During the reign of King Kalākaua, Ululani served as Governess of the Island of Hawaii from 1886 to 1888 while her husband was appointed high sheriff of the island.
During the reign of King Kalākaua, Ululani appointed as Governess of the Island of Hawaii succeeding Princess Victoria Kinoiki Kekaulike, sister of Queen Kapiolani. Her husband was appointed high sheriff of the island.