For the last 13 years, Current Affairs has had a love affair of sorts with the Friends of ‘Iolani Palace. So, when the organization decided to honor those leaders, mostly women, who made it their mission to protect and preserve one of the most important buildings in Hawaii’s history, we jumped at the chance to be involved. The result was the recent Friends of ‘Iolani Palace’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. To follow is a closer look at the event fit for royalty.
Very few settings are as picturesque as Hawaii’s royal palace. Bathed in purple lights, the Palace served as the backdrop for this milestone event. A large tent was erected on the blacktop fronting the Palace under which Guests were seated at tables of 10 resplendent in tones of purple and gold. Three different tiers of tables were designed to capture the elegance and beauty of ‘Iolani Palace through the use of linens, florals and tableware.
(Photo Credit: The Friends of Iolani Palace)
Guests enjoyed a Poi Supper prepared by Haili’s Hawaiian Food. On the menu were poke, poi, chicken long rice, kalua pic, mini lau lau, lomi salmon, sweet potato, rice, pineapple and haupia.
The program included incredible entertainment, starting with the Royal Hawaiian Band during cocktails, followed by an opening oli by Manu Boyd and Auau Ia by two hula halau. Next, there was a tribute to King Kalakaua by Palani Vuaghn. Kawika Kahiapo provided music during dinner before Guests enjoyed a special video presentation introduced by Executive Director Kippen de Alba Chu.
The evening was capped with a performance by the one and only Amy Hanaiali’i who took to the stage, or in this case, the Palace steps for an intimate concert.
(Photo Credit: The Friends of Iolani Palace)
The evening was a wonderful celebration of all that ‘Iolani Palace represents: a living restoration of a proud Hawaiian national identity that is recognized as the spiritual and physical multicultural epicenter of Hawaii.
It was a tremendous honor to plan and produce the event for our Friends…the Friends of ‘Iolani Palace. To make your events spectacular, contact Current Affairs, Hawaii’s premier event planning and production company.