Daughters of Hawaii facts for kids
The Daughters of Hawaiʻi is a special group started in 1903. They are a nonprofit organization, which means they don't make money for themselves. Instead, they work hard to protect and keep alive Hawaiian culture, language, and important historical places. They are in charge of two famous places: the Huliheʻe Palace and the Queen Emma Summer Palace, also known as Hānaiakamalama.
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How the Daughters of Hawaiʻi Started
The Daughters of Hawaiʻi began in 1903. Seven women who were born in Hawaiʻi started the group. Their parents were American missionaries. These women were citizens of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi before it became part of the United States.
They saw that many parts of Hawaiian culture might be lost over time. So, they created the organization to "keep alive the memory and spirit of old Hawaiʻi." They also wanted to save historical facts and make sure the Hawaiian language was remembered and spoken correctly.
Saving Queen Emma Summer Palace
Hānaiakamalama, now called the Queen Emma Summer Palace, was a mountain home. It belonged to Queen Emma Naʻea, who was married to Kamehameha IV. She inherited the home from her uncle, John Young II. His father, John Young I, was a famous advisor to Kamehameha I.
Queen Emma used this home to escape the hot weather in Honolulu. The cool air of Nuʻuanu made it a perfect retreat. The Daughters of Hawaiʻi bought the Queen Emma Summer Palace in 1913. They saved it just in time, as there were plans to tear it down and build a baseball field!
The government at the time allowed the Daughters to use the home and its land. They could keep it as long as they used and cared for it as a museum.
Protecting Huliheʻe Palace
After saving Queen Emma Summer Palace, the Daughters worked to save Huliheʻe Palace in 1924. The Palace was in very bad shape. The plants around it had grown so much that you couldn't even see the house from the road.
In 1925, the government bought Huliheʻe. They set it aside for the Daughters to use and care for as a museum. When the Daughters finally took over Huliheʻe in 1927, not many people were interested in saving old buildings.
At this time, a shipping company wanted to build a hotel right on the oceanfront in Kailua-Kona. They thought the Huliheʻe grounds were the best spot. They tried to pressure the Daughters to give up Huliheʻe. But the women stood strong!
Because of their determination, Hawaiʻi now has an important museum for learning. Also, Kailua-Kona still has open space along its waterfront. Huliheʻe Palace was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This list recognizes important historical sites.
Preserving Kamehameha III's Birthplace
The Daughters of Hawaiʻi also own and care for the place where Kamehameha III was born. This special spot is at Keauhou Bay in Kona. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
How the Daughters of Hawaiʻi Get Money
The Daughters of Hawaiʻi is a nonprofit group. This means they get their money from different sources. They are supported by donations from people who want to help. They also get money from membership fees and special events they hold to raise funds. Admission fees to the palaces also help support their work.
