Kaʻiulani's mother passed away when she was just 11 years old.  She was sent to London to attend school two years later.  While away, she heard news of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, which meant she would never become queen of Hawaiʻi.  She traveled to Washington to plead for the return of the throne to her aunt but was unsuccessful.

     Our Princess died unexpectedly on March 6, 1899 at the young age of 23.  It was said that her peacocks cried out with sadness the day she passed away.  That same year, a new school was opened in Kalihi-Palama and was named Princess Victoria Kaʻiulani Elementary School.  Her father gave a clipping of the banyan tree to the school.  Today that Indian banyan tree flourishes on the makai side of our school campus.

     Every year on or near October 16th, Kaʻiulani's birthday, we celebrate and honor her in song and dance.  The Royal Hawaiian Band joins us at our outdoor stage for this special event.  

     Various artists have come to our school to depict our princess in different art forms, some of which can be found displayed around our campus.  We are proud of our history and thankful to be named after such a remarkable woman.