The Legacy of Queen Emalani
Founding the Queen’s Medical Center
Inspired by her adoptive father’s work as a physician and the urgency to address the growing number of Native Hawaiians contracting foreign diseases, Queen Emma and her husband King Kamehameha IV founded the Queen’s Medical Center in 1859. The hospital was originally opened to “protect the Hawaiian race” and offered free health care services to Native Hawaiians who could not afford healthcare. Since its inception, the hospital continues to have a profound impact on the health and well-being of Hawai’i’s people, becoming a world-renowned institution and providing financial resources for Native Hawaiian Health Initiatives.
The Weight of Tragedy and Resilience
Queen Emma was struck by tragedy in 1862 when her son Prince Albert Edward Kauikeaouli Leiopapa a Kamehameha died at the tender age of four from Meningitis or what was referred to as “brain fever” at the time. She became known as Kaleleonālani, meaning “the flight of the heavenly chief” in remembrance of her son.
Her heartbreak did not end there. The following year in 1863, her husband King Kamehameha IV died at the age of twenty-nine from Asthma – many believe complications related to the grief of losing his son. Grieving the loss of both husband and child, Queen Emma once again changed her name to Kaleleonālani, “the flight of the heavenly chiefs”, to honor both Kamehameha and Albert Edward.
International Diplomacy and Education
On August 14, 1866, she was the honoree of a dinner held by President of the United States Andrew Johnson and First Lady Eliza Johnson at the White House. It was the first time anyone with the title of “Queen” officially visited the presidential residence. Understanding the necessity of quality education for Hawaiian girls, Queen Emma founded the St. Andrew’s Priory School for Girls in 1867.
The Traveler of the Mountains
Seeking comfort from the loss of her husband and child, in January 1871, Queen Emma traversed the mountains above Waimea Canyon on horseback accompanied by friends, poets, and dancers. Throughout her two-day journey she became known as “Kaleleonālani” or traveler of the mountains. Since 1988, a commemoration of this historic journey to Kōke’e is held during the Annual Eo E Emalani Festival. The festival begins when the representative for Queen Emma, her guide Kaluahi, and her attendant arrive on horseback and are greeted by hālau to perform in her honor and engage in traditional Hawaiian ceremonial protocols.
A Holistic Vision for Hawai’i
Queen Emma understood the importance of a balanced and holistic approach to health, encompassing the mind, body, and spiritual well-being. Now more than ever, living a life of balance, inner strength, and love for one another is imperative.
Drawing inspiration from Queen’s Emma’s life of service, let it guide our actions toward compassion, peace, and sincerity. When we live a life of service to others, we serve ourselves.
