Ainahau

okinaĀinahau was the royal estate of Princess Victoria Kaokinaiulani, heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaiokinai. Located in Waikīkī, the 10 acre (40,000 m²) estate was deeded to the toddler Kaokinaiulani by her godmother, Princess Ruth Keokinaelikolani. Archibald Cleghorn, Kaokinaiulani's Scottish father and former royal governor of Ookinaahu, built a two-story home on the estate. It was furnished with two grand pianos, elaborate brocade chairs, gold and glass cabinets and fixtures. Also, there were various art collections displayed on the walls and rooms. From okinaĀinahau, the Cleghorn family would entertain Hawaiokinai's prestigious social circles. In Hawaiian, "okinaĀinahau" means, "the cool place". The name was chosen by Princess Likelike and she composed a song Ainahau.

Cleghorn collected flowers and trees from all over the world, planted in various gardens on the estate. A stable was built for several horses, including quarters for Kaokinaiulani's prized pony. okinaĀinahau was made famous in later years for its many peacocks that roamed freely on its grounds. Kaokinaiulani would be called the "Princess of Peacocks" in legend.

Kaokinaiulani became mistress of okinaĀinahau at the age of 12, upon the death of her mother Princess Miriam K. Likelike. As mistress of okinaĀinahau, she grew fond of the company of the Scottish poet and author, Robert Louis Stevenson, who stayed at okinaĀinahau over the course of Kaokinaiualani's childhood.

What was once the entrance of okinaĀinahau is today the site of the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel, built by Matson Navigation Company, owned by Kyo-Ya Company Limited, and operated under the Sheraton brand. Across the street on Kalākaua Avenue is the Moana Hotel which had just been built towards the end of Kaokinaiulani's life.

External links

* [http://www.princess-kaiulani.com Sheraton Princess Kaiulani website]
* [http://www.hawaiitravelnewsletter.com/monarchy/ainahau-estate.htm Ainahau Estate in Waikiki: Childhood Home of Princess Kaiulani]