No Ka Poli O Hiʻilei | Honoring Charles Reed Bishop

Sunday, January 25, 2026
11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Kai Ākea, Hawaiian Hall First Floor | Hawaiian Hall Complex

Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum celebrates our founder, Charles Reed Bishop (1822-1915) on the 204th anniversary of his birth with special public programming in historic Hawaiian Hall.

Born on January 25, 1822, in Glens Falls, New York, Mr. Bishop arrived in Honolulu in October 1846, an unplanned detour en route to pursue the economic opportunities of Oregon Territory. This serendipitous redirection led to his introduction to Bernice Pauahi Pākī, the last royal descendant of the Kamehameha lineage, a meeting that would change the course of not only their lives, but also that of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. Charles’ love and devotion toward Pauahi is celebrated in Leleiōhoku’s composition, Wahine Hele Lā O Kaiona (He Inoa No Pauahi), in which Charles is honorably referenced as “Hiʻilei,” to carry in one’s bosom, as a lei, for Pauahi.

By virtue of her lineage and royal station, Ke Aliʻi Pauahi inherited an extensive collection of mea makamae, treasured Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms. Her ever-devoted widower, Mr. Bishop fulfilled his role as executor of Pauahi’s will with a deep sense of kuleana towards the perpetuation of her legacy and the education of the Lāhui Hawaiʻi.

Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in memorial of his beloved late wife as a repository of her extensive collections, which have expanded into the largest collection of cultural artifacts, documents, photographs and natural science specimens documenting the history and living cultures of Hawai‘i and the wide expanse of Oceania.

Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Bishop cared deeply for her lāhui, her culture, and for the life of Hawaiʻi. Charles Reed Bishop resolutely honored her lineage through his service to, and philanthropic support of, her lāhui. Inspired by their dedication, Museum staff strive to inspire our community and visitors through the exploration, celebration, and perpetuation of the extraordinary history, culture, and environment of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.

No Ka Poli O Hiʻilei Honoring Charles Reed Bishop commemorates Mr. Bishop’s founding of the Museum and devotion to Pauahi’s legacy with a special presentation and tour inviting Museum guests to reflect on our history, our work today, and our future endeavors.