Our cherished community festival for Hānaiakamalama is returning on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 9 AM to 2 PM! We are excited to open the doors and welcome kama‘āina and visitors to: tour the Palace, enjoy the grounds, immerse in a variety of Native Hawaiian arts and crafts with cultural practitioners, enter our drawing to win a Hawaiian quilt, and support local vendors and artisans, while enjoying musical entertainment and ‘ono food.

All proceeds from the Day go towards the historic preservation, maintenance and operations of the Palace and grounds.

Queen Emma was a strong supporter of education and healthcare for her people and her legacy lives on through the institutions she started with her husband, Alexander Liholiho who reigned as King Kamehameha IV. These institutions like The Queen’s Health System, St. Andrew’s Schools, and ʻIolani School continue to serve the people of Hawaiʻi today. We are so excited to celebrate Queen Emma and invite you to spend the day at one of her favorite residences. We are honored to do our small part to share this part of her story and hope to inspire others with her legacy.

FUN FACT:  Hānaiakamalama was built in 1848, making it older than the present day ‘Iolani Palace which was built in 1882! Queen Emma inherited the home in 1857 from her uncle Keoni Ana, also known as John Young II, who served as Kuhina Nui or Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i from 1845 to 1855. Queen Emma frequented the estate as a young girl and with the passing of her uncle, used the estate as a private, mountain retreat from the city, often hosting private dinners, balls, and dance parties.