History

The Royal Order of the Crown of Hawaii was originally founded by Kamehameha III as the Order of the Crown and Cross in 1848. It was revived by King Kalakaua on September 12, 1882 to commemorate his accession to the throne, and is considered the first royal knighthood for the Hawaiian Kingdom. The Order was awarded specifically for exceptional services rendered to the Sovereign or the State of Hawaii. There are 7 classes, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, Companion, and two under grades of medals.

The Grand Cross Breast Star is worn on the left side and is inscribed HAWAII KE KALAUNU (Crown of Hawaii) around the edge of the central shield. In addition to the star, a cordon of white and blue ribbon is worn, with a Commander Pendant Cross hanging from the bow. This award was granted to foreigners and was limited to 20 subjects of the kingdom, who paid an admittance fee of $150. It was conferred on 37 individuals. Two recipients of the Grand Cross include Prince Charles III of Monaco and Amine Ed Poweleh M Ali Kham, the State Minister of Persia, both in 1883.

This Order was conferred on 204 individuals by King Kalakaua and 31 by Queen Liliuokalani. The Grand Council of this Order met only once, on January 21, 1884. The Royal Order of the Crown of Hawaii was the last order to be awarded (Companion, James Dunn, Hawaiian Consul Glasgow, 1892) before the monarchy was overthrown. However, the Order has recently been revived and amended by HRH Princess Owana Ka’ohelelani Salazar, Head of Royal House of Keoua Nui and Grandmaster of the Order in 2017, to again recognize distinguished service to the Hawaiian Nation.