Preserving Island Heritage: The Daughters of Hawai‘i

Among the many historical and heritage organizations in the United States, the Daughters of Hawai‘i stands out as one deeply tied to the unique history of the Hawaiian Islands. Founded at a time when Hawai‘i’s political and cultural identity was in upheaval, the society has played a vital role in preserving landmarks, royal residences, and traditions that might otherwise have been lost.

Formation of the Daughters of Hawai‘i

The Daughters of Hawai‘i was founded in 1903 by seven women who traced their ancestry to Hawai‘i before 1880 who were concerned that the memory of the Hawaiian Kingdom and its royal heritage might fade.

At the time, the Hawaiian monarchy had been overthrown (1893), Hawai‘i annexed by the United States (1898), and the islands declared a U.S. territory (1900). These transitions made the preservation of native Hawaiian culture and royal history more urgent than ever.

The founders envisioned an organization dedicated to keeping alive the memory of Hawai‘i’s monarchs, safeguarding important historic sites, and instilling in future generations a respect for the islands’ unique cultural heritage.

Mission and Purpose

From its earliest days, the Daughters of Hawai‘i has set out to:

Preserve historical sites and royal residences, ensuring that they remain as places of education and memory.
Protect Hawaiian artifacts and cultural objects, many of which risked being lost during the political upheavals of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Educate the public about the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom and its monarchs.
Celebrate and honor Hawaiian traditions and heritage, particularly those tied to the Kingdom of Hawai‘i.

Key Preservation Efforts

One of the society’s most important achievements was the preservation of Queen Emma’s Summer Palace (Hānaiakamalama) in Nu‘uanu Valley. When the site was slated for demolition in 1915, the Daughters of Hawai‘i stepped in, raising funds and awareness to save it. Today, it serves as a museum filled with Queen Emma’s furnishings, personal effects, and royal artifacts.

Another major success was the restoration of Hulihe‘e Palace in Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i Island, once a royal retreat. Like Queen Emma’s Palace, it had fallen into disrepair before the Daughters took stewardship in the 1920s.

Through these efforts, the Daughters ensured that Hawai‘i’s royal residences were preserved not just as buildings, but as living memorials to the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Continuing Legacy

Today, the Daughters of Hawai‘i remains active as a nonprofit organization, continuing its work to preserve Hawai‘i’s royal heritage. The society manages both Queen Emma’s Summer Palace and Hulihe‘e Palace, offering tours, cultural programs, and historical education.

By balancing preservation with community involvement, the Daughters of Hawai‘i provide a vital link between Hawai‘i’s royal past and its multicultural present.

Conclusion

The Daughters of Hawai‘i, founded in 1903 by women determined to safeguard the memory of a lost kingdom, has grown into one of the most important historical preservation organizations in the islands. Their stewardship of Queen Emma’s Summer Palace and Hulihe‘e Palace ensures that the history of Hawai‘i’s monarchs and the cultural identity of the Hawaiian Kingdom remain alive for future generations.

Their work underscores the power of dedicated citizens to protect heritage at times when it is most vulnerable.