Chapter 16. Biographies of Hawaiian Royalty Queens, Kings, Princesses, Princes, and other Ali‘i and Important Chiefs
Part I Nā Mō‘ī Hawai‘i—The Hawaiian Monarchy The Eight Rulers of the United Hawaiian Kingdom King Kamehameha I [Kamehameha] c.1753—1819 King Kamehameha II [Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho] 1797—1824 King Kamehameha III [Kauikeaouli] 1814—1854 King Kamehameha IV [Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani] 1834—1863 King Kamehameha V [Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha] 1830—1872 King Lunalilo [William Charles Lunalilo] 1835—1874 King Kalākaua [David La‘amea Kalākaua] 1836—1891 Queen Lili‘uokalani [Lydia Kamaka‘eha Pākī] 1838—1917
Part II Hawaiian Princes, Princesses, and Queens Queen Ka‘ahumanu c.1768—1832 Queen Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani] 1778—1823 Queen Kamāmalu 1802—1824 Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena 1815—1836 Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani 1826—1883 Princess Pauahi [Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop] 1831—1844 Queen Kapi‘olani 1834—1899 Queen Emma [Emma Na‘ae Rooke] 1836—1885 Princess Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu 1838—1866 Prince Kūhiō [Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Pi‘ikoi] 1871—1922 Princess Ka‘iulani [Victoria Kawēkiu Ka‘iulani] 1875—1899
Part III Other Hawaiian Ali‘i (Royalty) and Chiefs Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] c.1713—1794 Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe c.1736—1804 Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo] 1748—1794 Ka‘iana‘ahu‘ula [Ka‘iana] c.1756—1795 Kalanikūpule 1760—1795 Kaikio‘ewa 1765—1839 Kalanimoku 1768—1827 Ulumāheihei (Hoapili) 1776—1840 King Kaumuali‘i c.1780—1824 Kapi‘olani (I) 1781—1841 Kīna‘u 1805—1839
<a name="part1">Chapter 16—Part I</a> Nā Mō‘ī Hawai‘i—The Hawaiian Monarchy The Eight Rulers of the United Hawaiian Kingdom King Kamehameha I [Kamehameha] c.1753—1819 King Kamehameha II [Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho] 1797—1824 King Kamehameha III [Kauikeaouli] 1814—1854 King Kamehameha IV [Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani] 1834—1863 King Kamehameha V [Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha] 1830—1872 King Lunalilo [William Charles Lunalilo] 1835—1874 King Kalākaua [David La‘amea Kalākaua] 1836—1891 Queen Lili‘uokalani [Lydia Kamaka‘eha Pākī] 1838—1917
Chapter 16—Part III Other Hawaiian Ali‘i (Royalty) and Chiefs Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] c.1713—1794 Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe c.1736—1804 Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo] 1748—1794 Ka‘iana‘ahu‘ula [Ka‘iana] c.1756—1795 Kalanikūpule 1760—1795 Kaikio‘ewa 1765—1839 Kalanimoku 1768—1827 Ulumāheihei (Hoapili) 1776—1840 King Kaumuali‘i c.1780—1824 Kapi‘olani (I) 1781—1841 Kīna‘u 1805—1839
Chapter 16—Part I
Nā Mō‘ī Hawai‘i—The Hawaiian Monarchy
The Eight Rulers of the United Hawaiian Kingdom
Hawaiian MonarchReignBirthDeath King Kamehameha I [Pai‘ea Kamehameha] 1795—May 8, 1819 c.1753 May 8, 1819 King Kamehameha II [Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho] May 20, 1819—July 14, 1824 1796 July 14, 1824 King Kamehameha III [Kauikeaouli] June 6, 1825—Dec. 15, 1854 1814* Dec. 15, 1854 King Kamehameha IV [Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani] Dec. 15, 1854—Nov. 30, 1863 Feb. 9, 1834 Nov. 30, 1863 King Kamehameha V [Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha] Nov. 30, 1863—Dec. 11, 1872 Dec. 11, 1830 Dec. 11, 1872 King Lunalilo [William Charles Lunalilo] Jan. 8, 1873—Feb. 3, 1874 Jan. 31, 1835 Feb. 3, 1874 King Kalākaua [David La‘amea Kalākaua] Feb. 13, 1874—Jan. 20, 1891 Nov. 16, 1836 Jan. 20, 1891 Queen Lili‘uokalani [Lydia Kamaka‘eha Pākī] Jan. 29, 1891—Jan. 17, 1893 Sep. 2, 1838 Nov. 11, 1917
King Kamehameha I Biographical Sketch: King Kamehameha I (c.1753—1819) Born: c.1753 Father: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] Mother: Keku‘iapoiwa (II). Grandparents: Kamaka‘īmoku and Ke‘eaumokunui (parents of Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui]). Grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Keku‘iapoiwanui [Keku‘iapoiwa (I)] (parents of Keku‘iapoiwa (II)). Great grandparents: Keaweikekahiali‘iokamoku [Keawe] and Kalanikauleleiaiwinui (parents of Ke‘eaumokunui). Father of Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū with Kānekapolei. Grandfather of Konia [Laura Konia] (daughter of Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū and Luahine). Great grandfather of Princess Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop (daughter of Abner Pākī and Konia [Laura Konia]). Grandfather of Kalani Pauahi (daughter of Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū and Keōuawahine). Great grandfather of Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani (daughter of Mataio Kekūanaō‘a and Kalani Pauahi). Great great grandfather of William Pitt Kīna‘u (son of William Pitt Leleiōhoku (I) and Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani). Husband of Queen Ka‘ahumanu (his favorite wife). Husband of Queen Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani] (sacred wife). Father of King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho), King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli), and Nāhi‘ena‘ena [Nāahi‘ena‘ena; Nahienaena] with Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani]. Father of Kīna‘u and Kamāmalu with Kalākua. Grandfather of Moses Kekūāiwa, Princess Victoria Kamāmalu, King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani), and King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha) (children of Mataio Kekūanaō‘a and Kīna‘u). Great grandfather of Prince Albert Edward Kauikeaouli (son of King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani) and Queen Emma [Kalanikaumakeamano].
Summary of Life of King Kamehameha I:
Born at Kapākai in Kokoiki, near ‘Upolu Point in the North Kohala area of Hawai‘i Island. Soon after being born, Kamehameha was taken by canoe to Mo‘okini Heiau for a ritual, and then to ‘Āwini Valley, where he was kept safe from any potential enemies. An ancient Hawaiian proverb states, “E ‘aki maka o ka lauhue.” (“Nip off the bud of the poison gourd.”) These words were “...uttered by some chiefs of the court of Alapa‘i, ruler of Hawai‘i Island, who wanted Kamehameha destroyed at birth.”[1]
Kamehameha’s childhood name was Pai‘ea.
As a young man, Kamehameha overturned the Pōhaku Naha (Naha Stone) on Hawai‘i Island in 1775. A high priestess had predicted that whoever could move this nearly 5,000-pound stone would conquer all of the Hawaiian Islands.
In November of 1778, the young chief Kamehameha, with Kalani‘ōpu‘u (the ruler of Hawai‘i Island) went aboard Captain Cook’s ship, the HMS Resolution, which was anchored off Maui’s east side near Hāna. Kamehameha remained on board overnight, with six other chiefs.
On January 17, 1779, Captain Cook sailed the Resolution into Kealakekua Bay on Hawai‘i Island’s Kona coast, seeking to restock his ships and let his men recover from their journey so they could press on for further exploration. During this visit, Cook met the young chief Pai‘ea Kamehameha (for the second time), along with Hawai‘i Island high (paramount) chief Kalani‘ōpu‘u.
In 1780, Hawai‘i Island ruler Kalani‘ōpu‘u met with his chiefs in Waipi‘o Valley, telling them that, that after he died: his oldest son Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)] would become the new ruler of Hawai‘i Island; his son Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula would get land; and Kamehameha (Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s nephew) would become chief of Kohala, on land that was Kamehameha’s by inheritance. Kamehameha was also to be given guardianship of the family’s feathered war god, Kūkā‘ilimoku, along with the responsibility of caring for the heiau (sacred places of worship) associated with the war god.
Kalani‘ōpu‘u then captured an enemy chief of Puna named Imakakola for a human sacrifice ceremony to consolidate his chiefdom. Imakakola was taken to the luakini heiau of Pākini at Kamā‘oa. When Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s son Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)] initiated the sacrificial ceremony, Kamehameha boldly stepped in and finished the ritual, placing Imakakola on the altar. This action by Kamehameha caused controversy and led to a rift between Kīwala‘ō and Kamehameha, who then returned to Kohala.
After Kalani‘ōpu‘u died in April of 1782, Kamehameha and Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula were both slighted by Kīwala‘ō’s redivision of lands of Hawai‘i Island, which took away from Kamehameha and Kona chiefs lands formerly under their rule. Chief counselor for Kīwala‘ō at this time was Keawemauhili, who was given large portions of Kona and Hilo. Kīwala‘ō’s division of lands on Hawai‘i Island angered the Kona’s chiefs, causing them to unite with Kamehameha, who became their leader. Loyal to Kīwala‘ō are chiefs of Ka‘ū, Puna, and Hilo, including Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s brother, Keawemauhili.
The following Kona chiefs become loyal to Kamehameha:
Keaweāheulu (Kamehameha’s uncle).
Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe (the father of Ka‘ahumanu, the future queen as wife of King Kamehameha I).
Kekūhaupi‘o (Warrior teacher of Kamehameha).
Kala‘imāmahu (Son of Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Kamakaeheikuli; half brother of Kamehameha).
Kawelo‘okalani (Half-brother of Kamehameha).
Keli‘imaika‘i (Brother of Kamehameha).
Kame‘eiamoku and Kamanawa (sacred royal twins of Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike]; sons of Keawepoepoe and Kanoena; uncles of Kamehameha; depicted on the State of Hawai‘i’s official coat of arms).
Chiefs aligned against Kamehameha include:
Kīwala‘ō[Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)] (Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s oldest son, and heir to his rule of Hawai‘i Island).
Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula (Kīwala‘ō’s younger brother and chief of Puna and Ka‘ū).
Keawemauhili (Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula’s uncle and Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s half-brother).
I lele no ka lupe i ke pola. It is the tail that makes the kite fly. It is the number of followers that raises the prestige of the chief. (Pukui: 1226—133)
The forces of Kamehameha and Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)] confronted each other in 1782 at the Battle of Moku‘ōhai in Ke‘ei, Kona. Kamehameha led the chiefs allied with him to victory. Kīwala‘ō was killed and Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula fled to Ka‘ū.
Accounts differ on the sequence of events leading to Kīwala‘ō’s death. One account states that an injured Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe crawled to Kīwala‘ō, who also had been injured, and then Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe slit Kīwala‘ō’s neck with a leiomano (shark-tooth weapon). Other accounts say Kīwala‘ō was stabbed to death, or killed by stones.
When Kīwala‘ō died he was wearing a cloak constructed with the yellow feathers of the ‘ō‘ō (Moho species), and adorned with red triangles made from feathers of ‘i‘iwi (Vestiaria coccinea). After Kīwala‘ō was killed, the cloak became the property of Kamehameha. (Note: This cloak is now in the Bishop Museum.)
Keawemauhili was captured, but then allowed to escape, presumably because of his high rank.
After the Battle of Moku‘ōhai, Hawai‘i Island was divided into three chiefdoms:
§Keawemauhiliruled Hilo and a portion of Puna and Hāmākua.
§Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula ruled Ka‘ū and part of Puna.
§Kamehameha ruled Kona, Kohala and northern Hāmākua.
Kamehameha then campaigned for nearly a decade to control the rest of Hawai‘i Island. Kamehameha’s two opponents were:
§Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula (Kīwala‘ō’s younger brother and chief of Puna and Ka‘ū).
§Keawemauhili (Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula’s uncle and Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s half-brother).
Kamehameha later began a military campaign to conquer the other Hawaiian Islands.
In 1785, Kamehameha married Ka‘ahumanu, the daughter of Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe (Kamehameha’s advisor) and Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana] (sister of Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili]).
In 1790, Kamehameha invaded Maui and fought the Battle of Kepaniwai. At the time, Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] was the most powerful ali‘i (chief) in the Islands, ruling Maui, Lāna‘i, and Moloka‘i, and in alliance with Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo], the ruler of Kaua‘i who seized O‘ahu by killing the island’s chief and sacrificing him to his own war god. Kā‘eokūlani also killed lesser chiefs of O‘ahu and used their skeletons to construct a house of bones.
Fearing conquest of Hawai‘i Island by Kā‘eokūlani and Kahekili, Kamehameha decided to strike first, and landed his troops on Maui to fight against Kalanikūkupule, son of Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili]. When he landed on Maui, it was considered a good omen when the feathers of his war god Kūkā‘ilimoku bristled. Fighting between the two groups of warriors began in Wailuku, and the battle proceeded up into ‘Īao Valley, where the precipitous cliffs at the head of the valley blocked escape. Kamehameha’s forces had the advantage of superior western weapons (muskets) as well as a cannon manned by the foreigners John Young (‘Olohana) and Isaac Davis (‘Aikake). Kamehameha’s forces prevailed, and thus the island of Maui came under Kamehameha’s rule. In Kamehameha’s victory at ‘Īao Valley, dead bodies from both sides are said to have blocked the river, giving the battle its name, the “Battle of Kepaniwai,” which means, “Battle of the water dam.” Kahekili’s son, Kalanikūpule, fled over a narrow mountain pass along with his high chiefs, and they sailed to O‘ahu where Kahekili began war preparations.
Kamehameha’s troops returned to Hawai‘i Island, but Kamehameha sailed to Moloka‘i with his chiefs and advisers. From Moloka‘i, Kamehameha sent Ha‘alo‘u, the grandmother of the future Queen Ka‘ahumanu, to O‘ahu to consult with Kapoukahi, a highly respected seer and kahuna (priest) of Kaua‘i, who was in Waikīkī at the time. Kapoukahi answered the request from Kamehameha for an oracle, telling Kamehameha that he would be victorious over all the Hawaiian Islands only if he built a luakini heiau (where human sacrifices were performed) to his war god, Kūkā‘ilimoku. This heiau was to be built at Kawaihae on Hawai‘i Island, and named Pu‘ukoholā.
Note: Pu‘ukoholā means “Whale hill”[2] according to Pūku‘i, but was later explained by Frazier to instead be spelled Pu‘ukohola (no macron), and meaning “built as the house of the god, a pu‘u [desire] for death and not for life. The death which was to be bound securely within this heiau was in the lagoon (kai kohola) and not in the deep sea nor on land.”[3]
Kamehameha was in control of Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i, but not O‘ahu. Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula (son of Kalani‘ōpu‘u, and chief of Puna and Ka‘ū districts) attacked Hilo and killed Keaweāheulu (Kamehameha’s uncle), and then plundered lands north of there along the Hāmākua Coast. Kamehameha arrived to battle the invaders but the two resulting brutal confrontations did not lead to victory. Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula proceeded to form a new army after a disaster at Kīlauea Volcano killed many of his troops, and he set about recapturing the lands of Lāna‘i, Maui, and Moloka‘i.
In 1791, Kamehameha’s forces confronted the forces of Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] at the battle known as Kepūwaha‘ula‘ula, or War of the Red Mouthed Cannon. Kahekili had already recaptured Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, and Maui, and then his army attacked Kamehameha’s northern coastal lands on Hawai‘i Island from Kohala to Waipi‘o. Kahekili’s forces met Kamehameha’s fleet off the northeast coast of Hawai‘i Island. Kamehameha’s counterattack began the first Hawaiian sea battle in which both sides were armed with foreign gunners and cannons. Though the battle between the forces of Kahekili and Kamehameha did not lead to an outright victory for Kamehameha, the battle did force Kahekili and his army to return to O‘ahu, and thwarted their intentions of attacking the site of the heiau construction at Kawaihae.
The dedication of Pu‘ukoholā Heiau at Kawaihae took place in the summer of 1791. Kamehameha asked Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula (chief of Hawai‘i Island’s Puna and Ka‘ū districts) to attend the dedication, saying his presence was important if there was to be peace between the rivals.
Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula and 26 of his chiefs and friends, including the highest chiefs of Ka‘ū, arrived at Kawaihae Bay in two large canoes. Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula was in one of the canoes, and in the other canoe was the young chief Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū, the son of Kamehameha (his first child) and Kānekapōlei (who was also the mother of Keōuakuahu‘ula with Kalani‘ōpu‘u).
Greeting Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula and his men at Kawaihae were Kamehameha’s war canoes arranged in a great crescent shape surrounding Kawaihae Bay to prevent Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula’s escape. Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula was killed, and many of Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula’s chiefs and other members of his group were also slain. The bodies of the killed chiefs (including Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula) were sacrificed on the altar of the luakini heiau atop the hill at Pu‘ukoholā Heiau. With the death of his rival, Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula, Kamehameha now controlled Hawai‘i Island.
On February 25, 1794, during his third of three annual visits to the Hawaiian Islands, British Captain George Vancouver obtained an informal treaty of cession from Kamehameha I. The two men were friends, and Kamehameha sought assurance that the Hawaiian Islands would be under British protection. Kamehameha received a gift of a British flag (a Union Jack) from Vancouver.
King Kamehameha flew his British flag for the next 22 years at various places where he lived, though it is uncertain what meaning Kamehameha attributed to the flag, since the apparent cession agreement with Vancouver was never ratified by British Parliament. During his 1794 visit to Hawai‘i Island, Vancouver’s carpenters also helped Kamehameha in the construction of the 36-foot Britannia, the first foreign-designed ship built in the Hawaiian Islands.
In 1795, after spending more than a decade preparing for war, Kamehameha was determined to defeat the forces of Kalanikūpule (ruler of O‘ahu as the heir of Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili]). Kamehameha’s troops landed on O‘ahu’s south shore from Waikīkī to Wai’alae. O‘ahu’s forces were gradually overpowered, and retreated up into Nu‘uanu Valley, where many were of the warriors were driven over the edge of the cliff at Nu‘uanu Pali (or jumped rather than surrender), meeting their death on the rocks hundreds of feet below.
The Battle of Nu‘uanu was Kamehameha’s final military conquest, giving him control of all of the Hawaiian Islands except Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, and furthering his attempt to establish a united Hawaiian kingdom.
After his military victories, King Kamehameha I established a system of government wherein each island had a governor. There was also a Council of Advisers, a Treasurer, and a Prime Minister. Taxes were levied, and could be paid with handicrafts or produce. Kamehameha also instituted a fee for licensing trade and wharfage, and encouraged the sandalwood trade with foreign ships. He initially ruled from Kawaihae on Hawai‘i Island, then from Hilo (1796—1803), then Lahaina (1803). In 1804 the center of government was moved to Honolulu, which had the best available port.
In 1795, King Kamehameha married 17-year-old Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani], who became his highest-ranking wife. With King Kamehameha I, Keōpūolani gave birth to two future kings: Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho (King Kamehameha II), born in 1797; and Kauikeaouli (King Kamehameha III), born in 1814. King Kamehameha and Keōpūolani were also the parents of Princess, Nāhi‘ena‘ena [Nāahi‘ena‘ena; Nahienaena], born in 1815.
In April of 1796, having already conquered O‘ahu and Maui, King Kamehameha’s invasion fleet set sail for Kaua‘i. The paramount ruler (king) of Kaua‘i at this time was Kaumuali‘i. Kamehameha’s troops left O‘ahu at midnight with an estimated 800 or more canoes and more than 8,000 soldiers. In the channel between O‘ahu and Kaua‘i, a storm thwarted Kamehameha’s invasion attempt and destroyed many of the fleet’s canoes, which were swamped in the rough seas and stormy winds. The warriors were forced to turn back, but some of the advance troops made it to Kaua‘i and were killed when they reached shore.
Upon the death of Kalola (the grandmother of Keōpūolani [Keōpūolanikauhiakama]), Kamehameha honored her during the mourning period by getting tattooed and having his eye teeth knocked out.
The last battle of King Kamehameha I occurred in Hilo when his warriors defeated an uprising known as Nāmakaehā’s rebellion. Nāmakaehā’s forces were in control of Hilo when Kamehameha’s forces arrived, and a battle ensued at Kaipaloa in south Hilo. Nāmakaehā was taken captive, and then offered as a sacrifice to Kamehameha’s war god Kūkā‘ilimoku at the heiau at Pi‘ihonua. King Kamehameha remained in Hilo, the capital of the kingdom, for the next six years.
In 1797, King Kamehameha I forgave a fisherman who 12 years earlier had hit him with a paddle. The man was brought to King Kamehameha to be punished, but instead Kamehameha forgave the man, gave him land, and set him free. King Kamehameha passed what came to be known as Kānāwai Māmalahoe, or “Law of the Splintered Paddle,” with the intent of protecting weak people from injustices imposed by those who are stronger. This was the first law meant to protect commoners.
‘Aole i ‘ena‘ena ka imu i ka māmane me ka ‘ūlei, i ‘ena‘ena i ka la‘ola‘o. The imu is not heated by māmane and ‘ūlei wood alone, but also by the kindling. To be powerful, a ruler must have the loyalty of the common people as well as the chiefs.[4]
In 1801, Hualālai Volcano on Hawai‘i Island erupted above Ka‘ūpūlehu at an elevation of about 5,750 feet, and lava flowed to the ocean. King Kamehameha I obeyed the warning of a kāula (seer) who told him that the volcano goddess Pele was angry and had to be calmed with gifts. Kamehameha threw his offerings into the flowing lava to no avail as the eruption continued. Then Kamehameha cuts his own hair and threw it into the lava. This act was symbolic of giving his own self to Pele, and the flow of lava ceased.
In 1802, King Kamehameha I and Kalākua gave birth to Kamāmalu, the future queen as wife of King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho).
In 1803, King Kamehameha I moved his capital from Hilo to Lahaina, and then in 1804 the capital was moved from Lahaina to Honolulu. An 1804 epidemic of ma‘i ‘ōku‘u (thought to be cholera) killed thousands of people made many more sick, including King Kamehameha and a significant number of his troops. This delayed (for the second time) Kamehameha’s attempt to conquer Kaua‘i. The disease killed many of Kamehameha’s warriors, including chief Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe. In a renewed effort for a large-scale attack, Kamehameha began assembling an armada of sailing ships in Waikīkī, using foreigners to construct the vessels.
In 1810, Kaumuali‘i, ruler of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, met Kamehameha in Honolulu and signed a treaty ceding Kaua‘i to Kamehameha. Kaumuali‘i agreed to place Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau under Kamehameha’s control and to pledge allegiance to Kamehameha, though Kaumuali‘i was allowed to remain high chief of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau until he died. With this act, all the Hawaiian Islands were finally united under King Kamehameha, fulfilling the prophecy of the Naha Stone. King Kamehameha I declared the Hawaiian Islands to be one nation. In 1812, King Kamehameha I returned to Hawai‘i Island to live in Kailua-Kona.
King Kamehamea I died on May 8, 1819 at his Kailua-Kona home called Kamakahonu (“Eye of the Turtle”). His final reigning years were spent on Hawai‘i Island, where he ruled from the South Kona coast. When King Kamehameha became very sick, he refused the advice of a kahuna (high priest) to offer one of his men as a human sacrifice to the gods, instead proclaiming “the men are kapu for the king.”
Before dying, King Kamehameha had given instructions to his trusted aid Ulumāheihei (Hoapili) that his bones should be hidden in a secret place so they would never be found. This was a customary tradition with chiefs’ bones, which were believed to contain mana (divine power) that must be kept away from enemies. With the help of another man, named Ho‘olulu, Hoapili carried out King Kamehameha’s wish. (Note: To this day the location of King Kamehameha’s bones remains unknown.)
King Kamehameha I was Hawai‘i’s most famous warrior and king, and the first to unite all of the Hawaiian Islands under one rule. His dynasty of succession lived on until 1872. King Kamehameha I was also known as the known as “Kamehameha the Great”; the “Napoleon of the Pacific”; “Kamehameha the Conqueror”; and the “Lion of the Pacific.”
For more information about King Kamehameha I, see Chapter 17: The Early Battles of Pai‘ea Kamehameha.
King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho) Biographical Sketch: Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho [King Kamehameha II] (1797—1824)
Born: 1797.
Died: July 14, 1824.
Reign: May 20, 1819—July 14, 1824.
Father: King Kamehameha I.
Mother: Queen Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani].
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)] and Keku‘iapoiwa Liliha.
Great grandparents: Kalani‘ōpu‘u and Kalola (parents of Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)]).
Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Kalola (parents of Keku‘iapoiwa).
Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Keku‘iapoiwanui [Keku‘iapoiwa (I)] (parents of Kalola).
On his father’s side:
Grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II).
Guardian: Kalanimoku [Kālaimoku; William (Billy) Pitt]
Foster Mother: Ka‘ahumanu.
Brother: Kauikeaouli (King Kamehameha III).
Sister: Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena [Nāahi‘ena‘ena; Nahienaena].
Wife: Queen Kamāmalu. Summary of Life of Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho [King Kamehameha II]:
When King Kamehameha I died, he established the office of kuhina nui (premier, or regent), allowing Ka‘ahumanu, his favorite wife, to become co-ruler with King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho), severely diminishing the powers of King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho).
Within months of assuming the throne, Kamehameha II ate food in public with the dowager queens Ka‘ahumanu and Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani], thus breaking the kapu against men and women eating together. Since the defiant act brought no retribution from the gods, eating together was no longer kapu, and this began a process that eroded traditional Hawaiian religious beliefs and eventually led to the complete overturning of the traditional kapu system.
King Kamehameha II sailed to Kaua‘i on July 21, 1821, on the royal yacht Ha‘aheo o Hawai‘i (Pride of Hawai‘i) to meet with Kaumuali‘i. At Waimea, Kaua‘i on July 22, 1821, Kaumuali‘i pledged his allegiance to King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho) and accepted his sovereignty. Then the king completed a 42-day tour of Kaua‘i. On September 16, King Kamehameha II invited Kaumuali‘i to come aboard his ship, Pride of Hawai‘i, which was anchored in Waimea Bay. King Kamehameha II then set sail for O‘ahu, taking Kaumuali‘i as a prisoner.
King Kamehameha II left for England on Nov. 27, 1823, on the whale ship L’aigle, leaving kuhina nui (premier) Ka‘ahumanu in charge of the government of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
King Kamehameha II died of measles in London, England on July 14, 1824, just six days after the death of his wife, Queen Kamāmalu, who passed away on July 8, 1824.
King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli) Biographical Sketch: Kauikeaouli [King Kamehameha III] (1814—1854)
Born: March 17, 1814.
Died: Dec. 15, 1854.
Reign: June 6, 1825—Dec. 15, 1854.
Father: King Kamehameha I.
Mother: Queen Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani].
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)] and Keku‘iapoiwa Liliha.
Great grandparents: Kalani‘ōpu‘u and Kalola (parents of Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)]).
Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Kalola (parents of Keku‘iapoiwa Liliha).
Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Keku‘iapoiwanui [Keku‘iapoiwa (I)] (parents of Kalola).
On father’s side:
Grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II).
Brother: Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho (King Kamehameha II).
Sister: Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena [Nāahi‘ena‘ena; Nahienaena].
Guardian: Kaikio‘ewa.
Wife: Hakaleleponi Kapakuhaili Kalama. Summary of Life of Kauikeaouli [King Kamehameha III]:
Kauikeaouli means “Place in the blue firmament.”[5] Another name of Kauikeaouli was Kalei-o-Papa, which means “The beloved child of Papa [the wife of Wākea].”[6]
On June 6, 1825, Kauikeaouli succeeded his brother Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho (King Kamehameha II) on the throne to become King Kamehameha III, and reigned for the next 30 years.
In 1832, Kīna‘u became kuhina nui (premier, sharing power with King Kamehameha III) succeeding Ka‘ahumanu. Kīna‘u continued Ka‘ahumanu’s policy of supporting missionary teachings and associated laws. This was not supported by King Kamehameha III, who was prevented from recovering certain properties due to the laws. King Kamehameha III reconciled with Kīna‘u in 1835 and proclaimed a code of laws in line with Kīna‘u’s beliefs.
On Dec. 18, 1837, with the urging of Protestant missionaries, King Kamehameha III issued an ordinance rejecting the Catholic religion. On June 17, 1839, he revoked his earlier stance banning the practice and teaching of Catholicism in the Hawaiian Islands by issuing a statement of toleration regarding religious differences.
King Kamehameha III married Kalama, the adopted daughter of Charles Kana‘ina, on February 14, 1837. Missionary Hiram Bingham performed the service.
Cyrille Pierre Theodore Laplace arrived in the Islands on the French Navy frigate Artemise on July 9, 1839, and threatened war unless King Kamehameha III agreed to a treaty with five demands relating to allowing Catholic worship in the Hawaiian Islands. Laplace also insisted on $20,000 in reparations, which was raised from local merchants and paid. Laplace made additional demands that alarmed officials of Great Britain and the United States, eventually leading to official recognition of Hawaiian independence by all three countries: France, Great Britain, and the United States.
In 1840, King Kamehameha III formed a constitutional government based on the political structures used by the Americans and the British. The new constitution (Hawai‘i’s first, drafted in the Hawaiian language in 1839 and signed by the king in 1840), provided for: a Supreme Court; an Executive; a Legislative body of 15 hereditary nobles and seven representatives; and the election of representatives (including the King and a Supreme Court) by the people. The new constitution, a departure from the traditional monarchial form of government, also guaranteed freedom of religious worship.
On February 10, 1843, Lord George Paulet of Britain arrived in the Islands on the frigate Carysfort and used the threat of military might to demand a formal “provisional cession” of the Hawaiian Islands to Britain. King Kamehameha III acquiesced and the British flag was raised in Honolulu.
Appeals to London and Washington resulted in the arrival of Admiral Richard Thomas on July 26, 1843 on the H.M.S. flagship Dublin. Thomas rescinded the provisional cession and restored the powers of King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli). On July 31, the British flag was lowered and the Hawaiian flag was raised. Later that day, King Kamehameha III gave a speech at a Kawaiaha‘o Church service, and is said to have spoken the words which later became Hawai‘i’s official state motto: “Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘āina o ka pono” (“The life of the land is perpetuated [preserved] in righteousness”). The date of July 31 was later proclaimed Restoration Day.
In 1845, Hale Ali‘i was constructed for King Kamehameha III in midtown Honolulu, and later became the site of ‘Iolani Palace.
King Kamehameha III instituted a new system of private property ownership, ending the king’s total control over the land. This change was known as the Great Māhele (mahele means “division”), and took place from January 27, 1848 to March 7, 1848. The new law divided most of the land in the Hawaiian Islands between King Kamehameha III and his chiefs (ali‘i), with smaller plots offered to commoners (maka‘āinana), who received only an estimated 30,000 acres out of a total of about 4.5 million acres. Two years later, in 1850, foreigners (non-natives) were allowed to purchase land, and soon held virtually all privately owned land.
In 1852, King Kamehameha III adopted a new constitution, which was designed by and favored American interests. The constitution provided for a Legislature of two houses, nobles appointed by the King, and representatives appointed by the people.
After reigning for 30 years, King Kamehameha III died on December 15, 1854, childless, at the age of 41.
King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani) Biographical Sketch: Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani [King Kamehameha IV](1834—1863).
Born: Feb. 9, 1834.
Died: Nov. 30, 1863.
Reign: Dec. 15, 1854—Nov. 30, 1863.
Father: Mataio Kekūanaō‘a.
Mother: Kīna‘u. Brothers: David Kamehameha (died young); King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha); and Moses Kekūāiwa (Governor of O‘ahu). Sister: Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu. On his mother’s side: Grandparents: King Kamehameha I and Kalākua. Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II) (parents of King Kamehameha I). Great grandparents: Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe and Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana] (parents of Kalākua).
Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Ha‘alo‘u (parents of Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana]) Summary of Life of Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani [King Kamehameha IV]:
As a child, Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani attended the Royal School (known as Chiefs’ Children’s School until 1846) and traveled to Europe and the United States with a delegation whose aim was to improve foreign relations.
When King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli) died on Dec. 15, 1854, Prince Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani, the 21-year-old grandson of King Kamehameha I and hānai son of King Kamehameha III, came to the throne as King Kamehameha IV.
With the help of American businessmen living in the Islands, King Kamehameha IV began setting up plantation agriculture as the main force of the economy of the Hawaiian Islands. The sugar industry began importing many contract laborers from Japan, China, and the Portuguese Azores.
King Kamehameha IV married Emma Na‘ea Rooke (the great-granddaughter of the brother of King Kamehameha I) on June 19, 1856 at Kawaiaha‘o Church. They give birth to Prince Albert Edward Kauikeaouli Leiopapa o Kamehameha on May 20, 1858. The young prince, a godchild of England’s Queen Victoria, died in 1862 at the age of four.
Concerned about the devastating effects of foreign diseases on Hawaiians, King Kamehameha IV signed a law, on April 25, 1859, establishing a hospital in Honolulu, and with Queen Emma raised funds for Queen’s Hospital (later built on the site). King Kamehameha IV also established the Anglican Church in the Hawaiian Islands.
Died on Nov. 30, 1863 at the age of 29, without appointing a successor. He was succeeded by his brother, Prince Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha, who became King Kamehameha V.
King Kamehameha V named ‘Iolani Palace in midtown Honolulu, after his brother, Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani (King Kamehameha IV). ‘Iolani was one of King Kamehameha IV’s Hawaiian names, and means “Hawk of heaven,” or “Royal hawk.”
King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha) Biographical Sketch: LotKapuāiwa Kamehameha [King Kamehameha V](1830—1872)
Born: Dec. 11, 1830.
Died: Dec. 11, 1872.
Reign: Nov. 30, 1863—Dec. 11, 1872.
Father: Mataio Kekūanaō‘a.
Mother: Kīna‘u. Brothers: David Kamehameha (died young); King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani); Moses Kekūāiwa (Governor of O‘ahu). Sister: Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu. On mother’s side: Grandparents: King Kamehameha I and Kalākua. Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui]. and Keku‘iapoiwa (II) (parents of King Kamehameha I). Great grandparents: Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe and Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana] (parents of Kalākua).
Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Ha‘alo‘u (parents of Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana]). Summary of Life of Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha [King Kamehameha V]:
As a child, Prince Lot attended Royal School (known as Chiefs’ Children’s School until 1846) and traveled to Europe and the United States with a delegation whose aim was to improve foreign relations.
During the reign of King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani), King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha) was Hawai‘i’s Minister of the Interior (six years) and Minister of Finance (one year).
Succeeded his brother, King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani) when he died on November 30, 1863 without appointing a successor. This was approved by the kuhina nui (premier), Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu, and the Privy Council. Prince Lot proclaimed himself king without opposition, angering American interests and businessmen when he refused to take an oath to uphold the Constitution of 1852 (which was designed by and favored American interests).
Preferring a strong monarchy, King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha) proclaimed a new constitution on August 20, 1864, modifying the existing constitution to give greater power to the king but less control to the Privy Council and Legislative assembly, limiting their powers of voting. King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha) also ended the influence of the kuhina nui (premier).
Visited British Columbia and California.
Most native Hawaiians supported King Kamehameha V’s return to monarchical leadership, and the Hawaiian Islands lived under this constitution for 23 years (until King Kalākaua signed the “Bayonet Constitution” in 1887).
King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha) died on December 11, 1872, childless, at the age of 43, without appointing a successor to the throne (his sister Princess Victoria Kamāmalu had been named the successor, but she passed away in 1866). This ended the rule of the Kamehameha line because King Kamehameha V’s cousin, Bernice Pauahi (the great granddaughter of King Kamehameha I) refused to take the throne. William Charles Lunalilo succeeded King Kamehameha V on the throne.
King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha) did not leave a will, thus the crown lands did not pass to the next monarch. This eventually caused financial difficulties for the royal treasury.
King Lunalilo (William Charles Lunalilo) Biographical Sketch: William Charles Lunalilo [King Lunalilo] (1835—1874)
Born: January 31, 1835.
Died: February 3, 1874.
Reign: January 8, 1873—February 3, 1874.
Father: Charles Kana‘ina.
Mother: Kekāuluohi (Miriam ‘Auhea).
Grandparents: Kala‘imāmahu and Kalākua (parents of Kekāuluohi (Miriam ‘Auhea)).
Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Kamakaeheikuli (parents of Kala‘imāmahu) Summary of Life of William Charles Lunalilo [King Lunalilo]:
Prince Lunalilo was educated at the Royal School (known as Chiefs’ Children’s School until 1846).
He was engaged to Princess Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu, though apparently King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani) opposed the union.
King Lunalilo was elected by a vote of the Legislature after King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha) died without naming a successor. King Lunalilo immediately began to amend the Constitution of 1864, including ending the property qualification for voting.
On September 7, 1873, the Household Troops rebelled until they were convinced to lay down their arms by a letter from King Lunalilo. The army was then disbanded.
Known as the “citizen king, the “people’s king,” and “ke ali‘i lokomaika‘i” (“the kind-hearted chief”).
King Lunalilo suffered from tuberculosis, and was given to heavy drinking, resulting in poor health.
Choosing not to be buried in the Royal Mausoleum (with other royalty), King Lunalilo was instead buried just inside the main entrance to Kawaiaha‘o Church, where his grave still remains.
King Lunalilo died just over one year after being elected, and thus had the shortest reign of any of the Hawaiian monarchs.
The terms of King Lunalilo’s will created the Lunalilo Home for sick and poor Hawaiians (particularly older Hawaiians).
King Kalākaua (David La‘amea Kalākaua) Biographical Sketch: David La‘amea Kalākaua [King Kalākaua] [Kaheiheimālie] (1836—1891)
Born: November 16, 1836. Died: January 20, 1891. Reigned: Feb. 13, 1874—Jan. 20, 1891. Father: Caesar Kapa‘akea. Mother: Keohokālole. Sisters: Queen Lili‘uokalani; Miriam Kapili Likelike. Brother: William Pitt Leleiōhoku (II). Wife: Kapi‘olani (married in 1863). On father’s side: (note the intermarriage relations-highlighted in bold) Grandparents: Kamanawa II and Kamokuiki. Great grandparents: Alapa‘iwahine and Kepo‘okalani (parents of Kamanawa II). Great great grandparents: Kame‘eiamoku and Kamakaeheikuli (parents of Kepo‘okalani). On mother’s side: Grandparents: ‘Aikanaka and Kama‘e. Great grandparents: Kepo‘okalani and Keohohiwa (parents of ‘Aikanaka). Great great grandparents: Kame‘eiamoku and Kamekaeheikuli (parents of Kepo‘okalani). King Kalākaua’s (and Queen Lili‘uokalani’s) father was the grandson of Kepo‘okalani (with Alapa‘iwahine), and his mother was the granddaughter of Kepo‘okalani (with Keohohiwa).
“Nona ka ‘ūmi‘i lauwili i ka pāka‘awili.” “His is the tie that is twisted and entangled into one that holds fast.” “His ancestors have intermarried and re-intermarried to preserve the bloodline of his family. He is therefore of a very high and kapu rank.”**[7]**
Summary of Life of King Kalākaua:
David La‘amea Kalākaua was educated at Royal School (known as Chiefs’ Children’s School until 1846).
King Kalākaua was elected on February 12, 1874 by a Legislative vote of 39 to 6. After the results were announced, the courthouse was attacked and ransacked, and legislators were beaten by supporters of Queen Emma. The violence left many injured and one dead. American and British warships provided armed marines to restore order. King Kalākaua took an oath of allegiance to the 1864 Constitution of King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha).
On November 17, 1874, King Kalākaua and a royal party left for San Francisco on the steamer Benicia. Their mission was a goodwill tour of the United States. The royal party returned on February 15, 1875 on the U.S.S. Pensacola. Around this time King Kalākaua fought constitutional battles with the kingdom’s governmental Legislature, which had resident American businessmen as members. Eventually King Kalākaua lost some authority.
In 1875, King Kalākaua negotiated the Reciprocity Treaty, allowing Hawaiian products to be sold in the United States without customs or duties. The treaty was signed in Washington D.C. on January 30, 1875, and ratified by the U.S. Senate on August 15, 1876. On September 17, 1876, the United States Congress passed a motion to give effect to the treaty, thus allowing Hawaiian sugar into the United States duty free. The subsequent rapid expansion of the sugar industry provided an economic boost for the Hawaiian Islands, and opened the door to annexation. In 1887, King Kalākaua signed a lease of Pearl Harbor to the United States for eight years.
On December 31, 1879, King Kalākaua laid the cornerstone for ‘Iolani Palace in midtown Honolulu. On February 12, 1883, he held an official coronation on the grounds of the newly completed ‘Iolani Palace, which served as his home with Queen Kapi‘olani, and later was the home of Queen Lili‘uokalani. The coronation marked the beginning of King Kalākaua’s support of traditional Hawaiian practices, including the revival of hula, which was again performed publicly (it had been banned by the missionaries).
King Kalākaua later came to be known as the “Merrie Monarch” for his reintroduction of hula and other ancient customs. King Kalākaua also wrote the words to Hawai‘i’s state song, Hawai‘i Pono‘ī.
In 1881, King Kalākaua left on a journey around the world. During the trip he called on 11 heads of state, including the leaders of the United States, Japan and Great Britain. King Kalākaua became the first ruler of any country to sail around the world.
In 1885, King Kalākaua signed a treaty with Japan permitting the large-scale immigration of laborers, resulting in approximately 70,000 Japanese coming to the Islands. Between 1878 and 1887, many Portuguese workers also came to the Hawaiian Islands from the islands of Madeira and the Azores.
In 1887, the Bayonet Constitution was instigated by the Hawaiian League, a political organization of American merchants whose membership included Sanford Ballard Dole. When King Kalākaua’s government sold its opium monopoly to a Chinese interest, the American’s tried to restrict King Kalākaua’s power. Holding a mass meeting, the League demanded that King Kalākaua dismiss his Cabinet and sign a new constitution.
Ultimately, King Kalākaua signed a new constitution, which was later given the nickname “The Bayonet Constitution,” implying the document was signed at gunpoint. [Note: Accounts vary on the actual threats that were wielded against King Kalākaua to force him to attach his signature to the new constitution.]
The effects of the new “Bayonet Constitution” included drastic changes that curtailed the king’s power, ending 23 years of rule under the previous constitution of King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha). One result of the new constitution was that a vote of the Legislature became necessary to replace Cabinet members. The document allowed nobles to be elected by those who owned large amounts of land, and this significantly reduced the power of Asians and native Hawaiians.
The “Bayonet Constitution” also allowed the Legislature to override the king’s veto, and extended voting rights to all Europeans and Americans who would take an oath to support the new constitution.
In 1890, King Kalākaua left on a trip to the United States, appointing his sister, Princess Lili‘uokalani, as sole regent in his absence. King Kalākaua died in San Francisco on January 20, 1891, and Queen Lili‘uokalani succeeded him on the throne on January 29, 1891.
Queen Lili‘uokalani (Lydia Kamaka‘eha) Biographical Sketch: Lydia Kamaka‘eha [Queen Lili‘uokalani] (1838—1917) Full Name: Lydia Lili‘u Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamaka‘eha Pākī-Dominis Lili‘uokalani.
Born: September 2, 1838.
Died: Nov. 11, 1917. Reigned: January 29, 1891—January 17, 1893. Father: Caesar Kapa‘akea. Mother: Keohokālole. Sister: Miriam Kapili Likelike. Brothers: King Kalākaua (David La‘amea Kalākaua); William Pitt Leleiōhoku (II). Husband: John Owen Dominis. On father’s side: Grandparents: Kamanawa II and Kamokuiki. Great grandparents: Alapa‘iwahine and Kepo‘okalani (parents of Kamanawa II). Great great grandparents: Kamakaeheikuli and Kame‘eiamoku (parents of Kepo‘okalani). On mother’s side: Grandparents: ‘Aikanaka and Kama‘e. Great grandparents: Kepo‘okalani and Keohohiwa (parents of ‘Aikanaka). Great great grandparents: Kame‘eiamoku and Kamekaeheikuli (parents of Kepo‘okalani) Summary of Life of Queen Lili‘uokalani:
Lydia Kamaka‘eha (born Lydia Kamaka‘eha, and later to become Queen Lili‘uokalani), married John Owen Dominis in 1862.
Attended Chiefs’ Childrens’ School beginning at age four. At an early age she became an accomplished musician including sight reading, and was said to have perfect pitch.
On February 14, 1874, King Kalākaua declared that, when he was no longer king, his successor would be his younger brother Prince William Pitt Leleiōhoku (II). Two new princesses were also designated—Princess Kamaka‘eha Dominis (the future Queen Lili‘uokalani) and Princess Likelike.
After Prince William Pitt Leleiōhoku (II) died of pneumonia on April 9, 1877, King Kalākaua declared Princess Kamaka‘eha Dominis heir apparent to the throne as Princess Lili‘uokalani on April 11, 1877.
On January 14, 1888, the Hawaiian League attempted to get Princess Lili‘uokalani Kamaka‘eha Dominis, to take the throne from King Kalākaua. She refused out of loyalty to King Kalākaua.
In 1890, King Kalākaua took a trip to the United States, appointing Princess Lili‘uokalani as sole regent in his absence.
On January 20, 1891, King Kalākaua (1836—1891) died in San Francisco, California. His sister came to the throne as Queen Lili‘uokalani on January 29, 1891. The Cabinet Ministers waited for Queen Lili‘uokalani at ‘Iolani Palace to have her swear allegiance to the Bayonet Constitution, which had taken away much of King Kalākaua’s power.
From 1891 to 1893, Queen Lili‘uokalani attempted to reassert royal power. She was opposed by resident pro-business, pro-annexation Americans, and this conflict led to a series of events in the middle of January 1893, during which time the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown. In January of 1893, an insurrection against Queen Lili‘uokalani was led by a small group of United States sugar planters and businessmen backed by 162 U.S. marines from the U.S.S. Boston. They deposed the queen, abrogated the monarchy, and declared a Provisional Government (with the goal of annexation of the Hawaiian Islands by the United States). Hawai‘i’s previous 98 years of rule, under eight different monarchs, was effectively ended.
Queen Lili‘uokalani and the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy:
On January 14, 1893, Queen Lili‘uokalani informed her Cabinet members that she planned to proclaim a new constitution at the request of a majority of the Hawaiian people. She instructed her Cabinet Ministers to go to ‘Iolani Palace to sign the new constitution (which they had helped prepare), after the prorogation (closing) of the Legislature at Ali‘iōlani Hale.
When the Cabinet Ministers refused to sign the new constitution, Queen Lili‘uokalani decided to defer any action, and gave a speech from the lānai of ‘Iolani Palace, telling the many people outside (who were gathered there in anticipation of a new constitution being announced) to go home peacefully because she would not be able to declare a new constitution. A group of annexation supporters then held a meeting and formed the Committee of Public Safety. They declared Queen Lili‘uokalani’s actions treasonous, and made plans for a Provisional Government with the goal of eventually annexing the Hawaiian Islands to the United States.
On January 15, 1893, in consultation with U.S. Minister to Hawai‘i John Leavitt Stevens, the Committee of Public Safety was assured that Stevens would land troops from the U.S.S. Boston if any danger was posed to American lives or property. The Committee of Public Safety called a meeting for the following day for all supporters of annexation. Supporters of Queen Lili‘uokalani also called for a meeting on the same day.
On January 16, 1893, Queen Lili‘uokalani declared in an official proclamation that changes to the constitution would only be made with the consent of the Legislature. The two mass meetings were held, one by supporters of annexation and the other by supporters of Queen Lili‘uokalani.
U.S. Minister to Hawai‘i, John L. Stevens, ordered the troops from the U.S.S. Boston ashore in Honolulu, saying the action was necessary to protect American lives and property. Stevens claimed the Americans were in danger and had no protection.
Troops from the U.S.S. Boston came ashore at 5 p.m. on January 16, 1893. Marching down King Street past Ali‘iōlani Hale and ‘Iolani Palace, the troops stationed themselves at Arion Hall, across from ‘Iolani Palace. Meanwhile, the Committee of Public Safety met to further their plans for a Provisional Government.
On January 17, 1893, Queen Lili‘uokalani requested assistance from the U.S. Minister to Hawai‘i, John Leavitt Stevens, but Stevens refused. The Honolulu Rifles, an armed volunteer group, assembled in Ali‘iōlani Hale in opposition to the loyalist guard across the street at ‘Iolani Palace.
At 2:30 p.m., January 17, on the rear veranda of Ali‘iōlani Hale, a Provisional Government was proclaimed, and was recognized by John L. Stevens as Hawai‘i’s lawful government. At 6 p.m. that same day, Queen Lili‘uokalani yielded not to the Provisional Government but to the United States government, “...until such time as the Government of the United States shall, upon facts being presented to it, undo the action of its representatives and reinstate me in the authority which I claim as the Constitutional Sovereign of the Hawaiian Islands.”[8]
Queen Lili‘uokalani later stated that she resigned her throne to avoid bloodshed, fearing the bombing of ‘Iolani Palace and loss of lives. The Committee of Public Safety met at 8 p.m., January 17, to finalize the Provisional Government’s officers and Cabinet.
Sanford Ballard Dole was asked to be President of the Provisional Government. That evening, about 100 armed men gathered around Ali‘iōlani Hale in support of the annexationists. They posted guards around Ali‘iōlani Hale, the new headquarters of the Provisional Government, and held drills on King Street in front of ‘Iolani Palace. Martial Law was declared, and troops from the U.S.S. Boston remained nearby. At this point the Hawaiian monarchy was essentially overthrown.
Queen Lili‘uokalani: After the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy:
On October 18, 1893, the Blount Report was given to President Cleveland, and blamed the overthrow of the monarchy on United States Minister to Hawai‘i, John L. Stevens. The report suggested restoring the Hawaiian government. Cleveland denounced the overthrow as lawless, and achieved under “false pretexts.”
By November 4, 1893, orders were given by President Cleveland to restore the power of Queen Lili‘uokalani. President Cleveland also sent word that he regretted the “unauthorized intervention” that had taken away Queen Lili‘uokalani’s sovereignty. The Provisional Government refused to restore Queen Lili‘uokalani to the throne, saying that only armed conflict would force them to give up power. Though President Cleveland did not support annexation, he was reluctant to order the use of force against the group of Americans and their (mostly American) supporters.
On January 6, 1895, a small group of royalists, mostly native Hawaiians in support Queen Lili‘uokalani, attempted a counterrevolution to overthrow the Republic and restore Queen Lili‘uokalani to the throne. The uprising apparently took place without the participation of Queen Lili‘uokalani, who denied any involvement.
Hundreds of men were arrested, including Robert W. Wilcox, who was condemned to death. Wilcox’s sentence was lessened, and within a few months he was pardoned.
On January 7, 1895, Martial Law was declared and a military commission was appointed to court martial Queen Lili‘uokalani and others. On January 16, Lili‘uokalani was imprisoned in ‘Iolani Palace, and on January 24, 1895, she signed a formal abdication, that called for the recognition of the Republic of Hawai‘i as the lawful government. Queen Lili‘uokalani later claimed that this abdication was invalid due to coercion, and had been agreed to only to spare the lives of her supporters.
On February 1, 1893, the U.S. Minister to Hawai‘i, John Leavitt Stevens recognized the new Provisional Government and raised the United States flag over the Hawaiian Islands. Troops from the U.S.S. Boston took over as official guards of Ali‘iōlani Hale, the headquarters of the Provisional Government.
On February 5, 1895, Queen Lili‘uokalani was arraigned before the military commission for treason, a charge that was later changed to misprision of treason, which involves knowing of treason (the attempted counterrevolution) but not disclosing it.
On February 27, 1895, Queen Lili‘uokalani was found guilty of misprision of treason and sentenced to a fine of $5,000 and imprisonment with hard labor for five years. Though Queen Lili‘uokalani was not forced to do hard labor, she was imprisoned in ‘Iolani Palace for seven months. Queen Lili‘uokalani was released from confinement on September 6, 1895, and then confined to Washington Place until February 6, 1896, and then island-restricted until October 6, 1896. Her freedom was restricted for 21 months in all, from Jan. 16, 1895 until October 6 1896.
One of the things Queen Lili‘uokalani wrote while imprisoned in ‘Iolani Palace was “The Queen’s Prayer”:
‘O kou aloha nō Aia I ka lani, A ‘o kou oiā‘i‘o, He hemolele ho‘i Ko‘u noho mihi‘ana A pa‘ahao ‘ia O‘oe ku‘u lama, Kou nani, ko‘u ko‘o. Mai nānā ‘ino‘ino Nā hewa o kānaka, Akā, e huikala A ma‘ema‘e nō. No laila e ka Haku, Ma lalo o kou ‘ēheu Kō makou maluhia A mau loa aku nō.
Translation: Your loving mercy Is as high as Heaven And your truth So perfect I live in sorrow Imprisoned You are my light Your glory, my support Behold not with malevolence The sins of man But forgive And cleanse And so, o Lord Protect us beneath your wings And let peace be our portion Now and forever more.[9]
In 1897, Queen Lili‘uokalani visited Washington D.C. and petitioned President McKinley to restore the rights of the Hawaiian people. At this time there were an estimated 9,500 voters of Hawaiian birth and nationality, with a total population in the Islands of more than 109,000 people. Queen Lili‘uokalani’s petition was not acted upon.
The Provisional Government also sent a petition to Washington D.C., and that petition (unlike Queen Lili‘uokalani’s petition) was acted upon. At this time, the revolutionists of the missionary party consisted of about 637 voters. President McKinley sent the annexation treaty to the Senate on June 16, 1897. Queen Lili‘uokalani submitted a formal protest, but it was ineffective. The United States Senate later claimed that President McKinley’s act of sending the bill to the U.S. Senate amounted to a recognition of Hawai‘i’s Provisional Government. While acknowledging that the native monarchy was overthrown, they claimed that McKinley’s recognition of the Provisional Government meant the facts would not be reviewed further by the United States.
In November of 1899, the deposed Queen Lili‘uokalani, Hawai‘i’s last monarch, left the Hawaiian Islands on a boat to San Francisco, and from there traveled to Washington D.C. Her goal was to appeal (again) for the rights of the Hawaiian people and for a settlement on crown lands.
Between 1900 and 1909, the deposed Queen Lili‘uokalani made five more trips to the United States to appeal for a settlement of the disputed crown lands and fair treatment for the Hawaiian people.
Queen Lili‘uokalani established a Deed of Trust in 1909 directing that all of her assets be used “for the benefit of orphan and other destitute children in the Hawaiian Islands, the preference to be given to Hawaiian children of pure or part aboriginal blood.”
On November 11, 1917, Queen Lili‘uokalani suffered a stroke in Honolulu and passed away at the age of 79.
The Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust, through the Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center, continues to provide social services to orphans and other needy children and their families in the State of Hawai‘i.
Queen Ka‘ahumanu Biographical Sketch: Queen Ka‘ahumanu (c.1768—1832) Father: Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe. Mother: Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana]. Brothers: Ke‘eaumoku (II) [Governor Cox]; Kuakini. Sister: Kalākua. Husband: King Kamehameha I, and then later, Kaua‘i’s paramount ruler King Kamuali‘i, and his heir Keali‘iahonui. Children: Foster mother of Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho (the future Kamehameha II).
Summary of Life of Queen Ka‘ahumanu:
Queen as favorite wife of King Kamehameha I.
When King Kamehameha I died, he established the office of kuhina nui (premier, or regent), allowing Ka‘ahumanu, his favorite wife, to become co-ruler with King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho), and she served in that capacity from 1819 to 1832. This severely diminished the power of King Kamehameha II.
Within months of assuming the throne, King Kamehameha II ate food in public with the dowager queens Ka‘ahumanu and Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani], thus breaking the kapu against men and women eating together. Since the defiant act brought no retribution from the gods, eating together was no longer kapu, and this began a process that eroded traditional Hawaiian religious beliefs, and eventually led to the complete overturning of the traditional kapu system.
Known as a strict ruler, kuhina nui (premier) Ka‘ahumanu was left in charge of the government of the Hawaiian Kingdom when the royal party visited London in 1823, and with the assistance of Kalanimoku [Kālaimoku; William (Billy) Pitt] she helped to stop the Kaua‘i rebellion that was led by George P. Kaumuali‘i.
Became a strong proponent of Protestantism, and was baptized in December of 1825. Ka‘ahumanu was taught to read and write by the Reverend Hiram Bingham, who was the first to translate the New Testament into the Hawaiian language. Bingham presented Ka‘ahumanu with the first copy of the new translation shortly before her death in 1832.
Died on June 5, 1832at her Mānoa Valley home called Puka‘ōma‘o, which means “Green opening” (the home had green shutters).
Queen Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani] Biographical Sketch: QueenKeōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani]Keōpūolani [Kauika‘alaneo] (1778—1823) Father: Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)]. Mother: Keku‘iapoiwa Liliha. Grandparents: Kalani‘ōpu‘u and Kalola (parents of Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)]). Great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Keku‘iapoiwanui [Keku‘iapoiwa (I)] (parents of Kalola). Grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Kalola (parents of Keku‘iapoiwa Liliha). Husband: King Kamehameha I. Children: King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho), King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli), and Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena [Nāahi‘ena‘ena; Nahienaena] Summary of Life of Queen Keōpūolani:
Keōpūolani means “The gathering of the clouds of heaven.”[10] Keōpūolani [Keōpūolanikauhiakama] is a descendent of four high-chiefly lines, including her father Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)] and her mother Keku‘iapoiwa Liliha.
As the granddaughter of Kalola, Keōpūolani was raised under many kapu (prohibitions) as a sacred person.
In 1795, at the age of 17, Keōpūolani became the sacred wife of King Kamehameha I. When Keōpūolani was about 11 years old, Kalola had promised Keōpūolani to Kamehameha in marriage.
With King Kamehameha I, Keōpūolani gave birth to two future kings, Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho (Kamehameha II) and Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha III), and a princess, Nāhi‘ena‘ena [Nāahi‘ena‘ena; Nahienaena].
An hour before her death, queen mother Keōpūolani became the first native Hawaiian to receive the Protestant rite of baptism.
Queen Kamāmalu
Biographical Sketch: Kamāmalu (1802—1824)
Father: King Kamehameha I.
Mother: Kalākua.
Husband: King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho).
Brother: Kekāuluohi (Miriam ‘Auhea) (mother of Lunalilo).
Half-Sister: Kīna‘u (daughter of Kalākua and King Kamehameha I).
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe and Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana].
Great grandparents Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Ha‘alo‘u (parents of Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana]).
On father’s side:
Grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II) (father of King Kamehameha I). Summary of Life of Kamāmalu:
Queen as favorite wife of King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho).
Visited London with her husband, King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho), and died there of measles on July 8, 1824, six days before her husband (King Kamehameha II) succumbed to the disease.
Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena [Nāahi‘ena‘ena; Nahienaena]
Biographical Sketch: Princess Harriet Keōpūolani Nāhi‘ena‘ena(1815—1836) Father: King Kamehameha I. Mother: Queen Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani]. Brothers: Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho (King Kamehameha II); and Kauikeaouli (King Kamehameha III).
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)] and Keku‘iapoiwa Liliha.
Great grandparents: Kalani‘ōpu‘u and Kalola (parents of Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)]).
Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Kalola (parents of Keku‘iapoiwa).
Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Keku‘iapoiwanui [Keku‘iapoiwa (I)] (parents of Kalola).
On father’s side: Grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II) Summary of Life of Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena:
Full Name: Nāhi‘ena‘enaikekapuewela‘aikapēkapuokeakua.
Princess as daughter of King Kamehameha I and Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani].
Educated as a child by American missionaries.
Wavered between the Protestant faith and traditional Hawaiian beliefs.
Excommunicated by Protestants in May of 1835.
Married in 1835 to the high chief Leleiōhoku; their son died at birth.
Biographical Sketch: Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani (1826—1883): Father: Mataio Kekūanaō‘a. Mother: Kalani Pauahi.
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: Keōuwahine and Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū.
Great grandparents: King Kamehameha I and Kānekapolei (parents of Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū).
Husband: William Pitt Leleiōhoku (I).
Children: William Pitt Kīna‘u.
Second Husband: Isaac Young Davis. Summary of Life of Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani:
Princess as daughter of King Kamehameha I and Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani].
Mother of Kaeolaokalani, who died at six months old.
During the 1880 eruption of Mauna Loa Volcano threatening Hilo, Princess Ruth supplicated the volcano goddess Pele with chants and gifts, and the lava flow stopped at edge of town.
Princess Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop Biographical Sketch: Princess Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop (1831—1844) Father: Abner Pākī. Mother: Konia [Laura Konia]. On mother’s side: Grandparents: Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū and Luahine (parents of Konia [Laura Konia]). Great grandparents: King Kamehameha I and Kānekapolei (parents of Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū). Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II) (parents of King Kamehameha I). Summary of Life of Princess Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop:
Granddaughter and last direct descendant of King Kamehameha I.
Beginning at the age of eight, Princess Pauahi attended the Royal School, known as Chiefs’ Children’s School until 1846.
Married Charles Reed Bishop at the Royal School on June 4, 1850.
On December 11, 1872, Princess Pauahi declined the deathbed offer of King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha) to name her as his successor.
King Kalākaua gave Princess Pauahi the Grand Cross of the Order of Kamehameha in 1875.
When Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani died in 1883, her will bequeathed to Princess Pauahi her elaborate mansion, Keōua Hale on Emma Street in Honolulu, as well as approximately 353,000 acres of Kamehameha lands, totaling nearly nine percent of the land in the Hawaiian Islands.
In 1885, Princess Pauahi inherited Haleakalā (near King and Bishop Streets in Honolulu), the former home of her parents, Abner Pākī and Konia [Laura Konia]. Charles Reed Bishop and Princess Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop lived at Haleakalā, which was built in 1847 by Abner Pākī.
Princess Pauahi inherited approximately 25,000 acres of land from Pākī and Konia [Laura Konia], and from Pauahi’s aunt, ‘Akāhi.
When Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop died in 1884, her will left 434,000 acres (175,634 ha) of land in perpetual trust to assist in the establishment of two schools in the Kamehameha name, and thus the Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate was founded.
The Kamehameha School for Boys opened in Honolulu on October 4, 1887, and then Kamehameha School for Girls opened on December 19, 1894.
Today the Bishop Estate, officially renamed Kamehameha Schools, continues to operate Kamehameha Schools, including the 600-acre (243-ha) Kapālama campus in Honolulu as well as smaller campuses on Maui and Hawai‘i Island. The Estate has vast land holdings and investments worth nearly $7 billion, and educates more than 51,000 students annually on three campuses as well as through charter schools, community outreach programs, and in 28 preschools.
Queen Kapi‘olani Biographical Sketch: Kapi‘olani (II) (1834—1899) Father: Kūhiō. Mother: Kinoiki. Sisters: Virginia Kapo‘oloku Po‘omaikelani; Esther Kinoiki Kekaulike. On mother’s side: Grandparents: Kaumuali‘i (ruler of Kaua‘i) and Kapuaamohu (parents of Kinoiki). Great grandparents: Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo] and Kamakahelei (parents of Kaumuali‘i). Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Holau (parents of Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo]). Summary of Life of Queen Kapi‘olani:
Queen as wife of King Kalākaua, who she married in 1863.
She was first married to Nāmākēhā, during which time she was the governess of Prince Albert, the child of King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani) and Queen Emma.
Attended the jubilee of Great Britain’s Queen Victoria, and then visited United States President Grover Cleveland.
Supported charitable causes dedicated to helping Hawaiian girls and women.
Kapi‘olani means “The arch [of] heaven,” referring to rainbows, which signified the presence of royalty.[12]
Queen Emma Biographical Sketch: Emma Na‘ea Rooke (Kalanikaumakeamano) [Queen Emma] (1836—1885) [Kalanikaumakeamano (name given at birth); Kaleleonālani (name taken after her husband and son died; Kaleleonālani means “Flight of the chiefs.” Born: 1836. Died: April 25, 1885. Father: George Na‘ea. Mother: Fanny Kekelaokalani Young. Husband: Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani (King Kamehameha IV). Grandparents: John Young (‘Olohana) and Ka‘o‘ana‘eha (parents of Fanny Kekelaokalani Young). Great grandparents: Keli‘imaika‘i (brother of King Kamehameha I) and Kaliko‘okalani (parents of Ka‘o‘ana‘eha). Great great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II) (parents of Keli‘imaika‘i) Summary of Life of Queen Emma:
Great-granddaughter of the brother of King Kamehameha I.
Adopted by her maternal aunt, Grace Kamaikui Young Rooke and her husband Dr. Thomas Charles Byde Rooke, who belonged to the Church of England.
Emma became queen as wife of King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani), who she married in 1856 at Kawaiha‘o Church.
Queen Emma was the mother of Prince Albert Edward Kauikeaouli Leiopapa o Kamehameha, born on May 20, 1858. The young prince, a godchild of England’s Queen Victoria, died in 1862 at the age of four.
Kalanikaumakeamano was Queen Emma’s name given at birth; Kaleleonalani was the name she took after her husband and son died.
Queen Emma’s grandfather John Young (‘Olohana) (c.1749—1835) was the boatswain left onshore when Simon Metcalfe fled after being attacked by Kame‘eiamoku in revenge for the Olowalu massacre.
Queen Emma put forth her claim to the throne in 1874. David La‘amea Kalākaua was elected king, and when the results were announced, the courthouse was attacked and ransacked, legislators were beaten, and one delegate was thrown out of a window. The violence left many injured and one dead. American and British warships provide armed marines to restore order.
Princess Kamāmalu
Biographical Sketch: Princess Kamāmalu [Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu] (1838—1866) Father: Mataio Kekūanaō‘a. Mother: Kīna‘u. Brothers: David Kamehameha (died young); King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani); King Kamehameha V. (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha); Moses Kekūāiwa (Governor of O‘ahu). On mother’s side: Grandparents: King Kamehameha I and Kalākua. Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II) (parents of King Kamehameha I). Great grandparents: Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe and Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana] (parents of Kalākua). Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Ha‘alo‘u (parents of Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana]). Summary of Life of Princess Kamāmalu [Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu]:
Appointed kuhina nui (premier) by King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani), succeeding John Young II. Kamāmalu was kuhina nui from 1854 to 1864.
Attended the school established by missionaries, called Chiefs’ Children’s School (renamed Royal School in 1846).
Composed many native chants.
Victoria Kamāmalu was engaged to Prince Lunalilo, though apparently King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani) opposed the union. Kalākaua is also said to have proposed to her, but was declined. She never married.
Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) wrote about Kamāmalu’s large state funeral. (See Mark Twain in the Sandwich Islands, Chapter 12.)
Prince Kūhiō Biographical Sketch: Prince Kūhiō [Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Pi‘ikoi] (1871—1922) Born: March 26, 1871. Father: David Kahelepouli Pi‘ikoi. Mother: Princess Esther Kinoiki Kekaulike (sister of Queen Kapi‘olani). Brothers: Prince Edward Keali‘ihonui; Prince David Kawānanakoa. Wife: Elizabeth Kahanu Ka‘auwai (daughter of Kaua‘i chief). On mother’s side: Grandparents: Kūhiō and Kinoiki (parents of Esther Kinoiki Kekaulike). Great grandparents: Kapuaamohu and Kaumuali‘i (parents of Kinoiki). Great great grandparents: Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo] and Kamakahelei (parents of Kaumuali‘i). Great great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Holau (parents of Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo]). Summary of Life of Prince Kūhiō [Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Pi‘ikoi]:
Born in the Kōloa region of Kaua‘i’s southern coast near Hō‘ai Bay in a grass house at an ancient fishing village called Kukui‘ula (“Red light”[14]).
Nephew and adopted son of Queen Kapi‘olani (sister of Princess Esther Kinoiki Kekaulike).
Prince Kūhiō was the youngest of three boys, all considered ali‘i (royalty) due to their royal descent from Kaua‘i’s paramount ruler (king) Kaumuali‘i. One brother, Edward Keali‘ihonui, died in his teens. Jonah Kūhiō and his other brother, David Kawānanakoa, were adopted into the childless royal family of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi‘olani after the boys’ father, David Kahalepouli Pi‘ikoi, died when Kūhiō was ten.
Kalaniana‘ole, means “The royal chief without measure,”[15] referring to the prince’s noble heredity, which includes the royal lineage of Kūhiō’s mother, Esther Kinoiki Kekaulike, who was appointed governor of Hawai‘i Island by King Kalākaua.
When Kūhiō was 13 years old, King Kalākaua declared Jonah and his brother David princes by royal decree with the intent that they would carry on the Kalākaua dynasty. King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi‘olani held an official coronation on February 12, 1883 at ‘Iolani Palace, and the jeweled royal crowns were carried by Prince Kūhiō and his brother David Kawānanakoa.
Due to his cherubic and handsome looks, Prince Kūhiō was sometimes referred to as Prince Cupid, a name given to him in his youth by his French teacher.
Prince Kūhiō attended the Royal School and Punahou School on O‘ahu, and then attended St. Matthew’s College in California before enrolling in the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, England. He then graduated from an English business school.
Prince Kūhiō was a master of the traditional Hawaiian art of lua (ancient Hawaiian form of martial arts). He also competed on school teams in the sports of football and track.
In 1884, Kūhiō was appointed to the Cabinet of the Hawaiian Kingdom by Kalākau to administer the Department of the Interior.
With the support of King Kalākaua, Prince Kūhiō studied Japanese culture and government for one year in Japan. The king hoped the Prince would find a royal Japanese bride and form a marital alliance between the Hawaiian Islands and Japan.
Prince Kūhiō was named as presumptive heir to the throne by Queen Lili‘uokalani after she ascended to the throne in 1891, making Kūhiō the last royally-designated heir.
After he returned to the Hawaiian Islands just before the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893, Prince Kūhiō worked to restore Queen Lili‘uokalani to the throne.
In 1895 at the age of 24, Prince Kūhiō participated in a royalist uprising (a counter-revolution) against the Republic of Hawai‘i, and was arrested by the Provisional Government, charged with treason, and imprisoned for one year.
After his release from prison, Prince Kūhiō married Elizabeth Kahanu Ka‘auwai, a full-blooded Hawaiian chiefess who was the daughter of a Maui chief, and they took a trip to Africa.
Disheartened by the events in the Hawaiian Islands, Prince Kūhiō joined the British Army in South Africa in the Boer War.
Prince Kūhiō was next in line to ascend to the throne after Princess Ka‘iulani passed away in 1899, but the restoration of the monarchy became more unlikely with each passing year.
Prince Kūhiō and his wife returned to the Hawaiian Islands in 1901. He helped organize the Republican Party in 1902 and that same year he was elected as the Territory of Hawai‘i’s second, non-voting delegate to the United States Congress (after Robert Wilcox), serving in the position for a total of 20 years (ten, two-year terms) until he died in 1922.
Prince Kūhiō helped to found the Order of Kamehameha in 1903 and the Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu in 1918. The Civic Club’s tradition of community involvement continues today.
Due to his political efforts to help Hawaiians and promote self-sufficiency among the native population, Prince Kūhiō was known as Ke Ali‘i Maka‘āinana, which means “Chief of the Commoners,” “Citizen Prince,” or “Prince of the People.”
Throughout his life, Prince Kūhiō worked to preserve the traditions and culture of native Hawaiians. One of Prince Kūhiō’s legacies was his inspired involvement in the passing of the Hawaiian Homestead Commission Act, which was enacted on July 9, 1921 to provide low-cost homestead and farming land to Hawaiians with at least 50% native Hawaiian ancestry based on blood quantum.
A total of 203,500 acres (82,354 ha) was designated as “available lands” for the program, but the sugar companies had lobbied to exclude all areas that were not used for sugar, which included most of the best agricultural land in the Hawaiian Islands. No money was available to develop the second-tier parcels and thus most of the lands were not used.
During the first 70 years after the passage of Hawaiian Homestead Commission Act of 1920, just 3,000 families received lands and many people who were on the original list of applications passed away before receiving land.
Of his political efforts, Prince Kūhiō stated, “The legislation proposed seeks to place the Hawaiian back on the soil, so that the valuable and sturdy traits of that race, peculiarly adapted to the islands, shall be preserved to posterity.”[16]
Prince Kūhiō’s home was called Pualeilani, which means “Flower from the wreath of heaven.” The home was located across Kalākaua Avenue from Kūhiō Beach Park.
Prince Kūhiō passed away due to heart disease on January 7, 1922 at the age of 50. He was given the last state funeral held for a Hawaiian ali‘i (royalty), and was laid to rest at the Royal Mausoleum in O‘ahu’s Nu‘uanu Valley.
Prince Kūhiō Park is located near the Prince Kūhiō’s birthplace on Kaua‘i’s southern shore west of Kōloa. The park features a pond and terraced stone walls, Hō‘ai Heiau, and a statue of the prince that was unveiled on June 17, 1928 with about 10,000 people in attendance.
Prince Kūhiō’s life is celebrated with an annual state holiday each year on Prince Kūhiō Day, the prince’s birthday, March 26. Prince Kūhiō Day is traditionally a day of canoe races and other local events, including a ceremony at Prince Kūhiō Park on Kaua‘i.
Kūhiō Beach Park in Waikīkī is named after Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Pi‘ikoi, whose home fronting the beach was torn down in 1936. (See Kūhiō Beach Park; and Statue of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole in O‘ahu section, Chapter 2; andPrince Kūhiō Park/Hō‘ai Heiau in Kaua‘i section, Chapter 2.)
Princess Ka‘iulani Biographical Sketch: Princess Victoria Ka‘iulani (1875—1899) Born: October 16, 1875. Father: Archibald Scott Cleghorn. Mother: Miriam Likelike (sister of King Kalākaua and Queen Lili‘uokalani). On mother’s side: Grandparents: Keohokālole and Caesar Kapa‘akea (parents of Miriam Likelike). Great grandparents: ‘Aikanaka and Kama‘e (parents of Keohokālole). Great great grandparents: Kepo‘okalani and Keohohiwa (parents of ‘Aikanaka). Great great great grandparents: Kamakaeheikuli and Kame‘eiamoku (parents of Kepo‘okalani). Great grandparents: Kamanawa II and Kamokuiki (parents of Caesar Kapa‘akea). Great great grandparents: Alapa‘iwahine and Kepo‘okalani (parents of Kamanawa II). Great great great grandparents: Kamakaeheikuli and Kame‘eiamoku (parents of Kepo‘okalani) Summary of Life of Princess Victoria Ka‘iulani:
Princess Ka‘iulani was proclaimed heir apparent to the Hawaiian Kingdom when Queen Lili‘uokalani ascended to the throne in 1891.
Attended boarding school in England under the guardianship of Theophilus Harris Davies (1833—1898), who had been a friend of King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha), and was a prominent Honolulu businessman and founder of the “Big Five” firm of Theo H. Davies & Co. When Princess Ka‘iulani departed for England, author Robert Louis Stevenson (who had visited her in Waikīkī) wrote a celebrated poem:
Forth from her land to mine she goes, The island maid, the island rose, Light of heart and bright of face The daughter of a double race. Her islands here in Southern sun Shall mourn their Kaiulani gone. And I, in her dear banyan’s shade, Look vainly for my little maid. But our Scots Islands far away Shall glitter with unwanted day, And cast for once their tempest by To smile in Kaiulani’s eye. Robert Louis Stevenson, 1889
After the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893, the 17-year-old Princess Ka‘iulani (who was in England at the time) went to Washington D.C. with her guardian Theophilus Harris Davies to appeal to President Grover Cleveland for the restoration of the monarchy. Cleveland eventually ordered the monarchy restored, though this never occurred.
Princess Ka‘iulani was a talented artist, musician, horseback rider, and swimmer, and was also active in many charitable causes.
Princess Ka‘iulani had many peacocks (also known by the Hawaiian word pīkake), and she was referred to by some as the “Princess of the Peacocks.” The birds roamed the gardens of fragrant, white Arabian jasmine flowers (Jasminum sambac) at Princess Ka‘iulani’s spacious Waikīkī estate known as ‘Āinahau, which was built by her father, Archibald Scott Cleghorn, the Governor of O‘ahu. The blossom of the white Arabian jasmine flower was a favorite of Princess Ka‘iulani. From its association with the young princess, the Arabian jasmine flower later also became known by the Hawaiian term pīkake.
On March 6, 1899, at the age of 23, Princess Ka‘iulani died at ‘Āinahau, where her favored flowers grew and where her peacocks roamed. The princess had become ill after going horseback riding in a rainstorm, and her death was attributed to a fever. Many believe, however, that she died of a broken heart, as the last Hawaiian princess and heiress to a vanished throne. On the night she died the peacocks (pīkake) are said to have made extremely loud vocal displays of their grief.
Princess Likelike Biographical Sketch: Princess Likelike (Miriam Likelike) (1851—1887) Father: Caesar Kapa‘akea Mother: Keohokālole Brothers: David La‘amea Kalākaua [King Kalākaua], William Pitt Leleōhoku (II). Sister: Lydia Pākī (Kamaka‘eha) [Queen Lili‘uokalani]. Husband: Archibald Scott Cleghorn (married September 22, 1870). Daughter: Princess Ka‘iulani [Victoria Kawēkiu Ka‘iulani]. On mother’s side Grandparents: ‘Aikanaka and Kama‘e. Great grandparents: Kepo‘okalani and Keohohiwa (parents of ‘Aikanaka). Great great grandparents: Kamakaeheikuli and Kame‘eiamoku (parents of Kepo‘okalani). On father’s side: Grandparents: Kamanawa II and Kamokuiki. Great grandparents: Alapa‘iwahine and Kepo‘okalani (parents of Kamanawa II). Great great grandparents: Kamakaeheikuli and Kame‘eiamoku (parents of Kepo‘okalani)
Chapter 16—Part III Other Hawaiian Ali‘i (Royalty) and Chiefs Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] c.1713—1794 Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe c.1736—1804 Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo] 1748—1794 Ka‘iana‘ahu‘ula [Ka‘iana] c.1756—1795 Kalanikūpule 1760—1795 Kaikio‘ewa 1765—1839 Kalanimoku 1768—1827 Ulumāheihei (Hoapili) 1776—1840 King Kaumuali‘i c.1780—1824 Kapi‘olani (I) 1781—1841 Kīna‘u 1805—1839
Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] Biographical Sketch: Kahekilinui‘ahumanu (c.1713—1794)
Father: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike]. Mother: Keku‘iapoiwanui [Keku‘iapoiwa (I)].
Brother: Kamehamehanui. Sister: Kalola.
Sons: Kalanikūpule; Koalaukani; possibly also King Kamehameha I. Half-Brothers: Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo], Kekuamanohā. Half-Sister: Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana] Summary of Life of Kahekili:
Enemy of warriors Kalani‘ōpu‘u and Kamehameha I.
May have been true biological father of King Kamehameha I. Though the father of King Kamehameha I is usually listed as Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui], many think Kahekili is indeed the true biological father because Kamehameha’s mother Keku‘iapoiwa had visited Kahekili before the young ali‘i Pai‘ea Kamehameha was born.
Tattooed black over one side of his body from head to toe; sometimes referred to as “pā‘ele kū chief of the Bays of Pi‘ilani,”[17] because of the black tattoo covering half of his body.
Assisted by his half-brother Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo], Kahekili became ruler of Maui and then O‘ahu, leaving his son, Kalanikūpule to rule Maui.
Visited ship of Captain Cook in November 1778.
Defeated in 1791 by forces of Kamehameha I off the northeast coast of Hawai‘i Island in the sea battle known as Kepūwaha‘ula‘ula (“War of the Red Mouthed Cannon”), the first Hawaiian sea battle in which both sides were armed with foreign gunners and cannons.
Died in the summer of 1794 and left his domains to his half-brother, Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo], and his son Kalanikūpule, who became enemies, instigating the battles that led to the rise of King Kamehameha I.
An ancient Hawaiian proverb states, “Wehe i ka mākāhā i komo ka i‘a,” (“Open the sluice gate that the fish may enter.”)“This was uttered by Kaleopu‘upu‘u, priest of Kahekili, after the dedication of the heiau of Kaluli, at Pu‘uohala on the north side of Wailuku, Maui. A second invasion from Kalaniōpu‘u of Hawai‘i Island was expected, and the priest declared that they were now ready to trap the invaders, like fish inside a pond. The saying refers to the application of strategy to trap the enemy.”[18]
Kahekili’s house at Wailuku was known as Lanikeha.
Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe Biographical Sketch: Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe (c.1736—1804) Father: Keawepoepoe. Mother: Kūma‘aikū. Wife: Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana]. Daughter: Ka‘ahumanu (queen as wife of King Kamehameha I).
Sons: Kuakini (John Adams); Ke‘eaumoku II (Governor Cox).
Older brothers (on father’s side): Sacred twins Kamanawa and Kame‘eiamoku (these brothers were allies of Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe). Granddaughter: Ka‘ua‘umokuokamānele [Kamānele] (daughter of Kuakini). Summary of Life of Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe:
Fought numerous interisland battles, eventually joining forces with Kamehameha I.
Was the most prominent of Kona’s four high chiefs, leading canoe fleets and land battles supporting Kamehameha I.
Said to have killed Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula at Kawaihae Heiau in 1791.
Became governor of large areas of Hawai‘i Island.
Died in 1804, likely of ma‘i ‘ōku‘u (thought to be cholera), during an 1804 invasion of O‘ahu with the troops of Kamehameha I.
An ancient Hawaiian proverb states, “Ka aku la ka‘u lā‘au i ka ‘a‘ama kua lenalena.” (“My spear pierced the yellow-shelled crab.”). “This was the boast of the warrior who speared Ke‘eaumoku at the Battle of Moku‘ohai. Ke‘eaumoku revived and shortly after killed Kīwala‘ō. This battle was between the two cousins Kamehameha and Kīwala‘ō.”[19]
Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo] Biographical Sketch: Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo] (1748—1794) Father: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike]. Mother: Holau. Wife: Kamakahelei. Son: Kaumuali‘i. Grandson: Kinoiki (daughter of Kapuaamohu and Kaumuali‘i). Great grandchildren: Kapi‘olani (II), Virginia Kapo‘oloku Po‘omaikelani, and Esther Kinoiki Kekaulike (children of Kūhiō and Kinoiki). Great great grandchildren: Edward Keali‘ihonui, David Kawānanakoa, and Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Pi‘ikoi (children of Esther Kinoiki and David Kahalepouli Pi‘ikoi). Half-brother: Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili]. Summary of Life of Kā‘eokūlani:
Ruler of Kaua‘i.
Helped Kahekili conquer Maui and O‘ahu.
When Kahekili died in 1794, Kahekili’s domains were divided between Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo] and Kalanikūpule (son of Kahekili). Kā‘eokūlani and Kalanikūpule became enemies, and Kā‘eokūlani was killed in a 1794 battle against Kalanikūpule, who was assisted by foreigners and foreign ships. The battle took place near what is now called Pearl Harbor.
Ka‘iana‘ahu‘ula [Ka‘iana] Biographical Sketch:Ka‘iana‘ahu‘ula [Ka‘iana] (c.1756—1795) Father: ‘Ahu‘ula. Mother: Kaupekamoku.
Half-brother: Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili]. Summary of Life of Ka‘iana‘ahu‘ula [Ka‘iana]:
First Hawaiian chief to travel to foreign countries. Went to Canton, China in 1787 on the Nootka with Captain John Meares, returning on the Iphigenia with Captain William Douglas in 1788.
A warrior chief, Ka‘iana‘ahu‘ula led battles for and against Kamehameha I. Ka‘iana‘ahu‘ula had brought back muskets and cannons from his journeys, and his knowledge of foreign weapons and high rank made him a valuable ally of Kamehameha I. This is said to have diminished after 1793 when he is alleged to have had an affair with Queen Ka‘ahumanu, the wife of King Kamehameha I.
Led Kamehameha I’s forces against Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula (chief of Puna and Ka‘ū districts).
During the 1795 invasion of O‘ahu, Ka‘iana‘ahu‘ula deserted to Kalanikūpule’s side, and died fighting the forces of Kamehameha I in the Battle of Nu‘uanu.
An ancient Hawaiian proverb states, “‘Eu kōlea i kona puapua; ‘eu ke kanaka i kona hanu.” (“A plover stirs its tail; a man stirs because of the breath within.”) “Said by Ka‘iana, who led an army in battle under Kamehameha I. When the Puna fighters refused to battle against Keouakuahu‘ula because of the close kinship between their own district and Ka‘ū, Ka‘iana said this to urge them to think of themselves and their own lives. Encouraged, the warriors resumed fighting and won the victory for Kamehameha.”[20]
Kalanikūpule Biographical Sketch: Kalanikūpule (1760—1795)
Father: Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili].
Mother: Kauwahine.
Grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Keku‘i‘apoiwa I. Uncle: Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo]. Summary of Life of Kalanikūpule:
When his father died in 1794 he became ruler of Maui and O‘ahu.
Fought with his uncle Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo].
Suffered defeat to Kamehameha I at 1795 Battle of Nu‘uanu Pali, and then hid in the mountains for several months before being captured and sacrificed to Kamehameha’s war god, Kūkā‘ilimoku.
Kaikio‘ewa Biographical Sketch: Kaikio‘ewa (1765—1839) Father: Ka‘ianaukupe Kaolohaka-a-keawe. Mother: Kekiko‘ola Lalanikauleleaiwi. Wife: Kalanikaulihiwakama (sister of King Kamehameha I); Keaweamahi
Children: Daughter (by Kalanikaulihiwakama): Kuwahine. Daughter (by Nahaukapu): Likelike. Summary of Life of Kaikio‘ewa:
Cousin of King Kamehameha I through both mother and father.
Supporter of Kamehameha I during the civil wars.
Guardian of Kauikeaouli, who would later become King Kamehameha III.
Appointed as governor of Kaua‘i in 1825 after Kaua‘i rebellion was thwarted, and remained governor until he died, at which time his wife, Keaweamahi took his place.
Went into debt during the sandalwood era due to excesses in spending on novelties.
Converted to Protestantism, and encouraged the expulsion of Catholic priests in 1830.
Kalanimoku Biographical Sketch: [Kālaimoku; William (Billy) Pitt](1768—1827) Father: Kekuamanohā. Mother: Kamakahukilani. Grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Ha‘alo‘u. Wife: Kiliwehi. Son: William Pitt Leleiōhoku (I), (husband of Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani). Summary of Life of Kalanimoku:
Treasurer and principal counselor (kālaimoku) to King Kamehameha I, and later to kuhina nui (premier) Ka‘ahumanu, serving also as Ka‘ahumanu’s treasurer, supervising all tax and fee collections.
Present at the death of Captain Cook in 1779.
Took the nickname of “Billy Pitt” after William Pitt, the English Prime Minister.
Baptized a Roman Catholic in 1819 aboard the L‘Uranie, in the presence of kuhina nui (premier) Ka‘ahumanu and King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho). The scene was painted by Jacques Arago (1790—1855), the ship‘s artist, who wrote and illustrated accounts of the Hawaiian Islands during the French expedition.
[Illustration: Scene above depicted by Arago.]
Guardian of young Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho).
Helped defeat Kaua‘i rebellion of 1824 led by George P. Kaumuali‘i.
Sent ships on numerous trading voyages, including to America, the South Seas and the Russian-American colonies.
Ulumāheihei (Hoapili) Biographical Sketch: Ulumāheihei (Hoapili) (1776—1840)
Father: Kame‘eiamoku (one of the sacred royal twins of Kekaulike).
Mother: Keali‘iokahekili. Summary of Life of Ulumāheihei (Hoapili):
A close friend of Kamehameha I, Ulumāheihei was given the name Hoapili because of his close friendship with Kamehameha I (Hoapili means “Close personal friend”).
After King Kamehameha I’s death in 1819, Ulumāheihei was entrusted with hiding the King Kamehameha’s bones.
Hoapili was supportive of the overthrow of the traditional kapu system in 1819.
After Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani] died, Hoapili married Kalākua (the daughter of Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe and Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana]), and had a child, Kekāuluohi (Miriam ‘Auhea), who later gave birth, with Charles Kana‘ina, to the future King Lunalilo. Kalākua also gave birth (with King Kamehameha I) to Kamāmalu (queen as wife of King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho)).
Hoapili married King Kamehameha’s sacred wife, Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani], becoming her sole husband when she abandoned polygamy.
From 1836 to 1840, Hoapili was governor of Lāna‘i, Maui, and Moloka‘i.
An ancient Hawaiian proverb states, “Ulumaheihei wale no, iāia o loko, iāia o waho.” (“Ulumaheihei knows everything inside and out.”) “One who knows everything. Ulumaheihei was a very close friend of Kamehameha, who renamed him Hoapili. He was the king’s most trusted friend and knew every affair of the kingdom. It was to him that Kamehameha entrusted his bones after death.”[21]
King Kaumuali‘i Biographical Sketch: King Kaumuali‘i (c.1780—1824)
Father: Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo].
Mother: Kamakahelei.
Grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Holau (parents of Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo]). Son: George P.(Prince) Kaumuali‘i (Humehume). Grandchildren: Queen Kapi‘olani, Virginia Kapo‘oloku Po‘omaikelani, and Esther Kinoiki Kekaulike (children of Kūhiō and Kinoiki). Favorite Queen: Deborah Kapule [Kekaiha‘akūlou] Summary of Life of King Kaumuali‘i:
Paramount ruler (king) of Kaua‘i.
Ceded the island of Kaua‘i to King Kamehameha I in 1810, allowing King Kamehameha I to declare the Hawaiian Islands one nation (the united Hawaiian Kingdom).
Supported (unauthorized) Russian occupation (led by Georg Anton Schäffer) of Kaua‘i in 1816—1817.
Pledged his allegiance to King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho) on September 16, 1821, at Waimea, Kaua‘i, and accepted Liholiho’s sovereignty.
Taken prisoner by King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho) on September 16, 1821, aboard the royal ship, Ha‘aheo o Hawai‘i (Pride of Hawai‘i) and then taken to O‘ahu.
On October 9, 1821, Kaumuali‘i married kuhina nui (premier) Ka‘ahumanu, former favorite wife of King Kamehameha I.
Kapi‘olani (I)[Kapi‘olaninui] Biographical Sketch: Kapi‘olani (1781—1841) Father: Chief Keawemauhili, high chief of Hilo. Mother: Ululani. Brother: Keaweokahikona. Husband: Nāihe. Summary of Life of Kapi‘olani (I) [Kapi‘olaninui]:
As a child, Kapi‘olani (I) was captured with her parents after being defeated in the Battle of Moku‘ōhai; they escaped, but the infant Kapi‘olani (I) was abandoned in the forest, and later found.
Converted by Protestant missionaries, Kapi‘olani led a march in 1824 on Hawai‘i Island, from Kona to Kīlauea Volcano, where she defied Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes, by proclaiming the power of Jehovah. When the marchers were not engulfed by lava, at least 90 more converts joined with her.
Kapi‘olani means “The arch of heaven,” referring to a rainbow, which is a traditional sign of royalty.
Kapi‘olani’s niece and namesake was Queen Kapi‘olani (1834—1899), wife of King Kalākaua.
“Kapiolani,” a dramatic poem about Kapi‘olani’s march to the volcano, was written by English poet laureate, Lord Tennyson.
Kapiolani, by Lord Alfred Tennyson When from the terrors of Nature a people have fashion’d and worship a Spirit of Evil Blest be the Voice of the Teacher who calls to them, “Set yourselves free!”
Noble the Saxon who hurled at his Idol a valorous weapon in olden England! Great, and greater, and greatest of women, island heroine Kapiolani Clomb the mountain, and flung the berries and dared the Goddess, and freed the people Of Hawa-i-ee!
A people believing that Peelè the Goddess would wallow in fiery riot and revel On Kilauea, Dance in a fountain of flame with her devils or shake with her thunders and shatter her island, Rolling her anger Thro’ blasted valley and flowing forest in blood-red cataracts down to the sea!
Long as the lava-light Glares from the lava-take, Dazing the starlight; Long as the silvery vapor in daylight Over the mountain Floats, will the glory of Kapiolani be mingled with either on Hawa-i-ee.
What said her Priesthood? “Woe to this island if ever a woman should handle or gather the berries of Peelè Accursed were she! And woe to this island if ever a woman should climb to the dwelling of Peelè the Goddess! Accursed were she!”
One from the Sunrise Dawned on His people and slowly before him Vanished shadow-like Gods and Goddesses, None but the terrible Peelè remaining as Kapiolani Ascended her mountain, Baffled her priesthood, Broke the Taboo, Dipt to the crater, Called on the Power adored by the Christian and crying, “I dare her, let Peelè avenge herself!”
Into the flame-billows dashed the berries, and drove the demon from Hawa-i-ee.
Kīna‘u Biographical Sketch: Kīna‘u (1805—1839)
Father: King Kamehameha I.
Mother: Kalākua.
Sister: Kamāmalu
Husband: Mataio Kekūanaō‘a
Children: King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani); King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha); Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu; and Moses Kekūāiwa.
On father’s side:
Grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa II.
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe and Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana].
Great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Ha‘alo‘u (parents of Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana]) Summary of Life of Kīna‘u:
In 1832, Kīna‘u became kuhina nui (premier, sharing power with King Kamehameha III [Kauikeaouli]), succeeding Ka‘ahumanu.
Kīna‘u continued Ka‘ahumanu’s policy of supporting missionary teachings and associated laws. This was not supported by King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli), who was prevented from recovering certain properties due to the laws.
Kīna‘u and King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli) reconciled in 1835 when King Kamehameha III proclaimed a code of laws in line with Kīna‘u’s beliefs.
[1] p. 32, Pukui, Mary Kawena. ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1983. Proverb 257. [2] Pukui, Mary Kawena, Elbert, Samuel H., and Mookini, Esther T. Mookini. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974. [3] p. 309, p. xxiv, Desha, Stephen L., translated by Frazier, Frances N. Kamehameha and his Warrior Kekūhaupi‘o. Honolulu: Kamehameha Schools Press, 2000). [4] p. 27, Pukui, Mary Kawena. ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1983. Proverb 227. [5] p. 76, Pukui, Mary Kawena, and Elbert, Samuel H. & Mookini, Esther T. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974. [6] p. 76, Pukui, Mary Kawena, and Elbert, Samuel H. & Mookini, Esther T. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974. [7] p. 254, 255, Pukui, Mary Kawena. ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1983. Proverb 2342. [8]The Apology to Native Hawaiians on behalf of the United States for the Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Kapolei, Hawai‘i: Ka‘imi Pono Press, 1994. [9] p. AA-6, Monarchy to Annexation: Queen Lili‘uokalani. The Honolulu Advertiser, 7/02/2006. [10] Also translated as “The cluster of royal chiefs.” [p. 161, Pukui, Mary Kawena, and Elbert, Samuel H. & Mookini, Esther T. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974.] [11] p. 160, Pukui, Mary Kawena, and Elbert, Samuel H. & Mookini, Esther T. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974. [12] Pukui, Mary Kawena, and Elbert, Samuel H. & Mookini, Esther T. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974. [13] p. 80, Pukui, Mary Kawena, and Elbert, Samuel H. & Mookini, Esther T. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974. [14] Pukui, Mary Kawena, Elbert, Samuel H., and Mookini, Esther T. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974. [15] Pukui, Mary Kawena, and Elbert, Samuel H. & Mookini, Esther T. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974. [16] p. 182. Seiden, Allan. Hawai‘i: The Royal Legacy. Honolulu: Mutual Publishing, 1992. [17] p. 41, Desha, Stephen L., translated by Frazier, Frances N. Kamehameha and his Warrior Kekūhaupi‘o. Honolulu: Kamehameha Schools Press, 2000. [18] p. 320, Pukui, Mary Kawena. ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1983. Proverb 2923. [19] p. 200, Pukui, Mary Kawena. ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1983. Proverb 1860. [20] p. 46, Pukui, Mary Kawena. ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1983. Proverb 381. [21] p. 227, Pukui, Mary Kawena. ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1983. Proverb 2541.
Queens, Kings, Princesses, Princes, and other Ali‘i and Important Chiefs
Part I
Nā Mō‘ī Hawai‘i—The Hawaiian Monarchy
The Eight Rulers of the United Hawaiian Kingdom
King Kamehameha I [Kamehameha] c.1753—1819
King Kamehameha II [Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho] 1797—1824
King Kamehameha III [Kauikeaouli] 1814—1854
King Kamehameha IV [Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani] 1834—1863
King Kamehameha V [Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha] 1830—1872
King Lunalilo [William Charles Lunalilo] 1835—1874
King Kalākaua [David La‘amea Kalākaua] 1836—1891
Queen Lili‘uokalani [Lydia Kamaka‘eha Pākī] 1838—1917
Part II
Hawaiian Princes, Princesses, and Queens
Queen Ka‘ahumanu c.1768—1832
Queen Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani] 1778—1823
Queen Kamāmalu 1802—1824
Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena 1815—1836
Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani 1826—1883
Princess Pauahi [Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop] 1831—1844
Queen Kapi‘olani 1834—1899
Queen Emma [Emma Na‘ae Rooke] 1836—1885
Princess Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu 1838—1866
Prince Kūhiō [Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Pi‘ikoi] 1871—1922
Princess Ka‘iulani [Victoria Kawēkiu Ka‘iulani] 1875—1899
Part III
Other Hawaiian Ali‘i (Royalty) and Chiefs
Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] c.1713—1794
Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe c.1736—1804
Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo] 1748—1794
Ka‘iana‘ahu‘ula [Ka‘iana] c.1756—1795
Kalanikūpule 1760—1795
Kaikio‘ewa 1765—1839
Kalanimoku 1768—1827
Ulumāheihei (Hoapili) 1776—1840
King Kaumuali‘i c.1780—1824
Kapi‘olani (I) 1781—1841
Kīna‘u 1805—1839
<a name="part1">Chapter 16—Part I</a>
Nā Mō‘ī Hawai‘i—The Hawaiian Monarchy
The Eight Rulers of the United Hawaiian Kingdom
King Kamehameha I [Kamehameha] c.1753—1819
King Kamehameha II [Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho] 1797—1824
King Kamehameha III [Kauikeaouli] 1814—1854
King Kamehameha IV [Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani] 1834—1863
King Kamehameha V [Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha] 1830—1872
King Lunalilo [William Charles Lunalilo] 1835—1874
King Kalākaua [David La‘amea Kalākaua] 1836—1891
Queen Lili‘uokalani [Lydia Kamaka‘eha Pākī] 1838—1917
Chapter 16—Part II
Hawaiian Princes, Princesses, and Queens
Queen Ka‘ahumanu c.1768—1832
Queen Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani] 1778—1823
Queen Kamāmalu 1802—1824
Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena 1815—1836
Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani 1826—1883
Princess Pauahi [Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop] 1831—1844
Queen Kapi‘olani 1834—1899
Queen Emma [Emma Na‘ae Rooke] 1836—1885
Princess Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu 1838—1866
Prince Kūhiō [Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Pi‘ikoi] 1871—1922
Princess Ka‘iulani [Victoria Kawēkiu Ka‘iulani] 1875—1899
Chapter 16—Part III
Other Hawaiian Ali‘i (Royalty) and Chiefs
Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] c.1713—1794
Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe c.1736—1804
Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo] 1748—1794
Ka‘iana‘ahu‘ula [Ka‘iana] c.1756—1795
Kalanikūpule 1760—1795
Kaikio‘ewa 1765—1839
Kalanimoku 1768—1827
Ulumāheihei (Hoapili) 1776—1840
King Kaumuali‘i c.1780—1824
Kapi‘olani (I) 1781—1841
Kīna‘u 1805—1839
Chapter 16—Part I
Nā Mō‘ī Hawai‘i—The Hawaiian Monarchy
The Eight Rulers of the United Hawaiian Kingdom
Hawaiian Monarch Reign Birth Death
King Kamehameha I [Pai‘ea Kamehameha] 1795—May 8, 1819 c.1753 May 8, 1819
King Kamehameha II [Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho] May 20, 1819—July 14, 1824 1796 July 14, 1824
King Kamehameha III [Kauikeaouli] June 6, 1825—Dec. 15, 1854 1814* Dec. 15, 1854
King Kamehameha IV [Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani] Dec. 15, 1854—Nov. 30, 1863 Feb. 9, 1834 Nov. 30, 1863
King Kamehameha V [Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha] Nov. 30, 1863—Dec. 11, 1872 Dec. 11, 1830 Dec. 11, 1872
King Lunalilo [William Charles Lunalilo] Jan. 8, 1873—Feb. 3, 1874 Jan. 31, 1835 Feb. 3, 1874
King Kalākaua [David La‘amea Kalākaua] Feb. 13, 1874—Jan. 20, 1891 Nov. 16, 1836 Jan. 20, 1891
Queen Lili‘uokalani [Lydia Kamaka‘eha Pākī] Jan. 29, 1891—Jan. 17, 1893 Sep. 2, 1838 Nov. 11, 1917
King Kamehameha I
Biographical Sketch: King Kamehameha I (c.1753—1819)
Born: c.1753
Father: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui]
Mother: Keku‘iapoiwa (II).
Grandparents: Kamaka‘īmoku and Ke‘eaumokunui (parents of Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui]).
Grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Keku‘iapoiwanui [Keku‘iapoiwa (I)] (parents of Keku‘iapoiwa (II)).
Great grandparents: Keaweikekahiali‘iokamoku [Keawe] and Kalanikauleleiaiwinui (parents of Ke‘eaumokunui).
Father of Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū with Kānekapolei.
Grandfather of Konia [Laura Konia] (daughter of Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū and Luahine).
Great grandfather of Princess Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop (daughter of Abner Pākī and Konia [Laura Konia]).
Grandfather of Kalani Pauahi (daughter of Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū and Keōuawahine).
Great grandfather of Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani (daughter of Mataio Kekūanaō‘a and Kalani Pauahi).
Great great grandfather of William Pitt Kīna‘u (son of William Pitt Leleiōhoku (I) and Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani).
Husband of Queen Ka‘ahumanu (his favorite wife).
Husband of Queen Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani] (sacred wife).
Father of King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho), King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli), and Nāhi‘ena‘ena [Nāahi‘ena‘ena; Nahienaena] with Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani].
Father of Kīna‘u and Kamāmalu with Kalākua.
Grandfather of Moses Kekūāiwa, Princess Victoria Kamāmalu, King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani), and King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha) (children of Mataio Kekūanaō‘a and Kīna‘u).
Great grandfather of Prince Albert Edward Kauikeaouli (son of King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani) and Queen Emma [Kalanikaumakeamano].
Summary of Life of King Kamehameha I:
- Born at Kapākai in Kokoiki, near ‘Upolu Point in the North Kohala area of Hawai‘i Island. Soon after being born, Kamehameha was taken by canoe to Mo‘okini Heiau for a ritual, and then to ‘Āwini Valley, where he was kept safe from any potential enemies. An ancient Hawaiian proverb states, “E ‘aki maka o ka lauhue.” (“Nip off the bud of the poison gourd.”) These words were “...uttered by some chiefs of the court of Alapa‘i, ruler of Hawai‘i Island, who wanted Kamehameha destroyed at birth.”[1]
- Kamehameha’s childhood name was Pai‘ea.
- As a young man, Kamehameha overturned the Pōhaku Naha (Naha Stone) on Hawai‘i Island in 1775. A high priestess had predicted that whoever could move this nearly 5,000-pound stone would conquer all of the Hawaiian Islands.
- In November of 1778, the young chief Kamehameha, with Kalani‘ōpu‘u (the ruler of Hawai‘i Island) went aboard Captain Cook’s ship, the HMS Resolution, which was anchored off Maui’s east side near Hāna. Kamehameha remained on board overnight, with six other chiefs.
- On January 17, 1779, Captain Cook sailed the Resolution into Kealakekua Bay on Hawai‘i Island’s Kona coast, seeking to restock his ships and let his men recover from their journey so they could press on for further exploration. During this visit, Cook met the young chief Pai‘ea Kamehameha (for the second time), along with Hawai‘i Island high (paramount) chief Kalani‘ōpu‘u.
- In 1780, Hawai‘i Island ruler Kalani‘ōpu‘u met with his chiefs in Waipi‘o Valley, telling them that, that after he died: his oldest son Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)] would become the new ruler of Hawai‘i Island; his son Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula would get land; and Kamehameha (Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s nephew) would become chief of Kohala, on land that was Kamehameha’s by inheritance. Kamehameha was also to be given guardianship of the family’s feathered war god, Kūkā‘ilimoku, along with the responsibility of caring for the heiau (sacred places of worship) associated with the war god.
Kalani‘ōpu‘u then captured an enemy chief of Puna named Imakakola for a human sacrifice ceremony to consolidate his chiefdom. Imakakola was taken to the luakini heiau of Pākini at Kamā‘oa. When Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s son Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)] initiated the sacrificial ceremony, Kamehameha boldly stepped in and finished the ritual, placing Imakakola on the altar. This action by Kamehameha caused controversy and led to a rift between Kīwala‘ō and Kamehameha, who then returned to Kohala.The following Kona chiefs become loyal to Kamehameha:
Chiefs aligned against Kamehameha include:
I lele no ka lupe i ke pola.
It is the tail that makes the kite fly.
It is the number of followers that raises the prestige of the chief.
(Pukui: 1226—133)
- The forces of Kamehameha and Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)] confronted each other in 1782 at the Battle of Moku‘ōhai in Ke‘ei, Kona. Kamehameha led the chiefs allied with him to victory. Kīwala‘ō was killed and Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula fled to Ka‘ū.
- Accounts differ on the sequence of events leading to Kīwala‘ō’s death. One account states that an injured Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe crawled to Kīwala‘ō, who also had been injured, and then Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe slit Kīwala‘ō’s neck with a leiomano (shark-tooth weapon). Other accounts say Kīwala‘ō was stabbed to death, or killed by stones.
- When Kīwala‘ō died he was wearing a cloak constructed with the yellow feathers of the ‘ō‘ō (Moho species), and adorned with red triangles made from feathers of ‘i‘iwi (Vestiaria coccinea). After Kīwala‘ō was killed, the cloak became the property of Kamehameha. (Note: This cloak is now in the Bishop Museum.)
- Keawemauhili was captured, but then allowed to escape, presumably because of his high rank.
- After the Battle of Moku‘ōhai, Hawai‘i Island was divided into three chiefdoms:
- § Keawemauhiliruled Hilo and a portion of Puna and Hāmākua.
- § Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula ruled Ka‘ū and part of Puna.
- § Kamehameha ruled Kona, Kohala and northern Hāmākua.
- Kamehameha then campaigned for nearly a decade to control the rest of Hawai‘i Island. Kamehameha’s two opponents were:
- § Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula (Kīwala‘ō’s younger brother and chief of Puna and Ka‘ū).
- § Keawemauhili (Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula’s uncle and Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s half-brother).
- Kamehameha later began a military campaign to conquer the other Hawaiian Islands.
- In 1785, Kamehameha married Ka‘ahumanu, the daughter of Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe (Kamehameha’s advisor) and Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana] (sister of Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili]).
- In 1790, Kamehameha invaded Maui and fought the Battle of Kepaniwai. At the time, Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] was the most powerful ali‘i (chief) in the Islands, ruling Maui, Lāna‘i, and Moloka‘i, and in alliance with Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo], the ruler of Kaua‘i who seized O‘ahu by killing the island’s chief and sacrificing him to his own war god. Kā‘eokūlani also killed lesser chiefs of O‘ahu and used their skeletons to construct a house of bones.
Fearing conquest of Hawai‘i Island by Kā‘eokūlani and Kahekili, Kamehameha decided to strike first, and landed his troops on Maui to fight against Kalanikūkupule, son of Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili]. When he landed on Maui, it was considered a good omen when the feathers of his war god Kūkā‘ilimoku bristled.Fighting between the two groups of warriors began in Wailuku, and the battle proceeded up into ‘Īao Valley, where the precipitous cliffs at the head of the valley blocked escape. Kamehameha’s forces had the advantage of superior western weapons (muskets) as well as a cannon manned by the foreigners John Young (‘Olohana) and Isaac Davis (‘Aikake). Kamehameha’s forces prevailed, and thus the island of Maui came under Kamehameha’s rule.
In Kamehameha’s victory at ‘Īao Valley, dead bodies from both sides are said to have blocked the river, giving the battle its name, the “Battle of Kepaniwai,” which means, “Battle of the water dam.” Kahekili’s son, Kalanikūpule, fled over a narrow mountain pass along with his high chiefs, and they sailed to O‘ahu where Kahekili began war preparations.
- Kamehameha’s troops returned to Hawai‘i Island, but Kamehameha sailed to Moloka‘i with his chiefs and advisers. From Moloka‘i, Kamehameha sent Ha‘alo‘u, the grandmother of the future Queen Ka‘ahumanu, to O‘ahu to consult with Kapoukahi, a highly respected seer and kahuna (priest) of Kaua‘i, who was in Waikīkī at the time. Kapoukahi answered the request from Kamehameha for an oracle, telling Kamehameha that he would be victorious over all the Hawaiian Islands only if he built a luakini heiau (where human sacrifices were performed) to his war god, Kūkā‘ilimoku. This heiau was to be built at Kawaihae on Hawai‘i Island, and named Pu‘ukoholā.
Note: Pu‘ukoholā means “Whale hill”[2] according to Pūku‘i, but was later explained by Frazier to instead be spelled Pu‘ukohola (no macron), and meaning “built as the house of the god, a pu‘u [desire] for death and not for life. The death which was to be bound securely within this heiau was in the lagoon (kai kohola) and not in the deep sea nor on land.”[3]- Kamehameha was in control of Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i, but not O‘ahu. Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula (son of Kalani‘ōpu‘u, and chief of Puna and Ka‘ū districts) attacked Hilo and killed Keaweāheulu (Kamehameha’s uncle), and then plundered lands north of there along the Hāmākua Coast. Kamehameha arrived to battle the invaders but the two resulting brutal confrontations did not lead to victory. Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula proceeded to form a new army after a disaster at Kīlauea Volcano killed many of his troops, and he set about recapturing the lands of Lāna‘i, Maui, and Moloka‘i.
- In 1791, Kamehameha’s forces confronted the forces of Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] at the battle known as Kepūwaha‘ula‘ula, or War of the Red Mouthed Cannon. Kahekili had already recaptured Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, and Maui, and then his army attacked Kamehameha’s northern coastal lands on Hawai‘i Island from Kohala to Waipi‘o. Kahekili’s forces met Kamehameha’s fleet off the northeast coast of Hawai‘i Island. Kamehameha’s counterattack began the first Hawaiian sea battle in which both sides were armed with foreign gunners and cannons. Though the battle between the forces of Kahekili and Kamehameha did not lead to an outright victory for Kamehameha, the battle did force Kahekili and his army to return to O‘ahu, and thwarted their intentions of attacking the site of the heiau construction at Kawaihae.
- The dedication of Pu‘ukoholā Heiau at Kawaihae took place in the summer of 1791. Kamehameha asked Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula (chief of Hawai‘i Island’s Puna and Ka‘ū districts) to attend the dedication, saying his presence was important if there was to be peace between the rivals.
Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula and 26 of his chiefs and friends, including the highest chiefs of Ka‘ū, arrived at Kawaihae Bay in two large canoes. Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula was in one of the canoes, and in the other canoe was the young chief Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū, the son of Kamehameha (his first child) and Kānekapōlei (who was also the mother of Keōuakuahu‘ula with Kalani‘ōpu‘u).Greeting Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula and his men at Kawaihae were Kamehameha’s war canoes arranged in a great crescent shape surrounding Kawaihae Bay to prevent Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula’s escape. Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula was killed, and many of Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula’s chiefs and other members of his group were also slain. The bodies of the killed chiefs (including Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula) were sacrificed on the altar of the luakini heiau atop the hill at Pu‘ukoholā Heiau. With the death of his rival, Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula, Kamehameha now controlled Hawai‘i Island.
- On February 25, 1794, during his third of three annual visits to the Hawaiian Islands, British Captain George Vancouver obtained an informal treaty of cession from Kamehameha I. The two men were friends, and Kamehameha sought assurance that the Hawaiian Islands would be under British protection. Kamehameha received a gift of a British flag (a Union Jack) from Vancouver.
King Kamehameha flew his British flag for the next 22 years at various places where he lived, though it is uncertain what meaning Kamehameha attributed to the flag, since the apparent cession agreement with Vancouver was never ratified by British Parliament. During his 1794 visit to Hawai‘i Island, Vancouver’s carpenters also helped Kamehameha in the construction of the 36-foot Britannia, the first foreign-designed ship built in the Hawaiian Islands.- In 1795, after spending more than a decade preparing for war, Kamehameha was determined to defeat the forces of Kalanikūpule (ruler of O‘ahu as the heir of Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili]). Kamehameha’s troops landed on O‘ahu’s south shore from Waikīkī to Wai’alae. O‘ahu’s forces were gradually overpowered, and retreated up into Nu‘uanu Valley, where many were of the warriors were driven over the edge of the cliff at Nu‘uanu Pali (or jumped rather than surrender), meeting their death on the rocks hundreds of feet below.
The Battle of Nu‘uanu was Kamehameha’s final military conquest, giving him control of all of the Hawaiian Islands except Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, and furthering his attempt to establish a united Hawaiian kingdom.‘Aole i ‘ena‘ena ka imu i ka māmane me ka ‘ūlei, i ‘ena‘ena i ka la‘ola‘o.
The imu is not heated by māmane and ‘ūlei wood alone, but also by the kindling.
To be powerful, a ruler must have the loyalty of the common people
as well as the chiefs.[4]
- In 1801, Hualālai Volcano on Hawai‘i Island erupted above Ka‘ūpūlehu at an elevation of about 5,750 feet, and lava flowed to the ocean. King Kamehameha I obeyed the warning of a kāula (seer) who told him that the volcano goddess Pele was angry and had to be calmed with gifts. Kamehameha threw his offerings into the flowing lava to no avail as the eruption continued. Then Kamehameha cuts his own hair and threw it into the lava. This act was symbolic of giving his own self to Pele, and the flow of lava ceased.
- In 1802, King Kamehameha I and Kalākua gave birth to Kamāmalu, the future queen as wife of King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho).
- In 1803, King Kamehameha I moved his capital from Hilo to Lahaina, and then in 1804 the capital was moved from Lahaina to Honolulu. An 1804 epidemic of ma‘i ‘ōku‘u (thought to be cholera) killed thousands of people made many more sick, including King Kamehameha and a significant number of his troops. This delayed (for the second time) Kamehameha’s attempt to conquer Kaua‘i. The disease killed many of Kamehameha’s warriors, including chief Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe. In a renewed effort for a large-scale attack, Kamehameha began assembling an armada of sailing ships in Waikīkī, using foreigners to construct the vessels.
- In 1810, Kaumuali‘i, ruler of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, met Kamehameha in Honolulu and signed a treaty ceding Kaua‘i to Kamehameha. Kaumuali‘i agreed to place Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau under Kamehameha’s control and to pledge allegiance to Kamehameha, though Kaumuali‘i was allowed to remain high chief of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau until he died. With this act, all the Hawaiian Islands were finally united under King Kamehameha, fulfilling the prophecy of the Naha Stone. King Kamehameha I declared the Hawaiian Islands to be one nation. In 1812, King Kamehameha I returned to Hawai‘i Island to live in Kailua-Kona.
- King Kamehamea I died on May 8, 1819 at his Kailua-Kona home called Kamakahonu (“Eye of the Turtle”). His final reigning years were spent on Hawai‘i Island, where he ruled from the South Kona coast. When King Kamehameha became very sick, he refused the advice of a kahuna (high priest) to offer one of his men as a human sacrifice to the gods, instead proclaiming “the men are kapu for the king.”
Before dying, King Kamehameha had given instructions to his trusted aid Ulumāheihei (Hoapili) that his bones should be hidden in a secret place so they would never be found. This was a customary tradition with chiefs’ bones, which were believed to contain mana (divine power) that must be kept away from enemies. With the help of another man, named Ho‘olulu, Hoapili carried out King Kamehameha’s wish. (Note: To this day the location of King Kamehameha’s bones remains unknown.)King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho)
Biographical Sketch:
Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho [King Kamehameha II] (1797—1824)
Born: 1797.
Died: July 14, 1824.
Reign: May 20, 1819—July 14, 1824.
Father: King Kamehameha I.
Mother: Queen Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani].
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)] and Keku‘iapoiwa Liliha.
Great grandparents: Kalani‘ōpu‘u and Kalola (parents of Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)]).
Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Kalola (parents of Keku‘iapoiwa).
Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Keku‘iapoiwanui [Keku‘iapoiwa (I)] (parents of Kalola).
On his father’s side:
Grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II).
Guardian: Kalanimoku [Kālaimoku; William (Billy) Pitt]
Foster Mother: Ka‘ahumanu.
Brother: Kauikeaouli (King Kamehameha III).
Sister: Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena [Nāahi‘ena‘ena; Nahienaena].
Wife: Queen Kamāmalu.
Summary of Life of Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho [King Kamehameha II]:
King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli)
Biographical Sketch: Kauikeaouli [King Kamehameha III] (1814—1854)
Born: March 17, 1814.
Died: Dec. 15, 1854.
Reign: June 6, 1825—Dec. 15, 1854.
Father: King Kamehameha I.
Mother: Queen Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani].
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)] and Keku‘iapoiwa Liliha.
Great grandparents: Kalani‘ōpu‘u and Kalola (parents of Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)]).
Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Kalola (parents of Keku‘iapoiwa Liliha).
Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Keku‘iapoiwanui [Keku‘iapoiwa (I)] (parents of Kalola).
On father’s side:
Grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II).
Brother: Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho (King Kamehameha II).
Sister: Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena [Nāahi‘ena‘ena; Nahienaena].
Guardian: Kaikio‘ewa.
Wife: Hakaleleponi Kapakuhaili Kalama.
Summary of Life of Kauikeaouli [King Kamehameha III]:
- Kauikeaouli means “Place in the blue firmament.”[5] Another name of Kauikeaouli was Kalei-o-Papa, which means “The beloved child of Papa [the wife of Wākea].”[6]
- On June 6, 1825, Kauikeaouli succeeded his brother Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho (King Kamehameha II) on the throne to become King Kamehameha III, and reigned for the next 30 years.
- In 1832, Kīna‘u became kuhina nui (premier, sharing power with King Kamehameha III) succeeding Ka‘ahumanu. Kīna‘u continued Ka‘ahumanu’s policy of supporting missionary teachings and associated laws. This was not supported by King Kamehameha III, who was prevented from recovering certain properties due to the laws. King Kamehameha III reconciled with Kīna‘u in 1835 and proclaimed a code of laws in line with Kīna‘u’s beliefs.
- On Dec. 18, 1837, with the urging of Protestant missionaries, King Kamehameha III issued an ordinance rejecting the Catholic religion. On June 17, 1839, he revoked his earlier stance banning the practice and teaching of Catholicism in the Hawaiian Islands by issuing a statement of toleration regarding religious differences.
- King Kamehameha III married Kalama, the adopted daughter of Charles Kana‘ina, on February 14, 1837. Missionary Hiram Bingham performed the service.
- Cyrille Pierre Theodore Laplace arrived in the Islands on the French Navy frigate Artemise on July 9, 1839, and threatened war unless King Kamehameha III agreed to a treaty with five demands relating to allowing Catholic worship in the Hawaiian Islands. Laplace also insisted on $20,000 in reparations, which was raised from local merchants and paid. Laplace made additional demands that alarmed officials of Great Britain and the United States, eventually leading to official recognition of Hawaiian independence by all three countries: France, Great Britain, and the United States.
- In 1840, King Kamehameha III formed a constitutional government based on the political structures used by the Americans and the British. The new constitution (Hawai‘i’s first, drafted in the Hawaiian language in 1839 and signed by the king in 1840), provided for: a Supreme Court; an Executive; a Legislative body of 15 hereditary nobles and seven representatives; and the election of representatives (including the King and a Supreme Court) by the people. The new constitution, a departure from the traditional monarchial form of government, also guaranteed freedom of religious worship.
- On February 10, 1843, Lord George Paulet of Britain arrived in the Islands on the frigate Carysfort and used the threat of military might to demand a formal “provisional cession” of the Hawaiian Islands to Britain. King Kamehameha III acquiesced and the British flag was raised in Honolulu.
Appeals to London and Washington resulted in the arrival of Admiral Richard Thomas on July 26, 1843 on the H.M.S. flagship Dublin. Thomas rescinded the provisional cession and restored the powers of King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli). On July 31, the British flag was lowered and the Hawaiian flag was raised.Later that day, King Kamehameha III gave a speech at a Kawaiaha‘o Church service, and is said to have spoken the words which later became Hawai‘i’s official state motto: “Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘āina o ka pono” (“The life of the land is perpetuated [preserved] in righteousness”). The date of July 31 was later proclaimed Restoration Day.
King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani)
Biographical Sketch:
Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani [King Kamehameha IV] (1834—1863).
Born: Feb. 9, 1834.
Died: Nov. 30, 1863.
Reign: Dec. 15, 1854—Nov. 30, 1863.
Father: Mataio Kekūanaō‘a.
Mother: Kīna‘u.
Brothers: David Kamehameha (died young); King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha); and Moses Kekūāiwa (Governor of O‘ahu).
Sister: Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu.
On his mother’s side:
Grandparents: King Kamehameha I and Kalākua.
Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II) (parents of King Kamehameha I).
Great grandparents: Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe and Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana] (parents of Kalākua).
Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Ha‘alo‘u (parents of Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana])
Summary of Life of Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani [King Kamehameha IV]:
King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha)
Biographical Sketch:
Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha [King Kamehameha V] (1830—1872)
Born: Dec. 11, 1830.
Died: Dec. 11, 1872.
Reign: Nov. 30, 1863—Dec. 11, 1872.
Father: Mataio Kekūanaō‘a.
Mother: Kīna‘u.
Brothers: David Kamehameha (died young); King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani); Moses Kekūāiwa (Governor of O‘ahu).
Sister: Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu.
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: King Kamehameha I and Kalākua.
Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui].
and Keku‘iapoiwa (II) (parents of King Kamehameha I).
Great grandparents: Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe and Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana] (parents of Kalākua).
Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Ha‘alo‘u (parents of Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana]).
Summary of Life of Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha [King Kamehameha V]:
King Lunalilo (William Charles Lunalilo)
Biographical Sketch: William Charles Lunalilo [King Lunalilo] (1835—1874)
Born: January 31, 1835.
Died: February 3, 1874.
Reign: January 8, 1873—February 3, 1874.
Father: Charles Kana‘ina.
Mother: Kekāuluohi (Miriam ‘Auhea).
Grandparents: Kala‘imāmahu and Kalākua (parents of Kekāuluohi (Miriam ‘Auhea)).
Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Kamakaeheikuli (parents of Kala‘imāmahu)
Summary of Life of William Charles Lunalilo [King Lunalilo]:
King Kalākaua (David La‘amea Kalākaua)
Biographical Sketch: David La‘amea Kalākaua [King Kalākaua] [Kaheiheimālie] (1836—1891)
Born: November 16, 1836.
Died: January 20, 1891.
Reigned: Feb. 13, 1874—Jan. 20, 1891.
Father: Caesar Kapa‘akea.
Mother: Keohokālole.
Sisters: Queen Lili‘uokalani; Miriam Kapili Likelike.
Brother: William Pitt Leleiōhoku (II).
Wife: Kapi‘olani (married in 1863).
On father’s side: (note the intermarriage relations-highlighted in bold)
Grandparents: Kamanawa II and Kamokuiki.
Great grandparents: Alapa‘iwahine and Kepo‘okalani (parents of Kamanawa II).
Great great grandparents: Kame‘eiamoku and Kamakaeheikuli (parents of Kepo‘okalani).
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: ‘Aikanaka and Kama‘e.
Great grandparents: Kepo‘okalani and Keohohiwa (parents of ‘Aikanaka).
Great great grandparents: Kame‘eiamoku and Kamekaeheikuli (parents of Kepo‘okalani).
King Kalākaua’s (and Queen Lili‘uokalani’s) father was the grandson of Kepo‘okalani (with Alapa‘iwahine), and his mother was the granddaughter of Kepo‘okalani (with Keohohiwa).
“Nona ka ‘ūmi‘i lauwili i ka pāka‘awili.”
“His is the tie that is twisted and entangled into one that holds fast.”
“His ancestors have intermarried and re-intermarried to preserve the bloodline of his family. He is therefore of a very high and kapu rank.”**[7]**
Summary of Life of King Kalākaua:
Queen Lili‘uokalani (Lydia Kamaka‘eha)
Biographical Sketch: Lydia Kamaka‘eha [Queen Lili‘uokalani] (1838—1917)
Full Name: Lydia Lili‘u Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamaka‘eha Pākī-Dominis Lili‘uokalani.
Born: September 2, 1838.
Died: Nov. 11, 1917.
Reigned: January 29, 1891—January 17, 1893.
Father: Caesar Kapa‘akea.
Mother: Keohokālole.
Sister: Miriam Kapili Likelike.
Brothers: King Kalākaua (David La‘amea Kalākaua); William Pitt Leleiōhoku (II).
Husband: John Owen Dominis.
On father’s side:
Grandparents: Kamanawa II and Kamokuiki.
Great grandparents: Alapa‘iwahine and Kepo‘okalani (parents of Kamanawa II).
Great great grandparents: Kamakaeheikuli and Kame‘eiamoku (parents of Kepo‘okalani).
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: ‘Aikanaka and Kama‘e.
Great grandparents: Kepo‘okalani and Keohohiwa (parents of ‘Aikanaka).
Great great grandparents: Kame‘eiamoku and Kamekaeheikuli (parents of Kepo‘okalani)
Summary of Life of Queen Lili‘uokalani:
- Lydia Kamaka‘eha (born Lydia Kamaka‘eha, and later to become Queen Lili‘uokalani), married John Owen Dominis in 1862.
- Attended Chiefs’ Childrens’ School beginning at age four. At an early age she became an accomplished musician including sight reading, and was said to have perfect pitch.
- On February 14, 1874, King Kalākaua declared that, when he was no longer king, his successor would be his younger brother Prince William Pitt Leleiōhoku (II). Two new princesses were also designated—Princess Kamaka‘eha Dominis (the future Queen Lili‘uokalani) and Princess Likelike.
- After Prince William Pitt Leleiōhoku (II) died of pneumonia on April 9, 1877, King Kalākaua declared Princess Kamaka‘eha Dominis heir apparent to the throne as Princess Lili‘uokalani on April 11, 1877.
- On January 14, 1888, the Hawaiian League attempted to get Princess Lili‘uokalani Kamaka‘eha Dominis, to take the throne from King Kalākaua. She refused out of loyalty to King Kalākaua.
- In 1890, King Kalākaua took a trip to the United States, appointing Princess Lili‘uokalani as sole regent in his absence.
- On January 20, 1891, King Kalākaua (1836—1891) died in San Francisco, California. His sister came to the throne as Queen Lili‘uokalani on January 29, 1891. The Cabinet Ministers waited for Queen Lili‘uokalani at ‘Iolani Palace to have her swear allegiance to the Bayonet Constitution, which had taken away much of King Kalākaua’s power.
From 1891 to 1893, Queen Lili‘uokalani attempted to reassert royal power. She was opposed by resident pro-business, pro-annexation Americans, and this conflict led to a series of events in the middle of January 1893, during which time the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown.In January of 1893, an insurrection against Queen Lili‘uokalani was led by a small group of United States sugar planters and businessmen backed by 162 U.S. marines from the U.S.S. Boston. They deposed the queen, abrogated the monarchy, and declared a Provisional Government (with the goal of annexation of the Hawaiian Islands by the United States). Hawai‘i’s previous 98 years of rule, under eight different monarchs, was effectively ended.
Queen Lili‘uokalani and the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy:
- On January 14, 1893, Queen Lili‘uokalani informed her Cabinet members that she planned to proclaim a new constitution at the request of a majority of the Hawaiian people. She instructed her Cabinet Ministers to go to ‘Iolani Palace to sign the new constitution (which they had helped prepare), after the prorogation (closing) of the Legislature at Ali‘iōlani Hale.
When the Cabinet Ministers refused to sign the new constitution, Queen Lili‘uokalani decided to defer any action, and gave a speech from the lānai of ‘Iolani Palace, telling the many people outside (who were gathered there in anticipation of a new constitution being announced) to go home peacefully because she would not be able to declare a new constitution. A group of annexation supporters then held a meeting and formed the Committee of Public Safety. They declared Queen Lili‘uokalani’s actions treasonous, and made plans for a Provisional Government with the goal of eventually annexing the Hawaiian Islands to the United States.Queen Lili‘uokalani: After the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy:
- On October 18, 1893, the Blount Report was given to President Cleveland, and blamed the overthrow of the monarchy on United States Minister to Hawai‘i, John L. Stevens. The report suggested restoring the Hawaiian government. Cleveland denounced the overthrow as lawless, and achieved under “false pretexts.”
By November 4, 1893, orders were given by President Cleveland to restore the power of Queen Lili‘uokalani. President Cleveland also sent word that he regretted the “unauthorized intervention” that had taken away Queen Lili‘uokalani’s sovereignty.The Provisional Government refused to restore Queen Lili‘uokalani to the throne, saying that only armed conflict would force them to give up power. Though President Cleveland did not support annexation, he was reluctant to order the use of force against the group of Americans and their (mostly American) supporters.
- On January 6, 1895, a small group of royalists, mostly native Hawaiians in support Queen Lili‘uokalani, attempted a counterrevolution to overthrow the Republic and restore Queen Lili‘uokalani to the throne. The uprising apparently took place without the participation of Queen Lili‘uokalani, who denied any involvement.
Hundreds of men were arrested, including Robert W. Wilcox, who was condemned to death. Wilcox’s sentence was lessened, and within a few months he was pardoned.- On January 7, 1895, Martial Law was declared and a military commission was appointed to court martial Queen Lili‘uokalani and others. On January 16, Lili‘uokalani was imprisoned in ‘Iolani Palace, and on January 24, 1895, she signed a formal abdication, that called for the recognition of the Republic of Hawai‘i as the lawful government. Queen Lili‘uokalani later claimed that this abdication was invalid due to coercion, and had been agreed to only to spare the lives of her supporters.
- On February 1, 1893, the U.S. Minister to Hawai‘i, John Leavitt Stevens recognized the new Provisional Government and raised the United States flag over the Hawaiian Islands. Troops from the U.S.S. Boston took over as official guards of Ali‘iōlani Hale, the headquarters of the Provisional Government.
- On February 5, 1895, Queen Lili‘uokalani was arraigned before the military commission for treason, a charge that was later changed to misprision of treason, which involves knowing of treason (the attempted counterrevolution) but not disclosing it.
On February 27, 1895, Queen Lili‘uokalani was found guilty of misprision of treason and sentenced to a fine of $5,000 and imprisonment with hard labor for five years. Though Queen Lili‘uokalani was not forced to do hard labor, she was imprisoned in ‘Iolani Palace for seven months.Queen Lili‘uokalani was released from confinement on September 6, 1895, and then confined to Washington Place until February 6, 1896, and then island-restricted until October 6, 1896. Her freedom was restricted for 21 months in all, from Jan. 16, 1895 until October 6 1896.
- One of the things Queen Lili‘uokalani wrote while imprisoned in ‘Iolani Palace was “The Queen’s Prayer”:
‘O kou aloha nōAia I ka lani,
A ‘o kou oiā‘i‘o,
He hemolele ho‘i
Ko‘u noho mihi‘ana
A pa‘ahao ‘ia
O‘oe ku‘u lama,
Kou nani, ko‘u ko‘o.
Mai nānā ‘ino‘ino
Nā hewa o kānaka,
Akā, e huikala
A ma‘ema‘e nō.
No laila e ka Haku,
Ma lalo o kou ‘ēheu
Kō makou maluhia
A mau loa aku nō.
Translation:
Your loving mercy
Is as high as Heaven
And your truth
So perfect
I live in sorrow
Imprisoned
You are my light
Your glory, my support
Behold not with malevolence
The sins of man
But forgive
And cleanse
And so, o Lord
Protect us beneath your wings
And let peace be our portion
Now and forever more.[9]
- In 1897, Queen Lili‘uokalani visited Washington D.C. and petitioned President McKinley to restore the rights of the Hawaiian people. At this time there were an estimated 9,500 voters of Hawaiian birth and nationality, with a total population in the Islands of more than 109,000 people. Queen Lili‘uokalani’s petition was not acted upon.
The Provisional Government also sent a petition to Washington D.C., and that petition (unlike Queen Lili‘uokalani’s petition) was acted upon. At this time, the revolutionists of the missionary party consisted of about 637 voters.President McKinley sent the annexation treaty to the Senate on June 16, 1897. Queen Lili‘uokalani submitted a formal protest, but it was ineffective.
The United States Senate later claimed that President McKinley’s act of sending the bill to the U.S. Senate amounted to a recognition of Hawai‘i’s Provisional Government. While acknowledging that the native monarchy was overthrown, they claimed that McKinley’s recognition of the Provisional Government meant the facts would not be reviewed further by the United States.
Chapter 16—Part II
Hawaiian Princes, Princesses, and Queens
Queen Ka‘ahumanu c.1768—1832
Queen Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani] 1778—1823
Queen Kamāmalu 1802—1824
Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena 1815—1836
Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani 1826—1883
Princess Pauahi [Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop] 1831—1844
Queen Kapi‘olani 1834—1899
Queen Emma [Emma Na‘ae Rooke] 1836—1885
Princess Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu 1838—1866
Prince Kūhiō [Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Pi‘ikoi] 1871—1922
Princess Ka‘iulani [Victoria Kawēkiu Ka‘iulani] 1875—1899
Queen Ka‘ahumanu
Biographical Sketch: Queen Ka‘ahumanu (c.1768—1832)
Father: Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe.
Mother: Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana].
Brothers: Ke‘eaumoku (II) [Governor Cox]; Kuakini.
Sister: Kalākua.
Husband: King Kamehameha I, and then later, Kaua‘i’s paramount ruler King Kamuali‘i, and his heir Keali‘iahonui.
Children: Foster mother of Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho (the future Kamehameha II).
Summary of Life of Queen Ka‘ahumanu:
Queen Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani]
Biographical Sketch: Queen Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani]Keōpūolani [Kauika‘alaneo] (1778—1823)
Father: Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)].
Mother: Keku‘iapoiwa Liliha.
Grandparents: Kalani‘ōpu‘u and Kalola (parents of Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)]).
Great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Keku‘iapoiwanui [Keku‘iapoiwa (I)] (parents of Kalola).
Grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Kalola (parents of Keku‘iapoiwa Liliha).
Husband: King Kamehameha I.
Children: King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho), King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli), and Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena [Nāahi‘ena‘ena; Nahienaena]
Summary of Life of Queen Keōpūolani:
Queen Kamāmalu
Biographical Sketch: Kamāmalu (1802—1824)
Father: King Kamehameha I.
Mother: Kalākua.
Husband: King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho).
Brother: Kekāuluohi (Miriam ‘Auhea) (mother of Lunalilo).
Half-Sister: Kīna‘u (daughter of Kalākua and King Kamehameha I).
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe and Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana].
Great grandparents Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Ha‘alo‘u (parents of Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana]).
On father’s side:
Grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II) (father of King Kamehameha I).
Summary of Life of Kamāmalu:
Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena [Nāahi‘ena‘ena; Nahienaena]
Biographical Sketch:
Princess Harriet Keōpūolani Nāhi‘ena‘ena (1815—1836)
Father: King Kamehameha I.
Mother: Queen Keōpūolanikauhiakama [Keōpūolani].
Brothers: Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho (King Kamehameha II); and Kauikeaouli (King Kamehameha III).
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)] and Keku‘iapoiwa Liliha.
Great grandparents: Kalani‘ōpu‘u and Kalola (parents of Kīwala‘ō [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli (Kauikeouli)]).
Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Kalola (parents of Keku‘iapoiwa).
Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Keku‘iapoiwanui [Keku‘iapoiwa (I)] (parents of Kalola).
On father’s side:
Grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II)
Summary of Life of Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena:
Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani
Biographical Sketch: Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani (1826—1883):
Father: Mataio Kekūanaō‘a.
Mother: Kalani Pauahi.
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: Keōuwahine and Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū.
Great grandparents: King Kamehameha I and Kānekapolei (parents of Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū).
Husband: William Pitt Leleiōhoku (I).
Children: William Pitt Kīna‘u.
Second Husband: Isaac Young Davis.
Summary of Life of Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani:
Princess Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop
Biographical Sketch: Princess Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop (1831—1844)
Father: Abner Pākī.
Mother: Konia [Laura Konia].
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū and Luahine (parents of Konia [Laura Konia]).
Great grandparents: King Kamehameha I and Kānekapolei (parents of Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū).
Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II) (parents of King Kamehameha I).
Summary of Life of Princess Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop:
Queen Kapi‘olani
Biographical Sketch: Kapi‘olani (II) (1834—1899)
Father: Kūhiō.
Mother: Kinoiki.
Sisters: Virginia Kapo‘oloku Po‘omaikelani; Esther Kinoiki Kekaulike.
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: Kaumuali‘i (ruler of Kaua‘i) and Kapuaamohu (parents of Kinoiki).
Great grandparents: Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo] and Kamakahelei (parents of Kaumuali‘i).
Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Holau (parents of Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo]).
Summary of Life of Queen Kapi‘olani:
Queen Emma
Biographical Sketch:
Emma Na‘ea Rooke (Kalanikaumakeamano) [Queen Emma] (1836—1885)
[Kalanikaumakeamano (name given at birth); Kaleleonālani (name taken after her husband and son died; Kaleleonālani means “Flight of the chiefs.”
Born: 1836.
Died: April 25, 1885.
Father: George Na‘ea.
Mother: Fanny Kekelaokalani Young.
Husband: Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani (King Kamehameha IV).
Grandparents: John Young (‘Olohana) and Ka‘o‘ana‘eha (parents of Fanny Kekelaokalani Young).
Great grandparents: Keli‘imaika‘i (brother of King Kamehameha I) and Kaliko‘okalani (parents of Ka‘o‘ana‘eha).
Great great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II) (parents of Keli‘imaika‘i)
Summary of Life of Queen Emma:
Princess Kamāmalu
Biographical Sketch:
Princess Kamāmalu [Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu] (1838—1866)
Father: Mataio Kekūanaō‘a.
Mother: Kīna‘u.
Brothers: David Kamehameha (died young); King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani); King Kamehameha V. (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha); Moses Kekūāiwa (Governor of O‘ahu).
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: King Kamehameha I and Kalākua.
Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II) (parents of King
Kamehameha I).
Great grandparents: Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe and Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana] (parents of
Kalākua).
Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Ha‘alo‘u (parents of
Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana]).
Summary of Life of Princess Kamāmalu [Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu]:
Prince Kūhiō
Biographical Sketch:
Prince Kūhiō [Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Pi‘ikoi] (1871—1922)
Born: March 26, 1871.
Father: David Kahelepouli Pi‘ikoi.
Mother: Princess Esther Kinoiki Kekaulike (sister of Queen Kapi‘olani).
Brothers: Prince Edward Keali‘ihonui; Prince David Kawānanakoa.
Wife: Elizabeth Kahanu Ka‘auwai (daughter of Kaua‘i chief).
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: Kūhiō and Kinoiki (parents of Esther Kinoiki Kekaulike).
Great grandparents: Kapuaamohu and Kaumuali‘i (parents of Kinoiki).
Great great grandparents: Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo] and Kamakahelei (parents of Kaumuali‘i).
Great great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Holau (parents of Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo]).
Summary of Life of Prince Kūhiō [Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Pi‘ikoi]:
Princess Ka‘iulani
Biographical Sketch: Princess Victoria Ka‘iulani (1875—1899)
Born: October 16, 1875.
Father: Archibald Scott Cleghorn.
Mother: Miriam Likelike (sister of King Kalākaua and Queen Lili‘uokalani).
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: Keohokālole and Caesar Kapa‘akea (parents of Miriam Likelike).
Great grandparents: ‘Aikanaka and Kama‘e (parents of Keohokālole).
Great great grandparents: Kepo‘okalani and Keohohiwa (parents of ‘Aikanaka).
Great great great grandparents: Kamakaeheikuli and Kame‘eiamoku (parents of Kepo‘okalani).
Great grandparents: Kamanawa II and Kamokuiki (parents of Caesar Kapa‘akea).
Great great grandparents: Alapa‘iwahine and Kepo‘okalani (parents of Kamanawa II).
Great great great grandparents: Kamakaeheikuli and Kame‘eiamoku (parents of Kepo‘okalani)
Summary of Life of Princess Victoria Ka‘iulani:
- Princess Ka‘iulani was proclaimed heir apparent to the Hawaiian Kingdom when Queen Lili‘uokalani ascended to the throne in 1891.
- Attended boarding school in England under the guardianship of Theophilus Harris Davies (1833—1898), who had been a friend of King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha), and was a prominent Honolulu businessman and founder of the “Big Five” firm of Theo H. Davies & Co. When Princess Ka‘iulani departed for England, author Robert Louis Stevenson (who had visited her in Waikīkī) wrote a celebrated poem:
Forth from her land to mine she goes,The island maid, the island rose,
Light of heart and bright of face
The daughter of a double race.
Her islands here in Southern sun
Shall mourn their Kaiulani gone.
And I, in her dear banyan’s shade,
Look vainly for my little maid.
But our Scots Islands far away
Shall glitter with unwanted day,
And cast for once their tempest by
To smile in Kaiulani’s eye.
Robert Louis Stevenson, 1889
Princess Likelike
Biographical Sketch: Princess Likelike (Miriam Likelike) (1851—1887)
Father: Caesar Kapa‘akea
Mother: Keohokālole
Brothers: David La‘amea Kalākaua [King Kalākaua], William Pitt Leleōhoku (II).
Sister: Lydia Pākī (Kamaka‘eha) [Queen Lili‘uokalani].
Husband: Archibald Scott Cleghorn (married September 22, 1870).
Daughter: Princess Ka‘iulani [Victoria Kawēkiu Ka‘iulani].
On mother’s side
Grandparents: ‘Aikanaka and Kama‘e.
Great grandparents: Kepo‘okalani and Keohohiwa (parents of ‘Aikanaka).
Great great grandparents: Kamakaeheikuli and Kame‘eiamoku (parents of Kepo‘okalani).
On father’s side:
Grandparents: Kamanawa II and Kamokuiki.
Great grandparents: Alapa‘iwahine and Kepo‘okalani (parents of Kamanawa II).
Great great grandparents: Kamakaeheikuli and Kame‘eiamoku (parents of Kepo‘okalani)
Chapter 16—Part III
Other Hawaiian Ali‘i (Royalty) and Chiefs
Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] c.1713—1794
Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe c.1736—1804
Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo] 1748—1794
Ka‘iana‘ahu‘ula [Ka‘iana] c.1756—1795
Kalanikūpule 1760—1795
Kaikio‘ewa 1765—1839
Kalanimoku 1768—1827
Ulumāheihei (Hoapili) 1776—1840
King Kaumuali‘i c.1780—1824
Kapi‘olani (I) 1781—1841
Kīna‘u 1805—1839
Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili]
Biographical Sketch: Kahekilinui‘ahumanu (c.1713—1794)
Father: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike].
Mother: Keku‘iapoiwanui [Keku‘iapoiwa (I)].
Brother: Kamehamehanui.
Sister: Kalola.
Sons: Kalanikūpule; Koalaukani; possibly also King Kamehameha I.
Half-Brothers: Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo], Kekuamanohā.
Half-Sister: Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana]
Summary of Life of Kahekili:
Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe
Biographical Sketch: Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe (c.1736—1804)
Father: Keawepoepoe.
Mother: Kūma‘aikū.
Wife: Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana].
Daughter: Ka‘ahumanu (queen as wife of King Kamehameha I).
Sons: Kuakini (John Adams); Ke‘eaumoku II (Governor Cox).
Older brothers (on father’s side): Sacred twins Kamanawa and Kame‘eiamoku (these brothers were allies of Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe).
Granddaughter: Ka‘ua‘umokuokamānele [Kamānele] (daughter of Kuakini).
Summary of Life of Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe:
Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo]
Biographical Sketch: Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo] (1748—1794)
Father: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike].
Mother: Holau.
Wife: Kamakahelei.
Son: Kaumuali‘i.
Grandson: Kinoiki (daughter of Kapuaamohu and Kaumuali‘i).
Great grandchildren: Kapi‘olani (II), Virginia Kapo‘oloku Po‘omaikelani, and Esther Kinoiki Kekaulike (children of Kūhiō and Kinoiki).
Great great grandchildren: Edward Keali‘ihonui, David Kawānanakoa, and Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Pi‘ikoi (children of Esther Kinoiki and David Kahalepouli Pi‘ikoi).
Half-brother: Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili].
Summary of Life of Kā‘eokūlani:
Ka‘iana‘ahu‘ula [Ka‘iana]
Biographical Sketch:Ka‘iana‘ahu‘ula [Ka‘iana] (c.1756—1795)
Father: ‘Ahu‘ula.
Mother: Kaupekamoku.
Half-brother: Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili].
Summary of Life of Ka‘iana‘ahu‘ula [Ka‘iana]:
Kalanikūpule
Biographical Sketch: Kalanikūpule (1760—1795)
Father: Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili].
Mother: Kauwahine.
Grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Keku‘i‘apoiwa I.
Uncle: Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo].
Summary of Life of Kalanikūpule:
Kaikio‘ewa
Biographical Sketch: Kaikio‘ewa (1765—1839)
Father: Ka‘ianaukupe Kaolohaka-a-keawe.
Mother: Kekiko‘ola Lalanikauleleaiwi.
Wife: Kalanikaulihiwakama (sister of King Kamehameha I); Keaweamahi
Children:
Daughter (by Kalanikaulihiwakama): Kuwahine.
Daughter (by Nahaukapu): Likelike.
Summary of Life of Kaikio‘ewa:
Kalanimoku
Biographical Sketch: [Kālaimoku; William (Billy) Pitt](1768—1827)
Father: Kekuamanohā.
Mother: Kamakahukilani.
Grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Ha‘alo‘u.
Wife: Kiliwehi.
Son: William Pitt Leleiōhoku (I), (husband of Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani).
Summary of Life of Kalanimoku:
- Treasurer and principal counselor (kālaimoku) to King Kamehameha I, and later to kuhina nui (premier) Ka‘ahumanu, serving also as Ka‘ahumanu’s treasurer, supervising all tax and fee collections.
- Present at the death of Captain Cook in 1779.
- Took the nickname of “Billy Pitt” after William Pitt, the English Prime Minister.
- Baptized a Roman Catholic in 1819 aboard the L‘Uranie, in the presence of kuhina nui (premier) Ka‘ahumanu and King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho). The scene was painted by Jacques Arago (1790—1855), the ship‘s artist, who wrote and illustrated accounts of the Hawaiian Islands during the French expedition.
[Illustration: Scene above depicted by Arago.]Ulumāheihei (Hoapili)
Biographical Sketch: Ulumāheihei (Hoapili) (1776—1840)
Father: Kame‘eiamoku (one of the sacred royal twins of Kekaulike).
Mother: Keali‘iokahekili.
Summary of Life of Ulumāheihei (Hoapili):
King Kaumuali‘i
Biographical Sketch: King Kaumuali‘i (c.1780—1824)
Father: Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo].
Mother: Kamakahelei.
Grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Holau (parents of Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo]).
Son: George P.(Prince) Kaumuali‘i (Humehume).
Grandchildren: Queen Kapi‘olani, Virginia Kapo‘oloku Po‘omaikelani, and Esther Kinoiki Kekaulike (children of Kūhiō and Kinoiki).
Favorite Queen: Deborah Kapule [Kekaiha‘akūlou]
Summary of Life of King Kaumuali‘i:
Kapi‘olani (I)[Kapi‘olaninui]
Biographical Sketch: Kapi‘olani (1781—1841)
Father: Chief Keawemauhili, high chief of Hilo.
Mother: Ululani.
Brother: Keaweokahikona.
Husband: Nāihe.
Summary of Life of Kapi‘olani (I) [Kapi‘olaninui]:
- As a child, Kapi‘olani (I) was captured with her parents after being defeated in the Battle of Moku‘ōhai; they escaped, but the infant Kapi‘olani (I) was abandoned in the forest, and later found.
- Converted by Protestant missionaries, Kapi‘olani led a march in 1824 on Hawai‘i Island, from Kona to Kīlauea Volcano, where she defied Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes, by proclaiming the power of Jehovah. When the marchers were not engulfed by lava, at least 90 more converts joined with her.
- Kapi‘olani means “The arch of heaven,” referring to a rainbow, which is a traditional sign of royalty.
- Kapi‘olani’s niece and namesake was Queen Kapi‘olani (1834—1899), wife of King Kalākaua.
- “Kapiolani,” a dramatic poem about Kapi‘olani’s march to the volcano, was written by English poet laureate, Lord Tennyson.
Kapiolani, by Lord Alfred TennysonWhen from the terrors of Nature a people have fashion’d and worship a Spirit of Evil
Blest be the Voice of the Teacher who calls to them,
“Set yourselves free!”
Noble the Saxon who hurled at his Idol a valorous weapon in olden England!
Great, and greater, and greatest of women, island heroine Kapiolani
Clomb the mountain, and flung the berries and dared the Goddess, and freed the people
Of Hawa-i-ee!
A people believing that Peelè the Goddess would wallow in fiery riot and revel
On Kilauea,
Dance in a fountain of flame with her devils or shake with her thunders and shatter her island,
Rolling her anger
Thro’ blasted valley and flowing forest in blood-red cataracts down to the sea!
Long as the lava-light
Glares from the lava-take,
Dazing the starlight;
Long as the silvery vapor in daylight
Over the mountain
Floats, will the glory of Kapiolani be mingled with either on Hawa-i-ee.
What said her Priesthood?
“Woe to this island if ever a woman should handle or gather the berries of Peelè
Accursed were she!
And woe to this island if ever a woman should climb to the dwelling of Peelè the Goddess!
Accursed were she!”
One from the Sunrise
Dawned on His people and slowly before him
Vanished shadow-like
Gods and Goddesses,
None but the terrible Peelè remaining as Kapiolani
Ascended her mountain,
Baffled her priesthood,
Broke the Taboo,
Dipt to the crater,
Called on the Power adored by the Christian and crying, “I dare her, let Peelè avenge herself!”
Into the flame-billows dashed the berries, and drove the demon from Hawa-i-ee.
Kīna‘u
Biographical Sketch: Kīna‘u (1805—1839)
Father: King Kamehameha I.
Mother: Kalākua.
Sister: Kamāmalu
Husband: Mataio Kekūanaō‘a
Children: King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani); King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha); Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu; and Moses Kekūāiwa.
On father’s side:
Grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa II.
On mother’s side:
Grandparents: Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe and Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana].
Great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Ha‘alo‘u (parents of Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana])
Summary of Life of Kīna‘u:
- In 1832, Kīna‘u became kuhina nui (premier, sharing power with King Kamehameha III [Kauikeaouli]), succeeding Ka‘ahumanu.
- Kīna‘u continued Ka‘ahumanu’s policy of supporting missionary teachings and associated laws. This was not supported by King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli), who was prevented from recovering certain properties due to the laws.
Kīna‘u and King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli) reconciled in 1835 when King Kamehameha III proclaimed a code of laws in line with Kīna‘u’s beliefs.[1] p. 32, Pukui, Mary Kawena. ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1983. Proverb 257.
[2] Pukui, Mary Kawena, Elbert, Samuel H., and Mookini, Esther T. Mookini. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974.
[3] p. 309, p. xxiv, Desha, Stephen L., translated by Frazier, Frances N. Kamehameha and his Warrior Kekūhaupi‘o. Honolulu: Kamehameha Schools Press, 2000).
[4] p. 27, Pukui, Mary Kawena. ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1983. Proverb 227.
[5] p. 76, Pukui, Mary Kawena, and Elbert, Samuel H. & Mookini, Esther T. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974.
[6] p. 76, Pukui, Mary Kawena, and Elbert, Samuel H. & Mookini, Esther T. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974.
[7] p. 254, 255, Pukui, Mary Kawena. ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1983. Proverb 2342.
[8] The Apology to Native Hawaiians on behalf of the United States for the Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Kapolei, Hawai‘i: Ka‘imi Pono Press, 1994.
[9] p. AA-6, Monarchy to Annexation: Queen Lili‘uokalani. The Honolulu Advertiser, 7/02/2006.
[10] Also translated as “The cluster of royal chiefs.” [p. 161, Pukui, Mary Kawena, and Elbert, Samuel H. & Mookini, Esther T. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974.]
[11] p. 160, Pukui, Mary Kawena, and Elbert, Samuel H. & Mookini, Esther T. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974.
[12] Pukui, Mary Kawena, and Elbert, Samuel H. & Mookini, Esther T. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974.
[13] p. 80, Pukui, Mary Kawena, and Elbert, Samuel H. & Mookini, Esther T. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974.
[14] Pukui, Mary Kawena, Elbert, Samuel H., and Mookini, Esther T. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974.
[15] Pukui, Mary Kawena, and Elbert, Samuel H. & Mookini, Esther T. Place Names of Hawaii: Revised & Expanded Edition. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1974.
[16] p. 182. Seiden, Allan. Hawai‘i: The Royal Legacy. Honolulu: Mutual Publishing, 1992.
[17] p. 41, Desha, Stephen L., translated by Frazier, Frances N. Kamehameha and his Warrior Kekūhaupi‘o. Honolulu: Kamehameha Schools Press, 2000.
[18] p. 320, Pukui, Mary Kawena. ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1983. Proverb 2923.
[19] p. 200, Pukui, Mary Kawena. ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1983. Proverb 1860.
[20] p. 46, Pukui, Mary Kawena. ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1983. Proverb 381.
[21] p. 227, Pukui, Mary Kawena. ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1983. Proverb 2541.