Kalakaua | Page 14 | Images of Old Hawaiʻi

June 18, 2016 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Hawaiian Challenge

“The Meeting at the King’s Boat House (October 19, 1885) – The meeting was called to order (and a) motion was passed that an association be formed to be called “The Hawaiian Rowing and Yachting Association.’”

“The association was to be represented by three delegates each from the Myrtle, Honolulu, and Kapiolani Clubs, and by one delegate each from all other established clubs. A committee of one from each club was appointed to make by-laws and racing rules.” (Daily Honolulu Press, October 20, 1885)

“A special meeting of the Hawaiian Yachting and Rowing Association was held last evening at the Iolani Boat Club House … After routine business had been transacted the following resolution was put and carried;”

“Resolved that the Association do hereby appropriate the sum of $350 for the express purpose of purchasing a silver cup to be sailed for annually up on the 4th of July under the auspices and conditions of the Hawaiian Yachting and Rowing Association by first class yachts of dimensions not to exceed 40 feet over all, said cup to be called the ‘Hawaiian Challenge Cup.’” (Daily Bulletin, June 19, 1889)

“The Challenge Cup, which is a very handsome one of solid silver and old silver finish in the form of a Japanese vase, is lettered on one side with the name of the Association, while the other side has a splendid view of Diamond Head with two yachts running seaward.”

“It is embellished with birds, fishes, seaweed and marine emblems. It is a perpetual challenge cup, and Messrs. Iaukea, Hatch and Cecil Brown, the owners of the Healani, hold it for one year. A pennant is given to the winner each year. The one this year is of a white silk ground with the monogram HRYA in blue letters, surmounted by a crown.” (Daily Bulletin, December 2, 1889)

“The cup is an ornate affair, etched on one side with the title of the trophy and on the other with a view of Diamond Head and racing yachts. On the shoulders cunningly wrought objects typical of the sport are attached. The names of previous winners are engraved on the cup.” (Sunday Advertiser, September 6, 1903)

“The Hawaiian Challenge Cup is an elegant silver trophy valued at $400. It was presented a number of years ago by the Hawaiian Rowing and Yachting Association, now defunct, and was to be raced for not oftener than once every year.” (Sunday Advertiser, September 6, 1903)

“Among boats that have won the cup are the Healani, Helene and Bonnie Dundee, the latter of which held it from 1893 until last year, on which occasion the Eva won.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, August 1, 1899)

“The Hawaiian Challenge Cup is open to all yachts over five and not exceeding ten tons measurement, this limitation not applying to yachts which were in Hawaiian waters and entered for the race previous to July 4th, 1899.”

“The course set runs from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor and back, finishing off the Oceanic wharf, making a course of twenty-three miles.”

“The cup was originally donated by the Hawaiian Rowing and Yachting Association, the conditions under which it was sailed being drawn up at a meeting of the Association in the ʻIolani Boat Club hall on June 28, 1889.” (Sunday Advertiser, September 6, 1903)

“An important event in the yachting annals of the islands took place on Saturday afternoon at the boathouse of His Majesty the King. It was the presentation of the silver challenge cup and a handsome pennant won by the yacht Healani on the 4th of July.”

“His Majesty, as president of the Hawaiian Rowing and Yachting Association, and who has always done so much in stimulating yachting and rowing in the islands as asked to make the presentation, and gracefully acceded to the request.”

“An elegant lunch was provided by His Majesty, and on the table, which was nicely decorated with flowers, stood the challenge cup. After ample justice had been done the good things His Majesty rose and said:”

“Representatives of the Hawaiian Yachting and Rowing Association and Gentlemen: At a special meeting of this Association held on the 18th of June last, it was resolved that a sum be appropriated for the express purpose of purchasing a silver cup, to be sailed for annually on the 4th of July, said cup to be called the ‘Hawaiian Challenge Cup.’”

“Subsequently a Pennant was added, and the prize then was the “Hawaiian Challenge Cup and Pennant for 1889.” The first race under the new conditions was sailed on the 4th of July. Five yachts I think started, the race was won by the Healani, being closely followed by the second boat.”

“Gentlemen, you are present on this occasion to witness the presentation of the above prize and pennant to the owners of the winning yacht. Messrs. Iaukea, Hatch, and Brown : As President of, and on behalf of the Hawaiian Yachting and Rowing Association, I take pleasure in handing over to you this handsome souvenir of an enjoyable day’s sport, and a well-contested trophy.”

“Hon. CP Iaukea, one of the owners of the yacht Healani, in receiving the challenge cup said: Your Majesty and Gentlemen, in receiving this trophy from Your Majesty’s hands, permit me on behalf of the owners of the yacht Healani, to express my great pleasure and satisfaction in now bearing away the palm during the first year of its competition.”

“It must also be highly gratifying to Your Majesty that the Healani, with which Your Majesty has so long been associated, should have successfully competed for the cup. The great interest which Your Majesty has for many years shown in yachting has no doubt animated others to a like appreciation of this healthy and instructive sport, as evidenced by the number of splendid yachts now adorning our bay.”

“In thanking Your Majesty for the honor conferred, permit me to express the hope that Your Majesty may continue to assist lovers of yachting with your gracious patronage. With Your Majesty’s permission I shall ask the gentlemen present to join me in wishing you, our royal President of HYR Association, a very good health.”

“His Majesty’s health was drunk by all standing, after which social conversation, principally on yachting matters, was indulged in for a time.” (Daily Bulletin, December 2, 1889)

“From this time the cup lay fallow for seven years until the advent of the ‘Gladys’ into our waters. A race was then sailed between the ‘Bonnie Dundee’ (now ‘Mary L’), and the Gladys on September 13, 1899, when the Gladys won by 23 minutes or one minute to the mile. Governor Dole sailed the Bonnie Dundee and T. W. Hobron the Gladys.” (Sunday Advertiser, September 6, 1903)

Reportedly, over the years, the prize became known as the ‘Kalākaua Cup.’ There were a few periods of inactivity due to disinterest and extenuating circumstances, as well as the disappearance of the cup itself.

When Castle & Cooke was moving offices, their old vault was opened and the trophy appeared it was filled with silverware belonging to the last winner, Tom Hobron, in the yacht ‘Gladys Mary’ in 1911.

The last winner of the Hawaiian Challenge Trophy was the Star class yacht ‘Roulette,’ skippered by Laurie S Dowsett, the 17-year-old son of HM Dowsett, with his crew Lloyd B. Osborne. This was the summer of 1941. Names of winning yachts and skipper/crew from 1925 through 1941 are inscribed on the trophy. (Waikiki Yacht Club)

The trophy was re-dedicated in 1986 and today is awarded annually to the winner of the Fourth of July Regatta consisting of three separate races. The first race is from Waikiki to Kaneohe, the second is an offshore race in the waters off of Kaneohe Bay, and the third is a race from Kaneohe to Waikiki. (Stowell)

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Hawaiian Challenge Cup-Advertiser Sept 6, 1903

Hawaiian Challenge Cup – Kalakaua Cup

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Hawaiian Challenge Cup – Kalakaua Cup-detail

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Kalakaua’s winning crew-PP-96-14-002- Nov. 16, 1885

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April 13, 2016 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Myrtle Boat Club

Throughout the years of late-prehistory, AD 1400s – 1700s, and through much of the 1800s, the canoe was a principal means of travel in ancient Hawaiʻi. Canoes were used for interisland and inter-village coastal travel.

Most permanent villages initially were near the ocean and at sheltered beaches, which provided access to good fishing grounds, as well as facilitating convenient canoe travel.

The ancient Hawaiians also participated in canoe racing. When they wished to indulge this passion (including betting on the races,) people selected a strong crew of men to pull their racing canoes.

If the canoe was of the kind called the kioloa (a sharp and narrow canoe, made expressly for racing) there might be only one man to paddle it, but if it was a large canoe, there might be two, three or a large number of paddlers, according to the size of the canoe.

“The racing canoes paddled far out to sea – some, however, stayed close to the land (to act as judges, or merely perhaps as spectators), and then they pulled for the land, and if they touched the beach at the same time it was a dead heat; …”

“… but if a canoe reached the shore first it was the victor, and great would be the exultation of the men who won, and the sorrow of those who lost their property.” (Malo)

Then, another form of racing, rowing, debuted in Hawai‘i in the late-1860s. (Honolulu Rowing Club)

An early account of competitive rowing appeared in the December 16, 1871, issue of the Pacific Commercial Advertiser: “There was a race between two-oared boats, of which four were entered, Young America the winner … there was splendid rowing exhibited, and the winners became such by purely hard work.”

King Kalākaua’s birthday on November 16th, 1875 marked Hawai‘i’s first regatta with extensive rowing competition. The King, a rowing buff, viewed the event from his yacht along with other members of his royal family.

There were aquatic sports, including five-oared whaleboat races, canoe races, yacht races, and swimming. Capping the day were spectators who climbed greased poles extending over the water. (Honolulu Rowing Club)

“The Myrtle Rowing Club is the first boat club ever organized in this city, we believe. Last February some of the most energetic young gentlemen in town entered into the project of getting up the club, and it is now in a thriving condition.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, July 7, 1883)

“At present they number only ten, their ages vary from 16 to 22 years, yet, being very fond of boating they have built a boat house and purchased a four-oared barge, and a pair-oared shell. Unfortunately they have contracted a little debt, which it is at present out of their means to pay.”

“They are not starting their club with too much enthusiasm, and intention of letting their ardor cool down, for they intend to stick to it; but they want a little public encouragement and some pecuniary assistance to enable them to purchase better boats, either here or on the Coast, a good four-oared racing boat and a good shell.”

“They cordially invite people down to their bout-house that they may see for themselves what sort of a start has been made; and, knowing the generous support that is always given in Honolulu to encourage young men in athletic exercises, I hope that my appeal in their behalf may not be in vain. I am Old Oarsman.” (Letter to Editor, Pacific Commercial Advertiser, July 7, 1883)

“Every evening the members practice in the harbor, and a laudable spirit of enterprise is manifested in the manly sport of rowing. The club owns two boats, one of which was donated to the organization by Mr. George Ashley. They also have a neat boat house down on the Esplanade, with racks for oars and other necessaries. “

“The club deserves encouragement. There is not enough life and enterprising activity among the young men in sporting matters, as a general thing, in Honolulu, but the members of this club have taken the matter of rowing in hand with the evident intention of making the sport popular, and we are confident they wili succeed.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, July 7, 1883)

“It would be well if another rowing club could be organized to compete generously with the Myrtle Rowing Club. Competition in sporting matters, as well as in matters of business, always promotes and invigorates, when it is entered into with a friendly desire to excel. But whether another club is organized or not, the Myrtle Rowing Club is bound to succeed, for it is very judiciously managed and has the best wishes of the whole community. (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, July 7, 1883)

Other clubs formed; in 1890 the Healani Boat Club, with president WE Wall, and the Leilani Boat Club, headed by David Kawānanakoa, were formed. Two years later the first regatta at Pearl Harbor was held, all three clubs raced at Pearl Harbor. (Honolulu Rowing Club)

“Rowing is very popular, especially at Honolulu, where the Myrtle and the Healani Boat Clubs have for more than twenty years been rivals in four-oared shell, six-oared and pair-oared sliding seat barge rowing contests.”

“Regatta Day, the third Saturday in September, a legal holiday, is the important rowing carnival day, but races are also held on July 4, and at other times. Occasionally crews from the other islands or from the Pacific Coast participate in these races.” (Aloha Guide, 1915)

In the 1920s, there were five rowing clubs in Hawai‘i. The men’s clubs were Myrtle and Healani from Oahu and Hilo from the Big Island. The Oahu-based Kunalu and Honolulu were the two women’s clubs. Kunalu was coached by Healani, while the Honolulu Girls were affiliated with Myrtle. (Honolulu Rowing Club)

In 1957, the Interscholastic League of Honolulu added rowing to its list of sports. Five schools competed for the inaugural ILH title: ʻIolani, Kaimuki, Mid-Pacific, McKinley and Punahou.

In 1964, ʻIolani became the first high school team in the nation to race in the finals of the Olympic Trials. “To reach the finals, we had to win a trial race (known in rowing as a “repechage.”) To do that, we had to beat the New York Athletic Club and the Penn Athletic Club. Those were all former college oarsmen and several had competed in the Olympics in the past. One of the boats was stroked by a former Olympic gold medalist.” (Rizzuto)

“Needless to say, we made it to the finals after a very hard-fought race.” (Rizzuto) The Red Raiders four-man crew finished a respectable sixth place behind winner Harvard. Despite ʻIolani’s success, the ILH dropped rowing in 1966 due to a lack of teams. ʻIolani continued their program another nine years before the sport was dropped in 1975. (Honolulu Rowing Club)

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Healani Boat Club-formed in 1890 and was the only active rowing club during World War II

February 19, 2016 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Ahahui Hoʻoulu a Hoʻola Lahui

“The Hui Ho‘oulu a Ho‘ola Lahui of Kalākaua I was organized at Kawaiahaʻo, Her Royal Highness Princess Kapili Likelike being President. … A large number of members joined the Society on this day, some 51. The amount of money collected was $17.00, the dues being ten cents per month.” (Report of the Executive Committee, February 19, 1874)

In addition to dues, they had fundraisers, “There will be a grand luau put on by the President, HRH Liliʻuokalani, at Kaumakapili Church, for the benefit of the Hoʻoulu and Hoʻola Lahui Society (Ahahui Hoʻoulu a Hoʻola Lahui) on the 22nd of January 1887, from 12 to 7 o’clock. Therefore, the kindness of all is requested to come there with their donations for the Ahahui.” (Ko Hawai‘i Pae ‘Āina, January 15, 1887)

“If the sick person is destitute, and has no one to take care of him, and is poor, and has no relatives or friends, but, has an aikane who is supporting him, and who has more love for him than his own relations, then such person is not entitled to assistance from this Society.”

“But if such person has no one to care for him, then the Society shall give him temporary assistance and endeavor to induce him to go to the hospital or to the Lunalilo Home; but if such person shall refuse to go to either of those places, then the Society may let such person go.”

“The Committee must be extremely careful that they are not imposed upon by undeserving persons who may claim that they are sick and destitute.”

“If the committee should be imposed upon, then they should forgive such offender if he return all that the Society has given him; but if such person will not return what has been given, then they must be dealt with according to the law of the land.” (Bylaws XI, Ahahui Ho‘oulu a Ho‘ola Lahui)

“His Majesty Kalakaua designed and established an organization for benevolent work amongst his people; it was called the Ho‘oululahui. The first meeting of the society having been appointed at Kawaiahaʻo Church, there was a good attendance of the first ladies of the city, not only those of Hawaiian families, but also of foreign birth.” (Liliʻuokalani)

“There shall be appointed a committee of three or more members of the society, and they shall do the work of the Society. It shall be their duty to visit the sick and destitute in their various districts and report the same to the President.”

“The Committee shall ascertain all facts concerning the sick or those in distress, ascertain if the sickness is a fever or some other sickness, and do all they can to give such person relief.”

“The committee should do all in their power to prevent such sick person from taking cold and should give instructions regarding clothing and diet.”

“If such sick person has no one to look after or help him, then the President may direct some member of the committee or any member of the Society to assist such sick person.” (Article VII, Constitution of Hui Ho‘oulu a Ho‘ola Lahui)

“It was my brother’s intention that the society should have as its head Her Majesty Kapi’olani, his queen; but to make it more efficient and systematic in its work, the society was divided into three departments.”

“Of these, the first embraced the central part of the city of Honolulu, and this was under the presidency of the queen. Next came the lower part of Honolulu, Kaumakapili, extending as far as Maemae, and embracing all the district beyond Palama, which was assigned to my management and presidency.”

“In like manner the third division, Kawaiahaʻo, extending through Waikiki and Manoa, Pauoa, and a certain portion of the city, was assigned to my sister, the Princess Likelike.”

“All denominations, including the Roman Catholics, were invited to co-operate in the good work. The Princesses Po‘omaikalani and Kekaulike … gave their aid to the queen. The former was made governess of Hawaiʻi, and the latter governess of Kauai.”

“These two ladies did all in their power to assist Queen Kapiʻolani in her work of charity, and my sister and myself were equally interested to attend to the needs of our departments …”

“… but the responsibility for the general management was really upon the king, who not only had to assume the financial burden, but gave to the work the weight of his official influence, and always responded cheerfully to our calls upon him for advice, giving to us with liberality the advantage of his own good judgment.”

“The people responded with good-will from other parts of the islands, and the work has gone on for over ten years since it was first established by my brother. Of those then interested, Queen Kapiʻolani and myself are the only two of the managers now living. As Princess Likelike and the other two princesses died, their departments came more under the personal management of the queen.”

“Like many other enterprises of charity, the original intentions of the founders have been improved upon; and the society is merged in other good works, or its purposes diverted to slightly different ends. The organization is now consolidated in the Maternity Home …”

“… the charitable funds which used to be distributed amongst the poor, the amounts contributed by the people everywhere to carry out the designs of the king, are still doing good through this institution, of which the Dowager Queen Kapiʻolani is the president, assisted by a board of managers consisting of notable Hawaiian ladies, and by others of foreign descent.” (Liliʻuokalani)

(Queen Kapiʻolani founded the Kapiʻolani Maternity Home in 1890. Kauikeōlani Children’s Hospital merged with Kapiʻolani Hospital and relocated to become Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women and Children.)

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Women of Ahahui Hooulu Lahui o Ka Moiwahine-King Kalakaua’s Jubilee-PP-36-8-011-Nov 16, 1886

February 15, 2016 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Kalakaua Funeral

“The announcement yesterday of the death of King Kalākaua fell like a clap of thunder from the skies. Although we all knew that he was not a well man when he left here and that he had in his system a most insidious disease …”

“… yet the reports of the decided improvement in his health from the voyage over and the bracing climate of California deceived us as to his frail hold on life.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, January 30, 1891)

“He passed away at exactly 2:35 pm of Tuesday, January 20, 1891, and there were present at his bedside, on the right of His Majesty, Rev. J. Sanders Reed, Col. Macfarlane, and Admiral Brown …”

“… on the left Col. Baker, Kalua, and Kahikina; and at the foot of the bed Consul McKinley, Mrs. Swan, and Fleet Surgeon Woods. Grouped around were Lieut Dyer, Hon. CR. Bishop, Mr Godfrey Rhodes, Judge Hart, Senator GE Whitney, Mrs. McKinley, Mrs. Price, Mrs Reed, and the Hon Claus Spreckels.”

“At 8:15 am yesterday the Diamond Head telephone announced the arrival of the USS Charleston, Admiral Brown, off Coco Head, with the American and Hawaiian flags at half mast. Half an hour later, the ship appeared off the harbor, dressed in mourning.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, January 30, 1891)

“The sad duty of taking care of the remains and bringing them to the kingdom devolved on Admiral Brown, who was especially delegated by President Harrison to take the tidings of the monarch’s sudden decease to his beloved subjects.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, January 30, 1891)

“The reign of our departed King was memorable as an era of remarkable and increasing prosperity. In the seventeen years of his reign, now closed, this nation has made rapid strides in its material industries, education, and the arts of civilization.”

“But death comes alike to King and Commoner, and the seventh Sovereign of Hawaii is gone to join the roll of the illustrious dead. We humbly bow to the Will of God.” (Privy Council)

“At 11 am the invited guests entered and were shown to their seats.”

“Resting in the center of the throne room was the coffin, covered with a heavy black pall, over which was placed the famous yellow cloak of the King, made of the feathers of the Oo.”

“The scene was at once weird and fantastic; the splendor of the costumes of the staff officers, the bright yellow of the feather cloak and covering and capes, the sombre black of the drapings, the rich deep melody of the organ rolling forth its volumes, the sweet singing of the native choirs, all of which rendered the scene peculiarly effective.”

“The crown, sceptre and sword of his late Majesty lay at the head of the coffin. On the right side of the coffin, resting on a beautiful black velvet pillow, rested the crown jewels and decorations of His Majesty.”

“A guard of twenty men, ten on each side of the coffin, wearing the yellow feather capes indicative of kahili bearers, of the rank of subordinate chiefs, waved kahilis of a sombre hue.”

“The rhythmical motion of the kahilis ascending and descending, moving from side to side in perfect accord with the music, lent an air of peculiar solemnity to the impressive scene.”

“The Bishop commenced the service for the dead, “I Am the Resurrection and the Life,” in Hawaiian. Then followed the hymn. “When Our Heads Are Bowed With Woe.” Next followed the Psalm “Domine Refugium,” to a single chant, composed by Her Majesty Liliuokalani. Then the hymn, “Brief Life is Here Our Portion,” in Hawaiian.”

“The Rev WH Barnes then read in Hawaiian the lesson from I Corinthians, xv. The choir then pang in Hawaiian, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul.” This was followed by prayer, after which the Bishop and clergy filed out of the throne room, followed by the different bodies in regular order.”

“The meles and wailing began anew as the solemn procession marched slowly from the palace.”

“The emblems of royalty, the crown, sceptre and sword of the late monarch, were taken from off the coffin and reposed on a black velvet pillow fringed with geld, which was carried by Col. Hoapili Baker, while the crown jewels of his late Majesty were lifted from their stand at the head of the coffin and carried by the Hon. John Baker.”

“The crown tabu pole and gold ball draped in black, the emblem sacred only to royalty, was then removed, sturdy sons of Hawaii tenderly lifted the coffin from its resting-place, and, to the “Dead March in Saul” …”

“… slowly and solemnly the mournful cortege descended the steps of the palace and placed the mortal remains of their beloved monarch on the catafalque which was to bear him from their sight forever.”

“The never-to-be-forgotten sight of all, however, was that of the catafalque and its surroundings.”

“As the cortege entered the mausoleum a dirge was played on the organ. The committal service was then read by the Bishop, who, with the clergy, stood at the head of the coffin. The services were concluded by the choir singing ‘Now the Laborer’s Task is O’er.’”

“After the hymn the Hale Naua Society marched into the building to perform the ceremony of depositing the sacred Calabash on its late President’s casket.”

“At the close of the church service the United States marines outside performed the last military honors by firing-three volleys in the air.”

“Four large kahilis were fastened upright to the earth in front of the mausoleum, there to remain, according to ancient custom, till the last shred is blown away.”

“The Kalākaua emblematic torches were burning in front of the building throughout the ceremonies. Seven mammoth torches composed of tar-barrels were burning on the top of Punchbowl mountain during the funeral.”

“At 3:21 o’clock the royal party left the mausoleum, their appearance being the signal for a mighty chorus of dirges and wails.
Long after they left the grounds the dismal sounds of grief rose from the throats of scores of male and female lamenters of the departed Sovereign.”

“Kalākaua I was buried with great state on February 15th, 1891, another guest in that mausoleum which is so fast filling with the mortal remains of Hawaiian royalty.”

“His sister Liliʻuokalani reigns in his stead, and follows worthily the best traditions of sovereignty, inspired doubtless by what she saw when in 1887 she was present at the Jubilee of our own gracious Queen.” (Gowen)

“From henceforth, when you think of him, call him not Kalākaua, but say ‘him of the low, sweet voice.’” (Queen Kapiʻolani)

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Funeral of King Kalakaua, February 15, 1891. The photo was taken at the corner of King and Fort streets

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February 12, 2016 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

The Crowning

Although Kalākaua had been elected and serving as King since 1874, upon returning from a trip around the world, in 1883, it was determined that Hawaiʻi’s King should also be properly crowned.

“ʻIolani Palace, the new building of that name, had been completed the previous year, and a large pavilion had been erected immediately in front of it for the celebration of the coronation. This was exclusively for the accommodation of the royal family …”

“… but there was adjacent thereto a sort of (coronation pavilion and amphitheater,) capable of holding ten thousand persons, intended for the occupation of the people.” (Liliʻuokalani)

On Monday, February 12, 1883, the imposing ceremony of the Coronation of their Majesties the King and Queen of the Hawaiian Islands took place at ʻIolani Palace.

The weather for the three previous days had been anything but favorable, it having rained incessantly during that time more especially on Saturday night. The roof of the amphitheatre not proving impervious to the drenching rain, it was made so by an additional covering of corrugated iron, all of which was put on betwixt a.m. and a.m. on Monday.

At break of day change of weather occurred. The sun shone forth with its wonted brilliancy. The reeds were spread over the line of march, and by o’clock the school children were marching towards the rendezvous.

At the appointed hour the procession started, and entering the Palace gates, the schools and societies took up the respective positions assigned to them.

“The Honorable President of the Legislative Assembly then took the King’s Crown and raised it up before the people and placed It In the hands of the Chancellor, saying : ‘I present this Crown to the rightful King of these Islands, approved by Acts of the Legislative Assembly in the Legislature of the Kingdom assembled of the years 1880 and 1882.’”

“The Chancellor then placed it in the King’s hands, saying: ‘Receive this Crown of pure gold to adorn the high station wherein thou hast been placed.’”

“The King then raised up the Crown and placed it upon his head.”

“The Chancellor then took the second Crown and placed it in the King’s hands, who rose and placed it upon the Queen’s head, who reverently bowed her head on receiving it, the King saying: ‘I place this Crown upon your head, to share the honors of my throne.’”

“The Crown is composed of a fillet or band of gold one inch in width, set, on each edge, with 192 small diamonds. Midway in the fillet set many rubies, save at the back, where there are set in the place of the emeralds and rubies 6 kukui nut jewels of a deep reddish black, highly polished.”

“At the front and back, and on each side, the fillet is surmounted by a golden Maltese cross, in the arms of which are set forty-eight diamonds, each arm having three. In the center of the cross in front of the crown is a magnificent diamond of about six carats weight, and on the sides others a little smaller.”

“A splendid carbuncle glows in the center of the cross at the back. Between the crosses are short curved bars forming twelve points, from which spring taro leaves in frosted gold, beautifully veined, and each on holding a diamond in its center.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, February 17, 1883)

“The taro leaf motifs adorning the crown’s fillet referenced the chief as the source of life. They denoted the role and responsibility of the chief as the progenitor of the people and the land, the chief’s descent from the gods, and the divine course of life.” (Kamehiro)

“Between the points are set twelve other fine diamonds. Springing from the fillet, over the crimson velvet cap of maintenance are eight bars of gold, whose surfaces are studded with half-round knobs, as in the crown of France.”

“These eight bars diminish in width, and finally unite at the base of globe of dark red enamel. These eight bars are emblematical of the union of islands of the group under one rule.”

“The globe that they uphold is banded horizontally with a circle of pearls, and another like band passes over the upper of the globe. Surmounting the whole is a golden Maltese cross, in which set four brilliant diamonds.”

“The Queen’s crown is precisely similar, except that it a trifle smaller. Each crown contains 521 diamonds, 54 pearls, 20 opals, 8 emeralds, 1 large carbuncle, and 6 kukui jewels.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, February 17, 1883)

In addition to the Western-style style crown, he received a sword, ring and scepter; Kalākaua was also presented with traditional items belonging to ruling Hawaiian chiefs: the feather cloak of Kamehameha I, the kāhili (standard) of Pili, and the pūloʻuloʻu (kapu stick) and lei palaoa (whale tooth pendant.)

A couple days later (February 14, 1883,) Kalākaua unveiled the King Kamehameha statue on the grounds of Aliʻiolani Hale (now the home of Hawaiʻi’s State Supreme Court.)

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