HULI HO‘I ‘O KALANI NO KALEHUA, works by Nani Welch Keli'iho'omalu and Nainoa Rosehill
Manini Gallery, in partnership with the Daughters of Hawaiʻi, is proud to announce the launch of a collaborative exhibition program that honors the enduring legacy of Hawai‘i's royalty through contemporary art. This first exhibition “HULI HO‘I ‘O KALANI NO KALEHUA”, featuring the works of Native Hawaiian artists Nainoa Rosehill and Nani Welch Keli‘iho‘omalu, is inspired by Queen Emma’s profound connection to the district of Puna, where she found respite and community during her travels across the Hawaiian Islands.
The exhibition will open across two culturally significant sites: Hānaiakamalama, Queen Emma’s Summer Palace on Oʻahu, and Huliheʻe Palace in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi Island. These palaces, preserved by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi, provide an intimate historical context for the artwork, as they are tied to the aliʻi (royalty) of Hawaiʻi and serve as cultural landmarks of the islands’ royal heritage. By featuring contemporary artwork in these spaces, the program offers a poignant reminder of the continuous and evolving nature of Hawaiian identity.
Inspired by the mele huakaʻi (travel songs) penned for Queen Emma during her time in Puna, the exhibition brings to light a lesser-known aspect of her journey. While Queen Emma is often remembered for her ascent of Mauna Kea, her time spent in the ahupuaʻa of Kalapana and the practice of Niu Moe—where the makaʻāinana (common people) bent coconut trees low to honor visiting chiefs—are central to this narrative. These traditions, lost to the lava flows that now cover Kalapana, are symbolically revived in this exhibition, where the artists reimagine the honor and respect once shown to the Queen.
About the Exhibition Program:
This exhibition marks the beginning of an ongoing collaboration between Manini Gallery and the Daughters of Hawaiʻi, aimed at celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi through a series of exhibitions held at historic sites across the islands. By utilizing venues such as Hānaiakamalama and Huliheʻe Palace, the program emphasizes the profound connection between place, history, and art. These spaces, steeped in the legacy of the aliʻi, become living archives where contemporary Hawaiian artists can engage with the stories of the past and contribute to their ongoing evolution.
Exhibition Details:
- Opening Reception: Saturday, September 28th at 4-6pm
- On View: September 28, 2024 - March 30, 2025
- Locations:
- Hānaiakamalama (Queen Emma’s Summer Palace) - 2913 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817
- Hulihe’e Palace - 75-5718 Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
- Follow @maninigallery on Instagram or sign up for the email newsletter at www.manini.gallery for updates on future events, exhibitions, and artist talks.
About the Palaces:
Hānaiakamalama, located in the verdant Nuʻuanu Valley on Oʻahu, was once Queen Emma’s cherished summer retreat. It stands as a testament to her life and leadership, preserved to honor her legacy. Huliheʻe Palace, situated in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, was a residence for Hawaiian royalty in the 19th century and remains a symbol of Hawaiʻi’s royal heritage. These two palaces are part of the cultural stewardship of the Daughters of Hawaiʻi, who have safeguarded these historic sites for over a century.
About Manini Gallery:
Manini Gallery is a curatorial project that connects local artists with exhibiting organizations and opporitunities in Hawai’i.. Through thoughtful exhibitions and collaborative programs, the gallery provides a platform for both up-and-coming artists and established artists of Hawai’i.
About the Daughters of Hawaiʻi:
Founded in 1903, the Daughters of Hawaiʻi is a nonprofit organization committed to preserving the historic homes and legacies of Hawaiʻi’s royalty. Through the stewardship of Queen Emma Summer Palace and Huliheʻe Palace, they ensure that the stories of the aliʻi continue to be honored and shared.
