Aloha kakahiaka,

One week into the restoration project and demolition work has already revealed some exciting discoveries! We’ve uncovered long forgotten windows and doors! For years, the skeletal frame of the old doors were hidden within the walls of the Edinburgh Room. The floor-to-ceiling windows surely allowed for ample sunlight in the room, while also filling the room with the cool, crisp breeze of upland Nu‘uanu.

One can certainly imagine the windows and doors would have allowed the Queen and her family a direct view of the verdant surroundings with the rolling hills and running ‘auwai through Hānaiakamalama. Perhaps Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV often stood at the windows watching Prince Albert play outside. As restoration work continues, we hope we are able to continue to preserve and honor the presence of the royal family at their summer home.