Aloha nui ‘ia ke Kuini ‘Ema

Dearly loved are you, Queen Emma

By Kanilehua Kim and Liana Iaea Honda

Th e Queen’s Health Systems is a proud supporter/sponsor of the St. Andrew’s Schools. Our shared connection with Queen Emma and her vision and unwavering support for the education, health and spiritual grounding of Hawai‘i’s people is a testament to her aloha and passion for all.

In 2021, in celebration of the founding of our hospital, Th e Queen’s Health Systems took on the theme of, Ho‘i i ka piko, mālamalama (Return to the center, enlightened and radiant) as a reminder to all of us during these challenging times to refl ect on our beginnings, and most importantly, our heritage bestowed upon us by Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV.

Queen Emma’s remarkable legacy is one of inspiration and innovation that encompasses a trifecta of balancing the mind, body, and spirit.

From an early age, she learned fi rsthand the importance of health care through her hānai (adoptive) father, Dr. Th omas C.B. Rooke. As the daughter of a physician, she witnessed fi rsthand the eff ects of foreign disease and how it ravaged the Native Hawaiian population. In 1859, with the monies she collected with her husband King Kamehameha IV, they were able to establish Th e Queen’s Hospital.

As a child, Emma benefi ted from a robust and proper education at the Chief’s Children School, and as a teenager, under

the tutelage of an English governess in their home in Honolulu. Her love for learning planted the seed to create educational opportunities for wāhine in the kingdom of Hawai‘i. In 1867, St. Andrews Priory School for Girls opened its doors.

Queen Emma’s spiritual foundation was a constant throughout her life. She and King Kamehameha IV were Anglicans (known as Episcopalians in the U.S.), and were confirmed in 1862. Her strong Christian grounding provided comfort and guidance throughout the difficult times in her life. Queen Emma lived through the passing of her precious son, her beloved husband, and the loss for her bid as mō‘ī wahine (queen) of the Hawaiian Kingdom, but through it all, she remained resolute in her mission to serve her people.

Queen Emma was a visionary. Her incredible and lasting legacy reminds us each day of our great kuleana to embody and carry on her servant leadership.

Upon the death of Queen Emma in 1885, a letter from The Priory speaks in part to our collective kuleana to forge ahead, to keep her spirit alive, and continue the legacy she gifted to all the people of Hawai‘i:

“We of the Mission are almost tempted to feel as if our work must come to an end with her who was our foundress and mainstay, but on the contrary we ought to work harder than ever for her sake.”

Queen Emma was praised by everyone far and wide. Many oli and mele (chants and songs) were composed in her honor. We leave with you this mele hō‘ihi, or honorary chant, which aptly pays tribute to our queen as the beloved leader that she was. He inoa nou e Kaleleonālani This is your name chant, Kaleleonālani Mo‘opuna ‘oe a Kalai‘ōpu‘u Descendant of Kalai‘ōpu‘u Aloha nui ‘ia ke Kuini ‘Ema Dearly loved are you, Queen Emma I ka nahenahe mai o kō leo For the softness of your voice I ka maika‘i o nā ‘ōlelo For the kindness of your words Piha hau‘oli nā maka‘āinana Thy people are filled with joy ‘O ko lākou hoa a‘e like ai They like to compare you to Helu ‘ekahi o ke aupunia lani The greatest in the kingdom of heaven He lani nui ‘oe a he hiwahiwa You are a great chiefess, dearly beloved Hi‘ipoi ‘ia nei e ka lāhui. Much praised by your people.

He Lei no ‘Emalani Chants for Queen Emma Kaleleonālani