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

You will support our legacy of historic preservation when you volunteer for, donate to, or join Daughters of Hawai‘i. Join us in our mission to preserve and maintain two of Hawai‘i's three royal palaces and celebrate the history and culture of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i.

Board of Directors

• Manu Powers, Regent & President
  • Flight Attendant, Hawaiian Airlines
• Kawehi Apo, Secretary
  • Flight Attendant, Hawaiian Airlines
• Alexa Zen, Treasurer
  • Partner, Ringler Honolulu 
• Jamilee Jimenez
  • Resource Specialist, Lili‘uokalani Trust
• Rachel Kawakami
  • Independent Consultant, Home Staging 
• Kehaulani Keanaaina
  • Licensed Realtor, Windermere Real Estate 
• Jennifer Larsen Morrow
  • Owner and Marketing Visionary, Creative Company
• Lehua Paishon
  • District Sales Execution Manager, Lowe's Companies, Inc.
• Stephanie Nishimura
  • Chief Financial Officer, Mālama ʻĀina Foundation

Advisors to the Board of Directors

• Janis P. Kāne
  • Certified Pharmacy Technician, Times Supermarket Pharmacy 
  • Senior HR Director, Kamehameha Schools (retired)

Employment Opportunities

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