Princess Kalanianaole visits Kauai

Princess Elizabeth Kahanu Kalanianaole (1879-1932), the widow of Kauai-born Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole (1871-1922), visited Kauai for the first time during August 1922 to organize Hawaiian women into auxiliary clubs of the Republican Party.

At Waimea, following a luau given in her honor by the Kaumualii Chapter of the Royal Order of Kamehameha, and after Judge A. G. Kaulukou’s introduction, she gave a speech in the Hawaiian language — speaking the language perfectly as it had been spoken long ago — that warmed the hearts of the many Hawaiians present.

In her speech, she advised her listeners that the criteria for selecting primary candidates should be the candidates’ honesty, courage and prestige. Once a candidate was nominated, all should work together for the success of the nominee in the general election.

A Waimea Republican club of Hawaiian women was subsequently formed with these officers chosen: Mrs. W. O. Crowell, Mrs. Lucy Wright, Mrs. Frank Cox, Mrs. Koani and Mrs. George Huddy.

In Kapaa, another luau was prepared for the Princess that was attended by the entire Hawaiian community.

A Republican club was formed in Kapaa, as well, with Mrs. Keliinoi, Mrs. C. L. Kelekoma, Mrs. I. K. Kauuwai, Mrs. Lily Cummings and Mrs. John Hano elected as officers.

Mrs. Amalu, Mrs. Werner and Mrs. Henry Blake were elected presidents of the Kilauea, Anahola and Koloa clubs, respectively.

Club officers chosen at the Lihue Hawaiian Church were Mrs. Emma Wilcox, Mrs. Mileka Kahele, Mrs. Kalei Montgomery, Mrs. C. H. Keahi and Mrs. Wm. Kaiawe.

“Aloha and unity” was the motto of the clubs.

While on Kauai, the princess was the guest of Mrs. Emma Wilcox at Kilohana, a big house surrounded by lawns that was torn down in the mid-1930s and replaced by the mansion standing at Kilohana today.