Daughters of Hawaii facts for kids
The Daughters of Hawaiʻi is a special group started in 1903. Seven women, whose parents were American missionaries, created it. These women were born in Hawaiʻi. They were also citizens of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi before it became part of the United States. They worried that much of the Hawaiian culture might be lost. So, they formed this group. Their goal was to "keep alive the memory and spirit of old Hawaiʻi." They also wanted to save historical facts. Plus, they aimed to preserve the Hawaiian language, including its names and correct sounds. Today, the Daughters of Hawaiʻi manage two important historical places: the Huliheʻe Palace and the Queen Emma Summer Palace.
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What is the Daughters of Hawaiʻi?
The Daughters of Hawaiʻi is a non-profit group. This means it doesn't aim to make money. It is supported by gifts, membership fees, and money from events. The group works to protect Hawaiian history and culture. They focus on preserving important places and stories.
Saving Hawaiian History and Culture
The Daughters of Hawaiʻi play a big role in keeping Hawaiian heritage alive. They work hard to make sure future generations can learn about Hawaiʻi's past. This includes saving old buildings and sharing historical facts.
Why Was the Group Formed?
The founders saw changes happening in Hawaiʻi. They knew that many parts of the old Hawaiian way of life could disappear. They wanted to make sure that the unique culture and history of Hawaiʻi would be remembered and honored.
Queen Emma Summer Palace: A Royal Retreat
The Queen Emma Summer Palace is also known as Hanaiakamalama. It was a "mountain" home for Queen Emma Na'ea. She was the wife of Kamehameha IV, a Hawaiian king. Queen Emma inherited this 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 heat of Honolulu. The cool air of Nuʻuanu Valley made it a perfect getaway.
How the Palace Was Saved
The Daughters of Hawaiʻi bought the Queen Emma Summer Palace in 1913. They saved it just in time! The house was almost torn down. There were plans to build a baseball field on the land instead. The government of the territory of Hawaiʻi allowed the Daughters to use the home. They also gave them a large piece of land, about 2,113 square meters. The agreement was that the home would be used and kept as a museum.
Huliheʻe Palace: Preserving a Coastal Gem
After saving Hanaiakamalama, the Daughters turned their attention to Huliheʻe Palace. This was in 1924. The Palace was in very bad shape. The land around it was so overgrown that you couldn't even see the house from the road.
Restoring Huliheʻe Palace
In 1925, the Territorial Legislature bought Huliheʻe. They set it aside for the Daughters to use. The Daughters were to keep it as a museum. When the Daughters finally took over Huliheʻe in 1927, not many people were interested in saving old buildings in Hawaiʻi.
Protecting the Waterfront
Around this time, a shipping company wanted to build a hotel. They thought the Huliheʻe grounds were the best spot in Kailua-Kona. They tried to pressure the Daughters to give up Huliheʻe. But the women stood strong! Because of their determination, Hawaiʻi now has an important educational museum. Also, Kailua-Kona still has open land along the ocean. Huliheʻe Palace was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This list recognizes important historical sites.
Kamehameha III's Birthplace
The Daughters of Hawaiʻi also own and care for another important site. This is the birthplace of Kamehameha III. It is located at Keauhou Bay in Kona. This site was also added to the Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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Birthplace of Kamehameha III
