Kamakahelei Foundation

09/14/2026

Preserving Hawaiian Royal Heritage

The Kamakahelei Foundation is pleased to share this historical presentation by the Office of the Lord Chamberlain of the Royal House of Kamakahelei, dedicated to the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, instituted in 1865 by King Kamehameha V in memory of Kamehameha I.

Beyond their ceremonial significance, the Royal Orders of Hawaiʻi remain important witnesses to the history, diplomacy, institutions, and cultural heritage of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Preserving and sharing this history contributes to keeping alive the memory of Hawaiʻi’s royal heritage for future generations.

Kamakahelei Foundation

Preserving heritage • Supporting culture • Serving communities

THE ROYAL ORDER OF KAMEHAMEHA I

The Royal Order of Kamehameha I was instituted on 11 April 1865 by His Majesty King Kamehameha V, King of the Hawaiian Islands, in memory of his illustrious grandfather, Kamehameha I, founder and first ruler of the united Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.

Created during the reign of Kamehameha V, the Order formed part of the system of Royal Orders through which the Hawaiian Crown recognized distinguished service, personal merit, loyalty, and devotion to the Sovereign and the Kingdom.

The establishment of the Order reflected the profound reverence accorded to Kamehameha I and to his central place in Hawaiian history. Through the unification of the Hawaiian Islands under his authority, Kamehameha I established the political foundations of the Kingdom and inaugurated the dynasty that would bear his name.

The Order therefore possessed a particularly strong dynastic character. By placing it under the name of Kamehameha I, King Kamehameha V associated the distinction directly with the founder of the Kingdom and with the historical continuity of the Hawaiian Crown.

Kamehameha I remains one of the most significant figures in Hawaiian history. His achievements in unifying the islands, establishing a centralized monarchy, and securing the foundations of an independent Hawaiian State profoundly shaped the political development of Hawaiʻi during the nineteenth century.

The Royal Order bearing his name consequently combined the prestige of a royal distinction with the memory of the Sovereign who had established the united Hawaiian Kingdom.

The Order was conferred upon Hawaiian and foreign recipients in recognition of eminent services to the King and the Kingdom. Its bestowal formed part of the ceremonial and diplomatic practices through which Hawaiʻi expressed honour, royal favour, and recognition of distinguished service.

The Order also reflected the increasingly international character of the Hawaiian monarchy during the nineteenth century. The Kingdom maintained diplomatic relations with numerous foreign powers, exchanged representatives with other governments, and participated in the ceremonial traditions through which sovereign States recognized one another.

Within this diplomatic setting, Royal Orders provided a formal expression of esteem and friendship. The Royal Order of Kamehameha I belonged to the exchanges of honours through which the Hawaiian Crown cultivated relationships with foreign courts, governments, military officers, diplomats, and other distinguished individuals.

Its insignia incorporated symbols associated with Hawaiian royalty and with the legacy of Kamehameha I. These elements affirmed the direct connection between the Order, the founder of the Kingdom, and the monarchy whose authority it represented.

The Order occupied a prominent place within the wider system of honours developed under the Hawaiian monarchy, alongside such distinctions as the Royal Order of Kalākaua I, the Royal Order of Kapiʻolani, the Royal Order of the Crown of Hawaiʻi, and the Royal Order of the Star of Oceania.

The history of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I is therefore inseparable from both the memory of Kamehameha I and the reign of Kamehameha V, who sought through its creation to honour the founder of the Kingdom and perpetuate his legacy within the ceremonial institutions of the Hawaiian Crown.

The Order continued to form part of the honours system of the Hawaiian monarchy under subsequent Sovereigns.

Following the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, the Royal Orders ceased to function as State Orders of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.

Today, their surviving insignia, warrants, diplomas, portraits, and historical records remain important witnesses to the institutions, diplomatic traditions, and royal heritage of nineteenth-century Hawaiʻi.

The Royal Order of Kamehameha I consequently occupies a distinctive place in Hawaiian history, preserving through its name and surviving historical legacy the memory of the Sovereign who united the Hawaiian Islands and established the Kingdom whose monarchy would endure throughout much of the nineteenth century.

Office of the Lord Chamberlain
Royal House of Kamakahelei

09/11/2026

The Kamakahelei Foundation is pleased to share this visit to the French Senate by Baron Julien Guilbert de Sannomiya, Lord Chamberlain of the Royal House of Kamakahelei and Executive Director of our Foundation.

This meaningful occasion recalls the historic diplomatic relations between France and the Hawaiian Kingdom, while reflecting our shared commitment to preserving and promoting Hawaiian history, culture and royal heritage.

09/10/2026

The Kamakahelei Foundation is honoured to share this announcement from the Office of the Lord Chamberlain concerning the NATO Memorial Commemoration, which will take place on 12 September 2026.

https://www.nato-memorial.eu

As Patron of the NATO Memorial Federation’s Sports Programme, His Royal Highness Prince Darrick Lane Baker supports its commitment to remembrance, service, solidarity and the transmission of these values to future generations.

We join in paying tribute to all those who served and sacrificed their lives in defence of freedom and peace.

E hoʻomanaʻo mau kākou iā lākou.
We shall always remember them.

The Kamakahelei Foundation

NATO MEMORIAL COMMEMORATION

https://www.nato-memorial.eu

The annual NATO Memorial Commemoration will take place this Saturday, 12 September 2026, under the distinguished patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco.

The ceremony will pay tribute to the service personnel of the Allied nations, veterans, the wounded, the fallen and missing, and all those who served or sacrificed their lives in defence of freedom and peace.

His Royal Highness Prince Darrick Lane Baker, Patron of the NATO Memorial Federation’s Sports Programme, will join in this commemoration through an address delivered on his behalf. In particular, he will honour the Hawaiians who fought alongside the Allied forces in defence of freedom.

The Office of the Lord Chamberlain extends its appreciation to Mr W***y Breton, the NATO Memorial Federation, the Fédération Nationale André Maginot, and all the officials, volunteers and partners committed to preserving and passing on this memory.

We shall remember them.

The Office of the Lord Chamberlain
Royal House of Kamakahelei

09/09/2026

The Kamakahelei Foundation stands alongside the Royal House of Kamakahelei in expressing its deepest solidarity with the people of Kauaʻi and all communities across Hawaiʻi affected by Hurricane Lowell. 🌺

In these difficult days, our thoughts remain with every family affected and with all those working tirelessly to protect and support their communities.

Through the generosity of our donors, the Foundation has also provided financial support to the Kauaʻi Independent Food Bank, turning solidarity into concrete action for an island that holds such a special place in the history and heart of the Royal House of Kamakahelei.

Together for Kauaʻi. Together for Hawaiʻi.

Official Statement 🇺🇸🌺

Following Hurricane Lowell and the severe conditions endured across the Hawaiian Islands, His Royal Highness Prince Darrick Lane Baker has addressed a formal letter of sympathy, solidarity and support to the Honorable Josh Green, M.D., Governor of the State of Hawaiʻi, the people of Kauaʻi, the emergency services, and all the people of Hawaiʻi.

In these difficult hours, His Royal Highness wished to express his thoughts and prayers to every family and community affected by the hurricane, and his profound gratitude to all those working to protect and assist the population.

Kauaʻi, the ancestral homeland and historic heart of the Royal House of Kamakahelei, holds a very special place in this message and in the heart of our House.

The full letter is reproduced below.

The Royal House of Kamakahelei
Household of the Lord Chamberlain

09/09/2026

THE KAMAKAHELEI FOUNDATION SUPPORTS KAUAʻI IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE LOWELL

In the aftermath of Hurricane Lowell, the Kamakahelei Foundation stands in solidarity with the people of Kauaʻi and all those affected by the storm.

Recently, following Hurricane Lala, thanks to your generosity, the Kamakahelei Foundation was able to send funds to support food assistance efforts in Hawaiʻi.

Once again, your donations have enabled us to act.
As early as yesterday, the Kamakahelei Foundation sent funds to the Kauai Independent Food Bank to support its essential work with families and communities on the island in the aftermath of Hurricane Lowell.

Every donation entrusted to our Foundation helps make this kind of immediate support possible. Together, we can turn generosity into concrete assistance for the people of Hawaiʻi when they need it most.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all our donors, as well as to the staff, volunteers, first responders and community organizations working tirelessly to support the people of Kauaʻi.
Mahalo nui loa for your continued trust and generosity.

Hoʻoulu i ka pono, hoʻoulu i ke ola.
Cultivating goodness, nurturing life.

09/08/2026

As Hurricane Lowell passes dangerously close to the Hawaiian Islands, the Kamakahelei Foundation extends its heartfelt support to every family and community facing damaging winds, torrential rainfall, flash flooding and dangerous surf, especially those on Niʻihau, Kauaʻi and Oʻahu.

Dedicated to serving the people of Hawaiʻi, our Foundation expresses its deepest gratitude to first responders, emergency personnel, volunteers, public authorities and everyone working tirelessly to protect and assist their communities.

We urge everyone to remain sheltered and vigilant, follow all official emergency guidance, and watch over their loved ones, neighbours, kūpuna and the most vulnerable among us.

At times such as these, the Hawaiian values of aloha, mālama and kōkua reveal their full strength through compassion for one another, care for our communities and help freely offered to those in need.

The Kamakahelei Foundation stands firmly with Hawaiʻi and its people.

Stay safe. Stay prepared. Look after one another.

E Hawaiʻi, kūpaʻa mākou me ʻoukou. E mālama pono kākou.

Kamakahelei Foundation

THE ROYAL HOUSE OF KAMAKAHELEI STANDS WITH THE PEOPLE OF HAWAIʻI AS HURRICANE LOWELL APPROACHES

The Royal House of Kamakahelei is closely monitoring Hurricane Lowell as it passes dangerously close to the islands of Niʻihau and Kauaʻi.

Currently a Category 2 hurricane, Lowell is causing weather conditions across the Hawaiian Islands to deteriorate significantly. Kauaʻi County remains under a Hurricane Warning, while Oʻahu is under a Tropical Storm Warning. A Tornado Watch has also been issued for Kauaʻi, while a statewide Flood Watch and High Surf Warning remain in effect.

Damaging winds, torrential rainfall, flash flooding, landslides, extremely dangerous surf and power outages are feared over the coming hours.

During these particularly difficult hours, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Darrick Lane Baker and Princess Anna, together with the Royal Family and the entire Royal Household, express their deepest solidarity and unwavering support for the people of Hawaiʻi.

Our thoughts are with every family and community affected or threatened by the hurricane, particularly the residents of Niʻihau, Kauaʻi and Oʻahu.

The Royal House also expresses its profound gratitude to emergency personnel, first responders, volunteers, public authorities and all those working tirelessly to protect and assist the population.

We urge everyone to remain sheltered, avoid unnecessary travel, follow all official emergency instructions and look after their loved ones, neighbours, kūpuna and all vulnerable members of the community.

Throughout this ordeal, the Royal House of Kamakahelei stands firmly beside Hawaiʻi and its people.

May everyone remain safe and sheltered.

E Hawaiʻi, kūpaʻa mākou me ʻoukou. E mālama pono kākou.
(Hawaiʻi, we stand firmly with you. May we all remain safe.)

The Office of the Lord Chamberlain
The Royal House of Kamakahelei

09/06/2026

The Kamakahelei Foundation is proud to support the “A Flower for Remembrance” initiative, shared by the Office of the Lord Chamberlain.

As Patron of the NATO Memorial and its sports section, His Royal Highness Prince Darrick Lane Baker encourages everyone to take part in this meaningful act of remembrance.

By placing a flower on a grave or at a place of remembrance, we honour those who served, suffered and gave their lives, while passing their memory on to future generations.

Let us never forget.

🌺 The Office of the Lord Chamberlain invites everyone to support “A Flower for Remembrance”, an initiative organised from 4 to 13 September 2026 by the NATO Memorial Federation, in partnership with the French Federation of Artisan Florists.

His Royal Highness Prince Darrick Lane Baker serves as Patron of the NATO Memorial and its sports section.

Everyone is invited to place one or more flowers on the grave of a French or allied soldier, a veteran, a member of the Resistance, a victim of the Holocaust or terrorism, or at a place of remembrance.

Through this simple but deeply meaningful gesture, let us honour all those who served, suffered or gave their lives, and pass the sacred duty of remembrance on to future generations.

Let us never forget. We are the guardians of their memory.

The Office of the Lord Chamberlain
Royal House of Kamakahelei

www.nato-memorial.eu

09/02/2026

🌺 The Kamakahelei Foundation is honoured to share this tribute to Her Majesty Queen Liliʻuokalani on the 188th anniversary of her birth.

Her enduring dedication to the Hawaiian people, particularly the welfare of children, continues to inspire our commitment to service, education, and cultural preservation.

Alongside the Royal House of Kamakahelei, we honour her memory and celebrate a legacy of compassion, dignity, and love for Hawaiʻi.

ʻOnipaʻa 🌺

🌺 Honouring Her Majesty Queen Liliʻuokalani

Today, 2 September 2026, we commemorate the 188th anniversary of the birth of Her Majesty Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last sovereign of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, born in Honolulu on 2 September 1838.

A woman of culture, a composer, and a sovereign deeply devoted to her people, she remains a symbol of dignity, courage, and steadfast dedication to Hawaiian sovereignty.

For the Royal House of Kamakahelei, this tribute holds both familial and historical significance. Prince Colonel Robert Hoapili Baker, an ancestor of His Royal Highness Prince Darrick, was a cousin of King Kalākaua and his sister, Queen Liliʻuokalani. This kinship connects the Hoapili Baker family to the last reigning sovereigns of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.

These family ties were accompanied by a commitment to the service of the Crown. A close confidant of King Kalākaua, Prince Colonel Robert Hoapili Baker continued to serve Queen Liliʻuokalani as a member of her Privy Council and military staff.

In honouring Her Majesty’s memory today, the Royal House of Kamakahelei celebrates this family heritage and tradition of service, while reaffirming its commitment to preserving Hawaiian history, culture, and traditions for future generations.

May her memory, her work, and her love for Hawaiʻi endure.

ʻOnipaʻa 🌺

09/02/2026

The Kamakahelei Foundation is pleased to share this historical presentation of the Royal Order of Kalākaua I, published by the Office of the Lord Chamberlain.

Through this tribute to Hawaiʻi’s royal heritage, we honour the memory of King Kalākaua and his dedication to the cultural identity, dignity, and international standing of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Preserving this history helps carry its legacy forward for future generations.

THE ROYAL ORDER OF KALĀKAUA I

The Royal Order of Kalākaua I was instituted on 28 September 1875 by His Majesty King David Kalākaua, King of the Hawaiian Islands, to commemorate his accession to the throne on 12 February 1874.

Created during the early years of King Kalākaua’s reign, the Order formed part of the system of Royal Orders through which the Hawaiian Crown recognized distinguished service, personal merit, loyalty, and devotion to the Kingdom and the Monarchy.

The establishment of the Order reflected the importance attached by King Kalākaua to royal ceremony, dynastic prestige, and the development of institutions capable of representing the dignity of the Hawaiian Crown both within the Kingdom and internationally.

The Order bore the name of its founder, whose reign marked a distinctive period in the history of the Hawaiian monarchy. Through his support for Hawaiian traditions and his engagement with the wider world, King Kalākaua sought to strengthen the standing of his Kingdom and affirm the sovereignty of Hawaiʻi among the nations.

His reign was characterized by a renewed emphasis on Hawaiian cultural identity, the ceremonial life of the Court, and the preservation of the traditions through which the monarchy expressed its relationship with the Hawaiian people.

The Royal Order bearing his name consequently combined the prestige of a royal distinction with a direct association with the Sovereign and the responsibilities of service to the Crown.

The Order was conferred upon Hawaiian and foreign recipients in recognition of distinguished services to the King and the Kingdom. Its bestowal formed part of the diplomatic and ceremonial practices through which Hawaiʻi expressed honour, friendship, and royal favour.

The Order also reflected the increasingly international character of the Hawaiian Court under King Kalākaua. His journey around the world in 1881 brought him into contact with sovereigns, governments, and dignitaries across Asia, Europe, and beyond, demonstrating the international outlook of the Hawaiian monarchy.

Within this diplomatic setting, Royal Orders provided a formal expression of esteem and recognition. The Royal Order of Kalākaua I belonged to the exchanges of honours through which the Hawaiian Crown cultivated relationships with foreign courts and acknowledged those who rendered service to the Kingdom.

Its insignia incorporated symbols of Hawaiian royalty together with the name of King Kalākaua and the date of his accession. These elements affirmed the personal connection between the Order, its royal founder, and the monarchy whose authority it represented.

The Order occupied a place within the wider system of honours developed under the Hawaiian monarchy, alongside such distinctions as the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, the Royal Order of Kapiʻolani, the Royal Order of the Crown of Hawaiʻi, and the Royal Order of the Star of Oceania.

The history of the Royal Order of Kalākaua I therefore remains inseparable from the reign of its founder and from the ceremonial and diplomatic traditions of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.

Following the death of King Kalākaua in 1891, the Order continued to be conferred during the reign of his successor, Her Majesty Queen Liliʻuokalani.

Following the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, the Royal Orders ceased to function as State Orders of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.

Today, their surviving insignia, documents, portraits, and historical records remain important witnesses to the institutions, diplomatic traditions, and royal heritage of nineteenth-century Hawaiʻi.

The Royal Order of Kalākaua I consequently occupies a distinctive place in Hawaiian history, preserving through its name and surviving historical legacy the memory of a Sovereign who sought to uphold the dignity, cultural identity, and international standing of his Kingdom.

Office of the Lord Chamberlain
Royal House of Kamakahelei

08/28/2026

The Kamakahelei Foundation joins His Royal Highness Prince Darrick Lane Baker and the Office of the Lord Chamberlain in extending its deepest condolences to the Norwegian Royal Family and the people of Norway following the passing of His Majesty King Harald V.

May his lifetime of devoted service be remembered with honour and gratitude. 🇳🇴

🇳🇴 STATEMENT OF CONDOLENCE

The Office of the Lord Chamberlain, on behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Darrick Lane Baker, conveys its deepest condolences to His Majesty King Haakon VIII, Her Majesty Queen Sonja, the Royal Family and the people of Norway following the passing of His Majesty King Harald V.

His Royal Highness pays tribute to the late King’s lifetime of devoted service and assures the Norwegian Royal Family and people of his profound sympathy and solidarity during this time of national mourning.