Queen Kapi'olani Statue

You will find this statue in Kapiolani Park across the street from and overlooking Waikiki Beach. This statue is the work of Holly Young and it was dedicated on December 31, 2001, the Queen's birthday. This bronze statue stands 6'6" tall and sits on a one and a half foot black granite pedestal. You will find a couple of bronze plaques on its pedestal that provides viewers with some brief information on this treasured queen. Queen Kapiʻolani was the wife of King David Kalakaua and was known for her compassion and care for her people. The statue depicts the queen at the age of 40, in "street costume" . Her face has a warm, subtle smile and one of her arms is slightly extended with an open palm, as if to welcome someone into her home.It is normal to see the statue adorned with a flower lei around her neck and/or in her hand. It is in great condition and has been given periodic face-lifts. From what I learned about Queen Kapiʻolani, she is more than deserving of having a statue dedicated in her honor. It is definitely worth a visit, but like most all statues that I reviewed, it is not a long stop and you should consider making it park of a larger itinerary with a few of Waikiki's many nearby attractions.

Queen Kapi'olani was an influential Hawaii royal during the late 1800's. Her love for children and people, led her to establish a women's and children's medical facility that, today, carries her name and has grown into the largest women's/children's hospital in Hawaii. The Queen also initiated endeavors to ensure native Hawaiian children had access to education. Several schools in Hawaii carry her name. A statue to honor her memory stands in the 100 acre park also named for her, Queen Kapi'olani Regional Park. The statue is the work of Hawaiian artist, Holly Young. Young, who studied chemistry and philosophy on the mainland, and had become a world renowned artist. Visitors to the statue cover the Queen with leis. The queen stands regal wearing a blue dress of the period. She looks out towards the ocean. The Queen's story is told on a plaque behind the statue. Worth a visit. There is paid parking around the park near the statue.

Located in Waikiki near the Honolulu Zoo, good for walking and running with different paths around the park.The ponds are very beautiful with ducks and pigeons around and in the pond.Lots of space for playing outdoor sports and having a picnic would be nice to have more picnic tables and chairs or seating areas around the park.Overall a good place to get out to lots of open area and not that crowded, the downside is parking very limited because most of the cars at the park are people going to the beach.

While driving along Kalakaua Avenue, I spotted this statue along the row of metered parking stalls at the entrance to the Waikiki Bandstand! There she was - Queen Kapi'olani - adorned with fresh flower lei - greeting residents and tourists!This bronze statue was dedicated on December 31, 2001 by Mayor Jeremy Harris. It was created by Holly Young, a Kaua'i resident. The base of the statue is black granite.Kapi'olani translates to "The Arch of Heaven". There are many places named after the Queen such as Kapi'olani Boulevard, Kapi'olani Park, and Kapi'olani Medical Center. She was born in Hilo in 1834 and later married King David Kalakaua. She passed away in 1899 at the age of 64 after she was evicted from 'Iolani Palace.This statue is an appropriate tribute to her as she was the last reigning monarch of Hawai'i!