ʻIolani Palace represents Hawaiʻi’s regal past, where afternoon tea was a ceremony of grace and connection. Queen Kapiʻolani and Princess Liliʻuokalani hosted these gatherings to build relationships with dignitaries and celebrate unity with the Hawaiian people. After the monarchy’s end, Queen Liliʻuokalani continued this cherished tradition at Washington Place, preserving a link to a beloved era.

Inspired by Queen Liliʻuokalani’s legacy, Tea Chest Hawaii presents The ʻIolani Palace Tea Collection. This collection honors Hawaiʻi’s royal heritage and offers a taste of history with each cup. Each blend celebrates the opulence and tradition of a bygone era, inviting you to savor Hawaiʻi’s regal past.

Kuleana: Supporting a Symbol of Hawai'i

We were touched to learn the monarchy grew to enjoy tea. Ali’i adopted the practice from the United Kingdom which recognized the independence and sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom along with France in the Anglo-Franco Proclamation of 1843. 

As a locally owned small business in Hawai'i, we felt a responsibility to use our skills as tea makers to contribute to preserving a part of our home's history. This collaboration with The Friends of ʻIolani Palace presented a unique opportunity to do so. Together, we've created The ʻIolani Palace Tea Collection—a special series of teas to support the preservation of this iconic landmark and wahi pana (celebrated place).

"While creating the collection, I felt a connection to Lili’uokalani that I never felt before," said Byron Goo, teamaker, a native Hawaiian and CEO of Tea Chest Hawaii. "The joy she felt serving her people and the burden she must have felt during the overthrow. Tea brought her solace during and after that dark time in history and I tried to capture the greatness that kept her going.”

This partnership goes beyond offering a new product; it’s a meaningful way for us to malama the history, elegance and pageantry of the Hawaiian monarchy, honoring Hawai’i’s royal heritage  and contribute to the care of an important piece of Hawaiian and American history. 

Iolani Palace (Canva, 2024)

What Makes ʻIolani Palace So Special

Situated in downtown Honolulu, ʻIolani Palace is more than an architectural marvel—it’s a testament to a pivotal era in Hawaii’s history. As the official residence and seat of power of the Kingdom of Hawai’i, ‘Iolani Palace offers a window into a unique time for the monarchy. At the time, Hawai’i was at a crossroads. The Hawaiian Kingdom was growing and changing as more people from abroad came here because of commerce in the Pacific. The times were changing and the monarchy had to adapt as Hawai’i stepped onto the international stage and then our beloved ali’i faced its greatest challenge with the annexation and eventual overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai’i. (Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Hawai'i, n.d.).

Constructed on the grounds of an ancient heiau, a sacred site for ceremonies, ʻIolani Palace blends spiritual and historical significance (National Park Service, n.d.). Originally named Hale Alii by King Kamehameha III in 1845, the palace was later renamed ʻIolani Palace by King Kamehameha V to reflect its majestic nature.

The original palace, a modest wooden structure, was replaced in 1882 by a grander design envisioned by King Kalakaua. This new palace, crafted by a San Francisco architect, featured Renaissance-style towers and luxurious interiors, symbolizing the kingdom’s status and sophistication (National Park Service, n.d.).

Inside, the palace showcases polished koa wood, beautiful plasterwork, and a grand staircase. Distinctive rooms include the throne room for formal events, the blue room for casual gatherings, and a dining room adorned with European portraits. The upstairs areas include royal bedrooms, a music room, and a library with one of Hawaii’s first telephones (Iolani Palace: A Hawaiian Place of History, Power, and Prestige, n.d.).

Coronation Pavilion of Iolani Palace in Honolulu, Hawaii (Canva, 2024)

Once a vibrant center of culture and events, the palace grounds also featured a barracks for the guard and a bandstand for the Royal Hawaiian Band. Restored in the 1970s, ʻIolani Palace now serves as a museum, offering a window into Hawaii’s royal past and preserving its regal legacy for future generations (Iolani Palace: A Hawaiian Place of History, Power, and Prestige, n.d.).

Malama Pono: Preserving Our Heritage

Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on American soil. It is more than a landmark. It is a repository of history and tradition that deeply connects the people who call Hawaiʻi home,” remarked Goo. “Tea is linked to joy, friendship and celebration at the Palace. Our core value of stewardship — Mālama — guided us to play a role in safeguarding this significant piece of Hawaiian cultural heritage."

Maintaining ʻIolani Palace helps keep alive the stories and traditional practices of the Hawaiian monarchy. It serves as an educational resource, offering insights into Hawaii’s heritage and royal legacy. Queen Liliʻuokalani’s afternoon tea parties, a celebration of Hawaiian culture and community, continued even after the monarchy ended, highlighting tea's integral role in Hawai’i’s royal heritage.

Hawaii First Lady Hosts Afternoon Tea For FestPAC Delegates

       FestPAC Delegates and First Lady First Lady of Hawaii Jaime Kanani Green. (Kilbey, 2024)

In the spirit of traditional celebration, the legacy of Queen Liliʻuokalani was honored during the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC), the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders, held in Honolulu in June 2024. The festival drew delegates from 25 Pacific nations and over 100,000 attendees over ten days.

Continuing this rich tradition, First Lady of Hawai’i Jamie Kanani Green hosted an afternoon tea for FestPAC delegates at Washington Place. Echoing themes of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s own tea parties, the event, themed "Women’s Health Across the Pacific," featured a panel discussion and the opportunity for delegates to learn, connect, and network in a congenial setting.

Tea Chest Hawaii founder Byron Goo & First Lady of Hawaii Jaime Kanani Green. (Mula, 2024)

Explore the Collection

The tea collection honors traditions and supports the preservation of the beloved ʻIolani Palace. A portion of the proceeds from this collection benefits The Friends of ‘Iolani Palace, helping to perpetuate this wahi pana (celebrated place) for future generations.

• ROYALE: Experience the grandeur of ʻIolani Palace with ROYALE. This luxurious blend combines organic black tea with the fruity flavors of Hawaii mango and ʻōhelo berry, enhanced by delicate floral undertones. ROYALE provides a refined and elegant tea experience, perfect for those who wish to enjoy a touch of royal tradition with every sip.
• HO‘OMAU: Inspired by the resilience of Hawaiʻi’s aliʻi (chiefs), HO‘OMAU is crafted to rejuvenate and promote well-being. This blend features māmaki—a significant Hawaiian herb known for its health benefits—combined with rooibos, lemongrass, and vanilla. HO‘OMAU offers a soothing and calming tea experience, ideal for relaxation and a health boost.
• ‘ŌLENA: For a bold and invigorating tea, try ‘ŌLENA. Featuring turmeric for its vibrant color and healing properties, this blend is paired with ginger, lemongrass, and moringa. ‘ŌLENA delivers robust flavor and restorative benefits, celebrating traditional Hawaiian herbal practices and providing a burst of natural energy. 

Mahalo For Your Support

The Friends of ʻIolani Palace are committed to the upkeep and conservation of this historic and celebrated site. A portion of the proceeds from every purchase helps maintain this historic site and keeps the spirit of Hawaiian ali’i alive. By choosing these teas, not only will you be enjoying a soothing, flavorful cup; you are also helping to sustain a vital part of the Hawaiian monarchy's legacy and ensure the continuation of a special aspect of Hawaiian culture for future generations.  Mahalo for your kokua!

Written by Cheri Mula and Byron Goo

References

Burack, E.  (2022). A Guide to Hawaiian Monarchs.  Town & Country, https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/g39958227/hawaiian-monarchs-royal-family-guide/

Coronation Pavilion of Iolani Palace in Honolulu. (2024). Canva. Honolulu, HI

Iolani Palace.  (2024).  Canva. Honolulu, HI

Iolani Palace: A Hawaiian Place of History, Power, and Prestige. (n.d.) National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior.  Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/teachers/classrooms/upload/Twhp-Lesson_IolaniPalace2016.pdf

Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Hawai'i. (n.d.). National Park Services. Retrieved https://www.nps.gov/places/iolanipalace.htm

Novemaba 28: Lā Kūʻokoʻa. (2018). University of of Hawaii, https://manoa.hawaii.edu/punawaiola/2018/11/26/novemaba-28-la-kuʻokoʻa/

Kilbey,R. (2024). A portrait of Queen Lili'uokalani in a white holoku referred to as "her tea dress" with Her Majesty's silver tea service displayed on the table.  Honolulu, HI

Kilbey, R. (2024). FestPAC Delegates and First Lady First Lady of Hawaii Jaime Kanani Green. Honolulu, HI

Mula, C. (2024). Tea Chest Hawaii founder Byron Goo & First Lady of Hawaii Jaime Kanani Green. Honolulu, HI

Roadway leading up to Iolani Palace in Honolulu, HI.  (2024). Canva.  Honolulu, HI

Sia, K.  (2018).  The Illegal Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom Government.  Nea.org.  https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/illegal-overthrow-hawaiian-kingdom-government

Kalakaua. King of Hawaii. (n.d.) Britannica.com. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kalakaua

Kamehameha III. King of Hawaii.  (n.d.).  Britannica.com.  Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kamehameha-III 

Kamehameha V. king of Hawaii. (n.d.). Britannica.com.  Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kamehameha-V