The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani offers a historical tour focusing on the history of its namesake, Princess Victoria Ka’iulani, and the history of the hotel’s location in Waikiki, the former Ainahau Estate where young Ka’iulani once lived. The free guided tours are conducted Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4:00 p.m. and are open to the public.

The Princess Ka’iulani historical tour was the brainchild of the hotel’s managing director, Frederick Orr.  “We are interested in preserving, protecting and nurturing the history of the Hawaiian culture.  The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani has such a unique history through its connection with the Hawaiian monarchy and we feel that one of the biggest contributions to our community and to our visitors is an effort to maintain that legacy,” Orr explained.

The tour begins at an original portrait of Princess Ka’iulani, dedicated to the hotel at its grand opening on June 11, 1955 by Hawaii artist Lloyd Sexton.  Visitors are introduced to the princess, her family history, formal schooling in England, interests and friendship with famed poet and author Robert Louis Stevenson.  In the lobby, there are historical photographs of the princess and the Hawaiian monarchy, as well as historic memorabilia set in display cases.

Before Princess Ka`iulani left for schooling in England, Robert Louis Stevenson penned a poignant poem, Island Rose, in honor of his dear friend. After her departure from Honolulu Harbor, the two never met again. The historical tour takes the visitor past a reproduction of the poem. The original stone bench where Ka`iulani and Stevenson sat and exchanged stories under the Ainahau banyan tree is located at the hotel’s entrance.

As the daughter of Archibald Scott Cleghorn and Princess Miriam Likelike, Princess Victoria Ka’iulani was the only child born to the Kalakaua dynasty.  She was Heiress Apparent to the Hawaiian throne, at her birth occupied by her uncle, King Kalakaua.  Hawaiians rejoiced in celebration of her birth and on Christmas Day, 1875, the newborn royal was given the name: Princess Victoria Ka’iulani, Kalaninuiahilapalapa Kawekiu I Lunalilo.  All knew her as Ka’iulani, which simply meant “The Royal Sacred One.”

While growing up in Ainahau, the lush picturesque estate built by her father, Ka’iulani reveled in the privileges of royalty.  On her much-loved pony, Fairy, Ka`iulani rode through the dusty roads of Waikiki visiting friends and family.  The princess adored the several peacocks that inhabited Ainahau and, in return, they adored the young royal.  Ka’iulani also enjoyed birthday parties and ceremonies and celebrations as she absorbed Hawaiian traditions and culture.

Amidst colorful crowds chanting blessings and farewells, Princess Ka’iulani sailed from the Hawaiian Islands at the age of 13, thus beginning her education abroad.  During her 8 years studying and traveling in Europe, the United States began its efforts to annex the Hawaiian Islands.  In her absence, the Hawaiian monarchy experienced serious turmoil, including a series of revolts and the untimely death of King Kalakaua. Under U.S. pressure, the Hawaiian Islands were annexed on August 12, 1898.

Upon returning to Honolulu and heartbroken by the news, Ka’iulani sailed to the Big Island to temporarily distance herself from the land and memories of her youth that had changed so dramatically in the time that she was gone.  As Ka’iulani and a riding party rode through the soft green hills of Waimea, they were suddenly caught in a wind and rainstorm.  From her fateful ride through the hills, Ka’iulani contracted a rare illness that took her life on Monday, March 6, 1899.  She was only 23.  It is said that when she died, the peacocks at Ainahau screamed their mourning for their princess.  In his writings, Robert Louis Stevenson endearingly recalled that Princess Victoria Ka’iulani was “…more beautiful than the fairest flower.”