Royal Society Reps to Speak at Hawaiian Chamber Event

Members of the Royal Order of Kamehameha, Kahekili Chapter from Maui participated in the annual procession down Kaʻahumanu Avenue in Kahului to commemorate and honor the King who unified the Hawaiian Islands under one rule. The organization was be joined by members of other royal societies and community groups on the island. Kamehameha Day file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

Representatives from the Maui chapters of the Royal Order of Kamehameha, ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu and Hale o Na Aliʻi will speak at tonight’s social gathering of the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce slated to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11 at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapū.

Event organizers say royal society representatives will speak about the history and purpose of their organizations and their role in modern Hawaiʻi.

Kahu Lyons Naone, a member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha, will also speak on the reasons for distinctive cultural protocol in relation to the royal societies, said Teri Freitas Gorman with the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce.

“We are humbled that members of Maui’s royal societies will be joining us for our November social,” said MNHCoC president Doreen “Napua” Canto in an organization press release.

Kamehameha Day, June 11, 2014. File photo by Wendy Osher.

“Many of our members recognize the royal societies by their formal regalia at significant events, but they wanted to know more about them. At the request of our members, we invited representatives from each of the Maui Chapters to educate our membership about their important role in perpetuating our Hawaiian culture,” said Canto.

Ancient traditions dictate that knowledge of much of what the royal societies do should remain kapu or hidden; however, organizers say it is commonly understood that the aliʻi or ruling chiefs established these societies long ago to perpetuate the cultural traditions and practices of kānaka maoli (Native Hawaiians).

According to the MNHCoC, members of all of the Royal Societies are of Native Hawaiian ancestry and display good moral character. “They also enjoy mutual fellowship and pursue charitable and benevolent work,” organization leaders said.

The event features a no-host bar and heavy pūpū by Maui Paddler, LLC.  Cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.  For reservations, visit the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce website, or call 808.874-2426.

‘Aha Hui Ka’ahumanu members Kehau Luuwai and Hulu Lindsey. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Kamehameha Day, June 11, 2014. File photo by Wendy Osher.