HONOLULU (KHON2) - In the ahupuaʻa of Waikīkī, which lies in the moku of Kona here on Oʻahu, stands a roadway that brings our attention to Queen Liliʻuokalani.”
We are speaking of ʻŌhua Ave.
The word ʻōhua can be translated as “retainer or servant,” refer to young fish, or even mean “to slide, slip, or glance” as an arrow.
During the monarchy years, Queen Liliʻuokalani had two homes in Waikīkī.
One was named Keʻalohilani which was her “pretty seaside cottage.”
But her principal home was named Paoakalani which sat further inland to where the beginning of the Ala Wai Canal is today.
At that time, ʻŌhua Street led to the living quarters of the Queen’s servants and retainers which was situated adjacent to her home.
ʻŌhua was also the name given to the back gate of the estate through which the Queen’s servants would enter.
Queen Lili’uokalani had many homes aside from her “Waikīkī Retreat,” including Washington Place where she passed away, and ʻIolani Palace where she was imprisoned for nearly eight months.
Just as her entrance at Paoakalani was given a name and purpose, so were the entrances here at the Kingdom’s capitol.
Replacing the original coral-block wall and wooden gates surrounding ʻIolani Palace, the current iron fence were installed one year before the illegal overthrow.
The gate on King Street is named Kauikeaouli in honor of King Kamehameha III and was used for ceremonial occasions.
The gate facing Diamond Head, today’s entrance onto palace grounds, is named Likelike after the Princess and was reserved for the royal family.
The back gate facing Capitol Mall is named Hakaleleponi after Queen Kalama and was used by staff and retainers of the royal household.
And the gate facing Ewa on Richards St. is named Kīnaʻu after the mother to King Kamehameha IV and V and was used by tradesmen.
Did you know? Now you do!
