Our History

Preserving the Legacy of the Hawaiian Kingdom

Founded in 1903, the Daughters of Hawai‘i is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i. Established by seven women born in the Kingdom before 1880, the organization was created in response to the growing loss of Hawaiian heritage. Their mission remains clear:

“To perpetuate the memory and spirit of old Hawai‘i and of historic facts, and to preserve the nomenclature and correct pronunciation of the Hawaiian language.”

Since then, generations of Daughters—women who trace their ancestry in Hawai‘i to before 1880—have devoted their time and hearts to this cause. They safeguard historic sites, native place names, key events, and cherished traditions.

The Daughters of Hawai‘i were among the first in the islands to champion historic preservation. Since the early 1900s, they’ve cared for:

• Hānaiakamalama in Nu‘uanu (Queen Emma Summer Palace)
• Hulihe‘e Palace in Kailua-Kona
• The birthplace of King Kamehameha III at Keauhou Bay

The two restored house museums are open to the public and host events. Each is filled with original royal furnishings and regalia from the Kingdom of Hawai‘i.

For more than a century, the Daughters have been trusted caretakers of two of Hawai‘i’s three royal palaces. Through museum tours, on-site classes, online education, and community events, they help locals and visitors connect with Hawai‘i’s rich history.

The Daughters of Hawai‘i operate as a nonprofit, guided by a volunteer Board of Directors.

Together we honor, preserve, and celebrate the spirit of old Hawai‘i

We offer several ways to let you engage with us to help maintain and develop our legacy to perpetuate the memory and spirit of old Hawaiʻi and of historic facts, and to preserve the nomenclature and correct pronunciation of the Hawaiian language.

Picture taken at the 2023 Annual Meeting In-Person Venue

Seated From L to R: Former Regent Geraldine Miyamoto, Rochelle Monsarrat, Vana Kinimaka, Director Rachel Kawakami. Standing from L to R: Lehua Pilago-Serrao (front), Advisor Janis Kāne (back), Nani Kupihe (back), Ann Stagnaro (front), Nancy Beadle, Director Ulalia Woodside Lee, Director Joelle Segawa Kāne, Suzie Petersen (back), Corinne Ching (front), Billie Powers (front), Director Kehaulani Keanaaina (middle), Nakita Chun (back), Ally Brown (front), Vice Regent & Vice President Martha Morgan (back), Regent & President Manu Powers,  Ka‘ili Kāne, and Cherie Okada-Carlson.

Board of Directors

• Manu Powers, Regent & President
  • Owner, Sea Quest Hawai‘i
• Martha Morgan, Vice Regent & Vice President
  • Vice-President of Trust Administration, First Hawaiian Bank 
• Kawehi Apo, Secretary
  • Flight Attendant, Hawaiian Airlines
• Alexa Zen, Treasurer
  • Partner, Ringler Honolulu 
• Jamilee Jimenez
  • Resource Specialist, Lili‘uokalani Trust
• Puamohala Kaholokula
  • Owner and Operator, Trinity Pacific Productions
  • Kumu Hula and Creative Director, Hālau Mohala O Ka Pua Hau Hele
• Joelle Kāne
  • Partner, Gallagher Kāne, AAL, ALC 
• Rachel Kawakami
  • Independent Consultant, Home Staging 
• Kehaulani Keanaaina
  • Licensed Realtor, Windermere Real Estate 
• Ulalia Woodside Lee
  • Executive Director, The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i
• Jennifer Larsen Morrow
  • Owner and Marketing Visionary, Creative Company

Advisors to the Board of Directors

• Janis P. Kāne
  • Certified Pharmacy Technician, Times Supermarket Pharmacy 
  • Senior HR Director, Kamehameha Schools (retired)
• Wendy Rice Peterson
  • General Partner, Kaonoulu Ranch
  • Licensed Realtor, Island Sotheby’s International Realty 

2022

Picture taken at the 2022 Annual Meeting In-Person Venue

From L to R: Regent & President Manu Powers, Former Regent Patricia Morgan, Director Jennifer Larsen Morrow (back), Treasurer Alexa Zen (front), Director Joelle Segawa Kane (back), Vice Regent & Vice President Martha Morgan, Advisor Wendy Rice Peterson, Director Kehaulani Keanaaina, Director Puamohala Kaholokula, Former First Vice Regent Suzie Petersen, Former Regent Geraldine Miyamoto, Daughter Josann Jenks, and Calabash Cousin Kamana Seymour.

Employment Opportunities

Work with Us!