The Molokai History Project, a new venture that shares the history of the island with local people and visitors, hosted a presentation on September 7 on the character and values of Queen Lili’uokalani, who visited Molokai during her reign. The presenter, Gaellen Quinn, is the author of The Last Aloha, a popular historical novel set in the time of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.
In sharing the story of the Queen, Quinn focused on her character and values.
“Through her actions and her life Queen Lili’uokalani exemplified a beauty of heart and soul that still stirs our admiration,” said Quinn. “The qualities we honor in the Queen are spiritual attributes whose practice is encouraged in all the great wisdom traditions to order the world and create peace and prosperity for all.”
Encouragement to be generous, for example, is a teaching of all faiths. A Bahá’í, Quinn compared the values and actions of the Queen to the wisdom on this theme found in the Bahá’í teachings, including the following passage:
We must be like the fountain or spring that is continually emptying itself of all that it has and is continually being refilled from an invisible source. To be continually giving out for the good of our fellows undeterred by fear of poverty and reliant on the unfailing bounty of the Source of all wealth and all good—this is the secret of right living.
The Queen was known for countless acts of unfailing thoughtfulness and generosity in good times and bad. One story shared in the presentation was told by a close acquaintance of the Queen, Pi ‘ilani, who was often asked “What kind of woman was Queen Lili’uokalani?”
“To me personally,” she stated, “Her Majesty was most affectionate, thoughtful and extremely kind. When I was a child she took an interest in me because of her lifelong friendship with my mother. After I grew up, we became reacquainted and she proved a charming companion. I have always felt that although poor in worldly goods in my younger days, I was exceptionally rich and honored in privileges for I was the godchild of the beautiful Queen Emma and the friend of the gracious Queen Lili‘uokalani.
“I do not claim that the Queen was perfect. Who among us can make such a claim? But in all my 30 years acquaintance with her, I saw her angry only once.
“She was a gentlewoman of culture and refinement, an author of great ability in both the Hawaiian and English languages. Her translation of the Kumulipo, the creation chant, is a masterly achievement and her book, Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen is of no small merit. Her musical talent is well-known. Among her hundreds of compositions, Aloha Oe is known and loved the world over. Ke Aloha o ka Haku, the Queen’s Prayer, is said to have been written in the spirit of forgiveness while she was still imprisoned, and was a magnanimous gesture rare in human history.
“Her generous deeds were legion. No one who came seeking help left her door empty-handed. She supported the family of many a poor retainer. She had a great love for and understanding of youth. Her interest in education prompted her to subsidize the schooling of numerous children as well as to found societies to supplement their education.”
The program also featured pule and songs composed by the Queen.
Molokai History Project is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the island. The team behind the project is passionate about telling the stories of Molokai and its people, ensuring that their history is celebrated and shared with future generations. Through immersive exhibits and engaging educational programs, the project aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the unique island heritage.
For more information on the Molokai History Project visit http://molokaihistoryproject.org. For more on Gaellen Quinn and The Last Aloha visit https://www.gaellenquinn.com.
The cover of the Kumulipo creation myth translated by Queen Lili’uokalani
Gaellen Quinn presenting beside a portrait of Queen Lili’uokalani