Kapi‘olani CC: Inspired by a queen

Ever wondered how Kapi‘olani Community College got its name? Colette Higgins (Kapi‘olani, AA ’88; Mānoa, BA ’90; MA ’92) delves into the life and legacy of Queen Kapi‘olani, and the rich history behind Kapi‘olani CC.

About Colette Higgins

Colette Higgins holds an MA in history (Pacific Islands) and a BA in history and anthropology from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She also earned an AA in liberal arts from Kapi‘olani Community College. Her 2015–2016 sabbatical leave from Kapi‘olani CC was primarily to trace and record the travel of Queen Kapiʻolani to London, England.

Throughout 2017 and 2018, Higgins gave a series of special presentations sharing her research on Queen Kapi‘olani. In part one of the presentation, Higgins focused on the queen’s life and legacy including her visit to Kalaupapa, her journey to London, and what may have inspired her to open a hospital. In part two, Higgins shared her sabbatical experience tracing the footsteps of Queen Kapi‘olani when she traveled to England as a guest at Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887.

Click here for more on Colette Higgins.

University of Hawai‘i Alumni