The event will celebrate Princess Ka‘iulani’s 135th birthday. Photo courtesy of the Hawaii State Archives at Iolani Palace.

LAHAINA — An event on Saturday, Oct. 16, will celebrate Crown Princess Ka‘iulani Cleghorn’s 135th birthday and honor Lahaina’s royal past and the rich, vibrant culture of Hawaii.

The 2010 Lahaina Royal Ho‘ike will be held at historic Waiola Church. All are welcome.

Musicians, schools, youth organizations and hula halau are invited to join the ho‘ike to honor High Chiefess Keopuolani, Princess Nahi‘ena‘ena and King Kaumuali‘i — who are all entombed there — as well as Princess Ka‘iulani, who now lies at the Royal Mausoleum in Oahu.

Participating groups include the Royal Hawaiian Guard, a new Maui organization that understands the value of youth. They have set out to preserve Hawaii’s history while also inspiring future community leaders.

The Royal Ho‘ike will be exciting and fun for the entire family with the Royal Hawaiian Guard on parade, hula, cultural demonstrations, information on Hawaii’s ali‘i, history of Waiola Church and Moku‘ula, tours of the sacred grounds, cultural and craft vendors, family activities, ethnic foods, music, special guest appearances, silent auction and more.

Organizers are still planning the event and invite all to be part of the ho‘ike. To perform, donate to the silent auction, participate or serve as a sponsor, call (808) 250-9196.

Waiola Church was established in the early 1800s during the reign of King Kamehameha the Great.

Dedicated in 1823 as Waine‘e Church, the landmark was instrumental in the introduction and growth of the Christian religion on Maui and in what was soon to be the State of Hawaii.

Chiefess Keopuolani, wife of Kamehameha the Great, was the most powerful ali‘i in the islands at the time and had great influence on the people. She and Kamehameha had 12 kids together, two growing up to become Kamehameha II and III.

Keopuolani was granted her request to be buried in a royal tomb and lies in the Waiola Cemetery with her daughter, Princess Nahi‘ena‘ena.

The Ka‘iulani Project Presentation and Luau will celebrate Princess Ka‘iulani’s 135th birthday as heir to the throne in a traditional evening torch lit setting.

The story of Princess Ka‘iulani Cleghorn will be told with readings of selected scenes from the original production of “Ka‘iulani-The Island Rose,” never-before-seen historical photographs, music, hula and recently uncovered information from Bishop Museum archivists.

Princess Ka‘iulani is an inspiration for young people of all cultures today to speak for their beliefs and find their truths by fully embracing their heritage.

The Ka‘iulani Project (www.thekaiulaniproject.com) celebrates the friendship between Ka‘iulani’s Scottish and Hawaiian roots. Also visit www.waiolachurch.org/ and www.royalhawaiianguard.com/ for information.