Queen Kapiʻolani
Statue
A bronze monument at the entrance to Kapiʻolani Park, honoring the beloved Queen of Philanthropy and her enduring legacy of compassion for the Hawaiian people.
The Beloved Queen
The Sculpture
Created by Oʻahu-based sculptor Holly Young, the statue depicts Queen Kapiʻolani in "street costume" at age 40. She poses with a warm smile, extending a hand in welcome.
Legacy of Compassion
Revered for her dedication to health, she founded the Kapiʻolani Maternity Home (now a major medical center) and established a home for children of patients with leprosy.
Visitor Information
Location
2686 Kalākaua Ave
Near the entrance of Kapiʻolani Regional Park, facing the ocean.
Traditions
Frequently adorned with fresh flower leis by locals and visitors paying respect to her memory.
Access
Free to visit 24/7. A peaceful stop at the edge of Waikiki, perfect for reflection.
Find the Queen
Located at the gateway to Kapiʻolani Park, Waikiki, HI. Honoring the consort of King David Kalākaua.
Get DirectionsHistory & Background
Queen Kapiʻolani was born Julia Kapiolani Napelakapuokakae on December 31, 1834, and became the consort of King Kalākaua, ruling as Queen of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi from 1874 until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. She was deeply devoted to the welfare of the Hawaiian people, particularly children and the sick. Her most celebrated act of public courage occurred in 1887, when she traveled to the Kalaupapa leprosy settlement on Molokai — a place most Hawaiians feared and avoided — to personally minister to its residents. She was welcomed by Father Damien, the Belgian missionary who had devoted his life to the settlement.
Queen Kapiʻolani traveled to the United States and Europe with King Kalākaua, including attending Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887, where she was celebrated in royal courts across Europe. She established the Kapiʻolani Home for Girls and was a patron of the Kapiʻolani Maternity Home, which evolved into the modern Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women and Children — still one of the most important hospitals in Hawaii today. Kapiʻolani Park in Waikiki, adjacent to Diamond Head, bears her name and was gifted to the people of Honolulu in 1877 by King Kalākaua in her honor.
The statue stands in Kapiʻolani Park, an appropriate tribute that keeps her memory in the public square she inspired. The park itself covers 300 acres and includes the Waikiki Shell outdoor amphitheater, the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, and tennis courts — making it the social and recreational heart of the Waikiki district.
Nearby Attractions
Honolulu Zoo
Located within Kapiʻolani Park, the Honolulu Zoo is one of the oldest in the Pacific. It houses animals from around the world with a special emphasis on African savanna species. The zoo's tropical setting — with Diamond Head as a backdrop — is unlike any other zoo in the United States. Evening "Twilight Tours" are a popular alternative to daytime visits.
Waikiki Aquarium
The second oldest public aquarium in the United States (founded 1904), the Waikiki Aquarium sits on the beach at the Diamond Head end of Kapiʻolani Park. It features Hawaiian reef fish, monk seals, and one of the few living nautilus specimens on public display in the world. The aquarium's small size is an advantage — it can be explored thoroughly in an hour.
Diamond Head State Monument
The volcanic crater visible from across the park offers a highly popular 1.6-mile round-trip hike to its summit at 763 feet above sea level. The trail passes through a World War II-era military installation built inside the crater and exits at a summit lookout with panoramic views of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the Pacific. Reservations are required and must be made in advance through the Hawaii State Parks system.