King Lunalilo Trust
History of the
1871
Lunalilo’s Will
Prince Lunalilo signs his will, declaring that all his lands and assets be placed into a trust to serve “the poor, destitute, and infirm people of Hawaiian blood.” This act makes him the first Hawaiian monarch to leave his estate to benefit the people directly, laying the foundation for the King Lunalilo Trust.
1873-74
Accession to the Throne
Kamehameha V had not named a successor to the throne before he died on December 11, 1872. Lunalilo wanted his people to choose their next ruler in a democratic manner and single-handedly brought about a plebiscite to be held on New Year's Day. Prince David Kalākaua ran against Lunalilo. The people on every island chose Lunalilo to be King; he won 99.6% of all votes cast.
Death of King Lunalilo
At noon on January 8, 1873, the Legislature met, as required by law, in the Courthouse to cast their ballots to elect the next King. Lunalilo received all 37 votes. The coronation of Lunalilo took place at Kawaiahaʻo Church in a simple ceremony on January 9, 1873. He reigned for one year and 25 days, succumbing to pulmonary tuberculosis on February 3, 1874.
1883
Lunalilo Home Opens
The original Lunalilo Home opened on the slopes of Pūowaina (Punchbowl) and became Hawaiʻi’s first residential care home — a pioneering step in elder care in the islands.
1900-25
Cultural Haven
During this era, Lunalilo Home became known as a haven for Hawaiian culture. With Native Hawaiian residents from all islands, traditional practices and values thrived. The residents preserved Hawaiian cultural knowledge at a time when the total population of Native Hawaiians fell to its lowest point and even the speaking of the Hawaiian language was prohibited.
1927
Relocation to Maunalua
With the help of a generous donation from the Irene Īʻī Brown Holloway estate, the Lunalilo Trust acquired a former hotel owned and operated by the Marconi Wireless Company and the twenty acres under it. After a year of renovation, Lunalilo Home relocated to its current location in the ʻahupuaʻa of Maunalua, now known as Hawai‘i Kai.
1970-85
Land Subdivision and Leasehold Conversion
In an effort to achieve financial sustainability from supplemental lease rents, the Lunalilo Trust subdivided 15 acres of its 20 acre Maunalua campus into leasehold residential lots. Not 10 years later, the State of Hawaiʻi enacted lease-to-fee conversions, forcing the Lunalilo Trust to sell the leasehold lots. The Lunalilo Trust continues to suffer the impact of this devastating act, which left the Trust’s only landholding landlocked, accessible only via a cul-de-sac.
1997-2001
Facility Renovations
Lunalilo Home temporarily closes to undergo significant renovations. The facility reopens in 2001, continuing its mission with modernized infrastructure and updated residential care services.
2002-03
Program Expansion
Two new services are launched:
An Adult Day Care program offering structured daily support for kūpuna
A Meals-to-Go program, providing meal deliveries to kūpuna in East Honolulu
2023
Expanded Meal Delivery
Responding to growing need, Lunalilo Home extends its meal delivery program to West Oʻahu, continuing its mission to provide nourishment and connection to kūpuna across the island.
2024
Adult Day Care Renovation
The Adult Day Care facility temporarily closes for major upgrades. These renovations ensure the space can continue to serve kūpuna safely and effectively for generations to come. The Adult Day Center reopens in spring 2025.
2025
New Cultural Heritage Center
King Lunalilo Trust opens the Lokomaikaʻi Hawaiʻi Heritage Center, a new on-campus space dedicated to preserving and sharing Hawaiian culture and practices, along with King Lunalilo’s story, values, and cultural legacy.
