Queen Emma Kalanikaumakaʻamano Kaleleonālani Naʻea Rooke
Queen Emma Kalanikaumakaʻamano Kaleleonālani Naʻea Rooke, born on January 2, 1836, in Honolulu, is a name that resonates through Hawaiian history as a beacon of compassion, strength, and resilience. A member of the Hawaiian nobility, she was educated at the Royal School, where she honed her talents in music, horseback riding, and diplomacy. In 1856, she married King Kamehameha IV, and together they ruled the Hawaiian Kingdom during a time of profound transformation and outside pressure.
The mid-19th century was a turbulent period for Hawaii, marked by the devastating effects of colonialism. With the arrival of foreign settlers came not only new economic ventures but also foreign diseases that ravaged the native population. Diseases like smallpox, influenza, and measles were introduced by Europeans and Americans, causing widespread death among the Native Hawaiians who had no immunity to these illnesses. By the time Queen Emma came to power, her people were in crisis—dying at an alarming rate due to diseases brought by outsiders, while the Hawaiian culture and land were being reshaped by foreign interests.
Queen Emma, deeply moved by the suffering of her people, took immediate action. She and her husband raised $13,000—an extraordinary sum for the time—by personally going door-to-door, asking for donations to build a hospital specifically for Native Hawaiians. The result was the creation of Queen’s Hospital in 1859, a facility that offered free medical services to the Native Hawaiian population. This hospital, now known as the Queen’s Medical Center, was revolutionary for its time, providing free life-saving care to those most affected by these foreign diseases.
But Queen Emma's efforts were not limited to healthcare. She understood that preserving Hawaiian culture and traditions was also vital in the face of foreign influence and encroachment. As Hawaii’s political landscape was increasingly influenced by Western powers—who sought to change the islands' way of life, from its governance to its land use—Emma remained steadfast in her commitment to her people’s well-being and cultural integrity. The impact of these forces was felt not just in public health but also in the landscape of Hawaii itself, as colonial powers sought to reshape it for economic gain.
After the heartbreaking deaths of her only son, Prince Albert, and her husband, Queen Emma found herself not only grieving but also facing the overwhelming weight of her responsibilities. Seeking peace, she embarked on a spiritual journey to the sacred Lake Waiau on Mauna Kea, a journey that would become part of her enduring legacy. Today, the celestial pool at the International Market Place (IMP) in Waikiki mirrors the tranquil waters she visited, symbolizing her search for healing in a world that had so dramatically changed.
Queen Emma's legacy lives on, woven into the very fabric of modern-day Hawaii. The International Market Place, now a luxury shopping center, was intentionally designed to reflect a "genuine Hawaiian sense of place," a tribute to the queen’s humanitarian efforts and her deep connection to the land and people. Elements like the Healing Garden and the etched glass elevator, which carries lyrics from Queen Emma's songs and journal entries, serve as a subtle yet powerful reminder of her contributions
