Statue of Prince Kuhio

Located on the beachside sidewalk across from the St. Augustine Cathedral on Kalakaua Avenue stands this larger than life likeness of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’olé. Kuhio Beach Park is named after him since the site was once his home that he shared with his wife, Princess Elizabeth Kahanu. In 1922, after Prince Kuhio’s death, the home site property was given to the city. Then in 1940, Kuhio Beach Park was officially dedicated. This statue is one of three landmarks within the Kuhio Beach Park, the other two landmarks are the Duke Kahanamoku statue and the Healing Stones of Kapaemahu.
Just who was Prince Kuhio? He was the youngest son of High Chief David Pi’ikoi. He was heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii until it was overthrown in 1893. After the Kingdom’s overthrow, he became a prominent politician in the U.S. Congress. He was the only elected politician in the United States Congress who was a native Hawaiian and born to Royal blood.
Locally, we annually celebrate and honor Prince Kuhio’s birthday every March 26^th. Although this statue is not as grand or photographed as the Duke Kahanamoku statue, we honor the Prince as we pass this statue frequently while walking through Waikiki. We are glad that Prince Kuhio had bequeathed his home to the State of Hawaii and for the World to enjoy.

If you are gonna name a beach after Prince Jonah Kuhiō Kalanianaole you should have a monument to mark the location right? Well this statue not only lets you know where youre at (Kuhiō Beach) but also a physical representation of what the Prince looked like. Pretty dope statue indeed.

Here’s a link to the official website.

This statue is located across from St. Augustine Church on
Kalakaua Avenue. The Prince is wearing a business suit with
a feather cape (reference to royalty) and in his hands are a scroll
(reference to his contributions to Hawaii). This statue was
dedicated in 2002.