Queen Kapiolani

Queen Kapiolani was a member of the Hawaiian royal family and the wife of King Kalākaua, who ruled the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1874 to 1891. She was known for her charitable work and her support of the Hawaiian language and Hawaiian culture. Queen Kapiolani was also a skilled musician and composer, and was particularly fond of the ukulele and the hula dance. She was a patron of the Royal Hawaiian Band and the Hawaiian Historical Society.

● Early Life and Education

Queen Kapiolani was born in Hilo in 1834 to Kekāuluohi and Kīnaʻu, who were both members of the Hawaiian nobility. She was educated at the Royal School in Honolulu, where she was taught by Amos Starr Cooke and Juliette Montague Cooke. She was also influenced by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions and the Church of Hawaii. Queen Kapiolani was particularly close to her cousin, Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani, and the two women often attended social events together, including parties at the ʻIolani Palace and the Hawaiian Royal Palace.

● Marriage and Children

In 1874, King Kalākaua ascended to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii, and Queen Kapiolani became the Queen consort. The couple did not have any children of their own, but they adopted several Hawaiian children, including Princess Kaʻiulani. Queen Kapiolani was a supporter of the Hawaiian monarchy and worked to promote the interests of the Kingdom of Hawaii abroad, particularly in the United States and Europe. She was a frequent visitor to the White House and met with President Grover Cleveland and President Benjamin Harrison. She also attended the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago and the Paris Exposition.

● Philanthropy and Legacy

Queen Kapiolani was a dedicated philanthropist and supported a number of charitable causes, including the Queen's Hospital and the Kapiolani Maternity Home. She was also a patron of the Hawaiian Humane Society and the Hawaiian Red Cross. In 1887, she founded the Kapiolani Home for Girls, which provided education and training for young Hawaiian women. Queen Kapiolani was also a supporter of the Hawaiian arts and was particularly fond of the hula dance and the ukulele. She was a patron of the Royal Hawaiian Band and the Hawaiian Historical Society. Today, Kapiolani Community College and the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children are named in her honor.

● Reign and Royal Duties

As Queen consort, Queen Kapiolani played an important role in the Hawaiian monarchy and supported her husband, King Kalākaua, in his duties as King of Hawaii. She attended numerous state functions, including the coronation of King Kalākaua and the state visit of King Kalākaua to the United States. Queen Kapiolani was also a frequent visitor to the ʻIolani Palace and the Hawaiian Royal Palace, where she would often host social events and receptions. She was a supporter of the Hawaiian monarchy and worked to promote the interests of the Kingdom of Hawaii abroad, particularly in the United States and Europe. After the death of her husband in 1891, Queen Kapiolani continued to play an important role in Hawaiian society and remained a respected figure until her death in 1899. She was buried at the Mauna ʻAla royal mausoleum, alongside other members of the Hawaiian royal family, including King Kalākaua and Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani. Category:Royalty