Read this article in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
Warm greetings. Amongst the pearls within historic newspapers are moments that were photographed – moments that show the nobility of the Hawaiian people.
One such photograph is of the Hale o Nā Aliʻi on the steps of ʻIolani Palace, remembering Kamehameha I on his holiday—a holiday established by his grandson Kamehameha V, Lot Kapuāiwa in 1871.
At first glance (see photo below), it is but a photo of a group of people. However, researchers and historians know that historic photos invite and incite questions with the viewer. Who are the people in the photo? Why are they standing like that Where are they? When was the photo taken?
The question “Why?” is the easiest to answer. There on the photo is this caption: “HALE O NĀ ALIʻI ON THE STEPS OF THE HOUSE OF MANA FULFILLED…”
The Hale o Nā Aliʻi (House of Chiefs) was a group organized after the over throw and who surfaced in 1911 as a continuation of the work of Kalākaua through his Hale Nauā, a group that cared for the history and genealogies of the people.
The question “Where?” was answered in the caption “on the steps of the House of Mana Fulfilled.” Though the Hawaiian Kingdom was lost to greedy hands, the Hale o Nā Aliʻi stood proudly on the steps of ʻIolani Palace as a show of support of the monarchy.
Another important question is “When?” The photo was taken in 1914, which was during the Territorial days that was ruled by the Big Five (Castle & Cooke, etc). They wrested control of the government, land ownership, and wealth through the plantations.
Therefore, the photo is important because Hale o Nā Aliʻi is standing in solidarity and unity on behalf of the Hawaiian people and those things not owned by the Big Five: genealogy, history, culture, and language.
Why are they standing on the steps? In other newspaper articles of time, it describes Hale o Nā Aliʻi standing proudly on the steps of ʻIolani Palace for the Kamehameha parade.
The Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors stood guard at the Kamehameha statue. The Royal Order of Kamehameha and the women of Kaʻahumanu Society marched from ʻAʻala on King Street, bowed at the statue of Kamehameha, turned left into Kauikeaouli Gate, passed Hale o Nā Aliʻi, turned left and around the palace.
One amazing picture is the image of Kūkāʻilimoku, the war god of Kamehameha. It’s mana in securing the Hawaiian Kingdom was successful.
To us, historic photos are our means to remember. Answers may not be clear, but questions lead us to seek deeper understanding concerning those ancestors who marched during the Kamehameha Day of that time.
