuakini. Enjoy the voices of the Merrie Monarchs and Hawaiian performing arts by Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawaii.

Afternoon at Hulihee is part of the palace’s series of free monthly events that honor Hawaii’s past monarchs and historical figures; donations are appreciated. Kindly bring a beach mat or chair as seating won’t be provided.

Kuakini was a cousin to Kamehameha I and governor of Hawaii Island. A Russian explorer, Capt. Otto von Kotzebue, described Kuakini in 1816 as a “herculean figure.”

“Kuakini first built Mokuaikaua Church, finishing in 1837,” details Casey Ballao, Hulihee docent coordinator. “That same year, he started construction on Hulihee, with the excavation of the cellar. Kuakini employed craftsman and laborers that had jumped sailing ships to build his grand home and it was completed in 1838. It was a great source of pride.”

Kuakini didn’t enjoy his mansion for long; he died at the age of 54 in 1844. His obituary stated he was “the sole survivor of the iron-hearted chiefs that constituted the household of Kamehameha I.”

Hulihee Palace is open for docent-guided and self-guided tours. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; with the exception of the palace open 1-4 p.m. the Monday following the monthly Kokua Kailua Village stroll.

2013 Schedule

Aug. 18: Event remembering King Kamehameha III “Kauikeaouli”

Sept. 15: Band appearance remembering Queen Liliuokalani

Oct. 20: Event remembering Princess Kaiulani

Nov. 17: Band appearance remembering King Kalakaua, Palace Curator Aunty Lei Collins and Bandmaster Charles “Bud” Dant

Dec. 15: Event remembering Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop