‘Pomp & Circumstance Ball’ fetes Kalakaua era, benefits Hulihee Palace caretakers

All the merriment and finery of the Kalakaua era takes center stage Saturday when Hulihee Palace and its seaside grounds go back in time for a special “Pomp and Circumstance Ball.”

Benefiting the Daughters of Hawaii and Calabash Cousins, the caretakers of the historical Kailua Village site, this “royal ball” will transport attendees back to the 1880s when King David Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani filled the halls of Hulihee Palace with gaiety, fun and grandeur.

The palace grounds will take on a “royal ball” theme featuring an opening ceremony of chant and Hawaiian performing arts by kumu hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawaii, food and libation, actors donning period garb providing information and facts, a fashion show and exhibits of items including coins, a replica of a dress worn by Princess Kaiulani by Jill Anderson Cullinan and a uniform worn by Kalakaua, among other yet-to-be-unveiled items.

“We want people to feel like they are actually back in 1860-1880 and at a ball,” said Marlina Lee, who is helping coordinate the event that replaces the “Christmas at Hulihee” fundraiser last held in 2013. “We‘re going to have actors in character of the period, walking around talking about things like ‘have you been inside the palace? We have electricity now,’ setting that theme. It’s going to be a ball.”

There will also be live entertainment by Amy Hanaialii Gilliom and dancing under the stars for ballgoers who are encouraged to dress in period attire or formal Hawaiian attire. Dream Band will open at 5:30 p.m.

“Where else can you dine and dance at a palace?” asked Barbara Nobriga, a volunteer who represents the Big Island for the Daughters of Hawaii whose work with Hulihee Palace spans more than four decades. There are just three palaces in the United States, and all are located in Hawaii: Hulihee Palace, Iolani Palace and Queen Emma Summer Palace, the latter two are located on Oahu.

Hulihee Palace was built in 1838 by Gov. John Adams Kuakini and became the Kona residence of Princess Ruth before Kalakaua revamped it for use as his summer palace. Until 1914, when it was sold, the palace was used as a royal home. Efforts by the Inter-Island Steam Navigation Co., which went on to build Kona Inn, to purchase the property in the 1920s were blocked the Daughters of Hawaii, which lobbied the Territory of Hawaii to purchase the palace. In 1925, the purchase was executed and the palace was leased to its caretakers, Daughters of Hawaii.

Restoration of the palace was finished in 1927 and several subsequent restorations, including in 1976 and 2007 following the October 2006 earthquakes, have maintained Hulihee. Another restoration is planned within the next three years, including work to repair damage to the roofing structure remaining from the earthquakes nearly a decade ago. The group expects to receive help from the state, but knows it will also have to contribute to the cost.

“We see what we’re going to be facing in the next few years and because of that, this might be the biggest fundraiser we have for the Daughters that we have until afterwards,” said Anita Okimoto, Hulihee Palace business manager. “We are hoping for big support from the community.”

“What we raise, it enables the Daughters of Hawaii to continue to preserve and restore the palaces,” added Nobriga.

The Daughters of Hawaii and the Calabash Cousins are the caretakers for Hulihee Palace. The Daughters of Hawaii was founded in 1903 and opens membership to any woman who is directly descended from a person who lived in Hawaii prior to 1880 — regardless of race. Helping the group in its efforts since 1986 are the Calabash Cousins; membership is available to all.

Tickets are $125. Calling 329-9555, email hulihee@daughtersofhawaii.org or visit www.daughtersofhawaii.org to purchase tickets. Tickets can also be purchased at the event.

Info/donate: www.daughtersofhawaii.org.