HANAPEPE — Princess Victoria Ka‘iulani was late for her own festival Saturday afternoon in Hanapepe, but no problem. Mistress of Ceremonies Mauliola Cook knew exactly what to do. She talked story about the beloved princess who was the last Hawaiian
HANAPEPE — Princess Victoria Ka‘iulani was late for her own festival Saturday afternoon in Hanapepe, but no problem. Mistress of Ceremonies Mauliola Cook knew exactly what to do.
She talked story about the beloved princess who was the last Hawaiian to be the heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii after her birth in 1875.
“With all our joy, there’s a bit of reality, too. Ka‘iulani left us too young. She was very young when she passed and went to heaven,” Cook said to about 100 people gathered at the end of Hanapepe Road to await the arrival of the princess. “And when she went, the peacocks sang for her all the way up as they guided her flight to the heavens. They loved her so much, they sang to her when she departed.”
Princess Ka‘iulani, who traveled to the United States and tried to restore the kingdom after its overthrow in 1893, died at the age of 23 after falling ill.
“She had a short life, but over a hundred years since she left this Earth, we remember her,” Cook said. “We honor her. We read about her. We talk about her. What you do on the Earth matters. You will be remembered, so do good. Remember this young woman who loved her country, who loved her family, who loved her people, who loved her land.”
Minutes later, the princess — portrayed by Khelcie Brianne Naleimakanalani Rosa — slowly began walking down the paved path, surrounded by her loyal party of escorts. The costumed crowd, part of the Princess Ka‘iulani Keiki Festival parade, quickly backed up and parted to allow her to pass.
Parents and children watched with pride and delight as the beautifully dressed princess smiled occasionally as she walked slowly to lead the procession down the center of the street.
The festival on a gorgeous sunny afternoon included music, dancing and games, prizes for keiki and a birthday party honoring the princess. It was led by Storybook Theatre of Hawaii, which each year celebrates the life and memory of Princess Ka‘iulani.
“Ka‘iulani’s story is a very good one for children in this day and age because she faced insurmountable odds and she faced them with courage,” said Mark Jeffers, executive director of Storybook Theatre. “And that’s exactly what we need to be doing right now with children.”
Lorenzo Gonzalez of Kalaheo and his wife brought their daughter Phoebe to the festival. Both encourage their daughter to learn the ideals and values that Princess Ka‘iulani represented.
“One thing we want to do is be able to teach our daughter the culture of the island and make a point that it can’t be forgotten,” he said. “This is something that means a great deal to locals.”
J. Wayne Burris of Koloa said his 5-year-old daughter Jacy’s middle name is Ka‘iulani, for the princess.
He and his wife watched a movie about the princess and liked her strength, character and personality.
“The name just kind of fit our daughter,” he said, pointing toward Jacy, who was wearing a princess outfit.
The festival, Burris said, is fun, but there’s more to it.
“It’s remembering history,” he said. “It’s remembering Princess Ka‘iulani.”
The parade, with musician Cary Valentine setting the tone, was full of smiles and laughter, with people sporting colorful costumes, some resembling peacocks, which Ka‘iulani loved. She was known to some as the “Peacock Princess.”
“These brought her joy,” Cook said, holding up a peacock feather.
“Let’s wave our feathers again,” she shouted. “Thank you, Ka‘iulani.”
