The activity year for the Society begins July 1, following the Annual General Meeting, normally held in June. Some of our activities include cultural events with topics like genealogy, dance, music, history, famous Scots; films highlighting Scotland; soup supper and ceilidh; Clan Night; and similar topics of interest. The highlight of our activity year is an annual dinner honoring the memory of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. Burns was born on January 25, 1759 and his birthday is celebrated throughout the world. In Hawaii, this gala affair, with kilts and sashes in full view, features haggis, whisky, bagpipes, songs and dances to keep the night merry. The traditional "Address to the Haggis" and "Tribute to the Memory of Robert Burns" are always well received.

Since 1989, The Caledonian Society has paid special tribute to Princess Ka'iulani, our Scottish-Hawaiian princess, who died at a young age and is buried at the Royal Mausoleum in Honolulu. She was much revered by her people and The Caledonian Society honors her memory, as does the Ahahui Ka'iulani, a Hawaiian organization dedicated to her memory. A special ceremony is held at the Royal Mausoleum in late March or early April each year.

The Caledonian Society of Hawaii is a founding sponsor of the Hawaiian-Scottish Association, which was established in 1982 to produce the annual Highland Festival. This is an important occasion for the Scottish community to make itself highly visible to locals and tourists alike. The two-day event is usually held the first weekend if April and includes highland games sports activities, bagpipe bands, Highland and Scottish Country dancing, cultural exhibits, clan representatives, Scottish food and products, and other types of entertainment and exhibits to highlight Scottish culture.

Additionally, the Caledonian Society maintains a small library of books about Scottish culture, history and clans at Alexander Manor. This library is open to all Society members, during normal business hours at the Manor, which is located at 1559 Thurston Ave.


Copyright Caledonian Society of Hawaii, 2004 | | Contact Us