To honor Queen Emma’s 188th birthday we’re celebrating Muʻumuʻu Month with our 3rd annual Muʻu at the Museum!

This year’s theme of “Where East Meets West” draws its inspiration from the Great Chinese Merchants’ Ball of 1856.  To commemorate the union of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma, a group of Chinese merchants, led by successful businessman Chun Afong, hosted a ball for the royal newlyweds in the Fall of 1856.  The soiree included decadent feasting and ballroom dancing, all of which took place in a Chinese-inspired setting.  It was said to be so impressive that its grandeur surpassed all other balls held for the royal couple (even their actual wedding!), and everyone in town sought an invitation.  

“Where East Meets West” recognizes the significant and important historical and cultural influence the Chinese community imparted in Hawaiʻi as the first Asian people to establish a community within our shores. 

The evening fundraiser will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 5 PM to 9 PM.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will support the historic preservation, maintenance and operations of the Palace and grounds.

The Setting

Dine, drink, mingle, shop, and show off your muʻu at this historic Palace, which is even more stunning at night! 

Where East Meets West, this year’s theme pays homage to the influence of the Chinese throughout Hawaiʻi’s history. Guests are encouraged to wear muʻumuʻu with Chinese or Asian elements, designs, and patterns. All are invited to wear their finest holokū, muʻumuʻu, and aloha attire.

Hānaiakamalama, Queen Emma Summer Palace, 2913 Pali Hwy., Honolulu, HI 96817

Doors Open at 4:45 PM, entrance and check-in will be at the top of the driveway.

Parking we encourage carpooling and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft. There will be no parking at Hānaiakamalama, nor at the adjacent Nuʻuanu Valley Park. Off-site parking will be available for guests.

Free Shuttle Service is available between the off-site parking lot and Hānaiakamalama.

The Fashion Show

This year’s fashion show will feature specially curated muʻumuʻu DeStash Hawaii and The Muʻumuʻu Library, showcasing designs influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and local culture.  You won’t want to miss viewing these unique garments on the runway in one place for one night only! Modeling the curated collection are former Chinese Chamber of Commerce Narcissus Courts!

The Muʻu Fashion Contest

A crowd favorite, we are very excited to announce this year’s fashion contest categories! Guests are encouraged to wear their best and finest holokū, mu‘umu‘u and aloha attire influenced or inspired by Asian culture. Not just Chinese designs, but all Asian designs, influence, and inspiration are welcome! Guests are encouraged to mingle, to get to know each other and the stories behind what each person is wearing. Here are the categories:

1. Best Individual Dressed in Theme 
2. Best Aloha Attire 
3. Best Group
4. People’s Choice

Dress to impress our mystery judges, who will be walking among our guests and selecting the best dressed in each category.  But we will also return to guest voting for the People’s Choice category, meaning you will determine that winner–good luck!

Enjoy ‘ono mea ‘ai heavy pūpū style by Nui Kealoha! Chef Kealoha Domingo honors the spiritual connection between the ‘āina, kānaka, and mea ‘ai.

Chef Kealoha crafted a special menu inspired by the theme of “East meets West” and drawing on his Chinese ancestral roots.

$150 General

$85 Youth (25 years old and younger)

Tickets include: entry to Hanaiakamalama, a self-tour of the museum, heavy pūpū, a fashion show, musical and cultural entertainment, entry into the mākeke featuring local artisans and designers, selfie stations, and our much celebrated fashion contest.

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