Liholiho Elementary Centennial Mural
Aloha mai!
Please continually check back in on this page to see this commemorative mural come to life in the special community of Kaimuki at Liholiho Elementary School.
12/16/2025 - Today I was reasearching more about Alexander Liholiho and I came across this article in the Hawaii State Archives commemorating his 27th birthday. Here's a clip of what his response was to those who came to celebrate:
The line that stood out the most to me was, "I do indeed hope that further experience may offer me new lights by which to be directed in my endeavors to secure prosperity to all who dwell within the Kingdom." When people talk about "aloha spirit". This is what that means and as you can see it was something that was perpetuated from the very top.
Also today - great creative kick off meeting with PTA and school leadership and their invited guests. A Ms. Cindy was very helpful in providing stories and links to valuable research of the school, King, and area. Looking forward to diving into more of that research.
12/24/2025 - Research has been ongoing. I visited Liholiho Elementary's Archives twice last week. The first time, the school was having a very lively assembly with a band and silly string. It was nice to experience the energy of it all. It is obvious that the teachers and staff go above and beyond for the students. I got to talk with some of the teacher's about their class centennial projects. That was insightful as well and I look forward to hearing more about those projects from the students.
I also spent some time looking for a picture of my grandmother as she was a student at Liholiho in the 1940's. She and all 9 of her siblings went to the school. The lived a few blocks away from the school and were on their property before the school even opened. My granduncle still lives in their family house and I went to see him as well and ask him about what he remembers about the school and Kaimuki since he was a young boy.
I went to Puu o Kaimuki the same day. There was an unmistakable spiritual presence that could be felt as soon as I stepped out of my car, parked on the street in front of the entrace. It was beautiful there. So many native Hawaiian plants and the view was amazing.
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The second day I went back to Kaimuki I also stopped by Queen Emma and King Liholiho's Summer Palace in Nuuanu on the way home, Hanaiakamalama. We lucked out and got to tour it quickly right before it closed. Things that stood out to me here were the many gold victorian picture frames, a very cool checkered pillow, and of course, the crib that the little prince once slept in. The son of Queen Emma and King Liholiho, Prince Albert tragically died at the age of 4. His death was a huge loss to the Kingdom of Hawaii as he was the last heir born to a Hawaiian Monarch.
The gardens at the palace were also beautiful and the grounds were very peaceful.
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Last bit to update is I've been pouring over the books from the library about Queen Emma and King Liholiho. All of them are very good with the exception of one that I think must be some sort of historical fiction. It took too many liberties speaking from the first person perspective of Queen Emma.
From all the books, These ones I found the most helpful:
The Journal of Prince Alexander Liholiho outlined his travels to Europe. It was not the most captivating read. It felt like reading a to-do list, which I don't mean in a disrespectful way to the King, but I wish it had more of his thoughts and feelings so that I could get to know him in a deeper way through his own words. There were a few entries however that did cross into deeper waters. One was about an experience he had while traveling in America. The train conductor thought he was a slave or servant because the color of his skin and tried to tell him to get out of the section of the train that he was currently in. Prince Liholiho wrote that he had never been treated like that in his life and was really dissapointed in the American people and the way they treated others. I liked this entry because it showed his deep love and respect for people and humanity all over the world.
So much more that I am learning, but I can't share it all! Here are some interesting links that you can explore yourself. I am currently leaning in the mural design towards stories of King Liholiho's time at school as a child.
The Chiefs' Children's School and its beginnings. 1844
Snippet from Amos Starr Cook's Journal that made me smile:
12/5/2026 - Had a great visit with Principal Lee and PTA President about the design draft. Over break me and the whole family were sick for 2 weeks so I did my best to push through, but now looking back with a clear mind everything I researched and worked on seems hazy so I'm thinking there is still much to be done with the research and design until it becomes clear in my mind. This is a good thing as I have been feeling that there is more to uncover here.
Looking forward to meeting with the kamalii (kids) this next monday to speak with them and hear about their centennial projects and also ask for their artistic input into the design. I'm going to have them draw pictures of some of the flowers they have in their gardens on campus. I'm excited to see what they draw. Kid art is always the best. Here are some pictures of the garden.
 
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As for where the design is at right now I will share a rough sketch of the scene I'm pulling the design from: A day with Liholiho at his school. Ka Hale Kula Alii. I want to capture a moment that can be shared with the students of Liholiho that feels like they can look into his world and he can look into theirs. I had a sketch with color, but I'm not certain about the color palette yet so I will wait to share that.
Before going home I stopped by the Hawaii State Archives to see if I could find the journal that he used at school. I don't know if I found the exact one I was looking for, but I did find one of his journals. It was very old and frail and I couldn't believe I was able to handle it. I think it was a journal of poems and speeches that he was writing down to either save or for practice. His handwriting is quite amazing. It's also a little difficult to read!
Much to be done!
12/7/2026 - Researching more about Kaimuki. Looking at maps that show Kaimuki is part of the ahupuaa of Waikiki and on the ili division of Palolo.
1/8/2026 - More research today! Found 2 very informational pdfs about Kaimuki and Waikiki. Mahalo to the organizations who took the time to make these. Take a look:
1/12/2026 -
Got to spend the day making art with the students of the school. It was so much fun. I have pictures to share once I get approval. I was so impressed with the creativity and interest of the kids in the activity. I also enjoyed hearing about their projects they have been working on for the centennial celebration. I learned so much from them! Mahalo for having me and mahalo for the school lunch!
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