Images of Old Hawaiʻi

by Peter T Young 3 Comments

Punahou School – Oʻahu College

Over the course of a little over 40-years (1820-1863 – the “Missionary Period”,) about 184-men and women in twelve Companies served in Hawaiʻi to carry out the mission of the ABCFM in the Hawaiian Islands.

One of the first things the first missionaries did was begin to learn the Hawaiian language and create an alphabet for a written format of the language. Their emphasis was on preaching and teaching.

The missionaries established schools associated with their missions across the Islands. This marked the beginning of Hawaiʻi’s phenomenal rise to literacy. The chiefs became proponents for education and edicts were enacted by the King and the council of Chiefs to stimulate the people to reading and writing.

However, the education of their children was a concern of missionaries.

There were two major dilemmas, (1) there were a limited number of missionary children and (2) existing schools (which the missionaries taught) served adult Hawaiians (who were taught from a limited curriculum in the Hawaiian language.)

“During the period from infancy to the age of ten or twelve years, children in the almost isolated family of a missionary could be well provided for and instructed in the rudiments of education without a regular school … But after that period, difficulties in most cases multiplied.” (Hiram Bingham)

Missionaries were torn between preaching the gospel and teaching their kids. “(M)ission parents were busy translating, preaching and teaching. Usually parents only had a couple of hours each day to spare with their children.” (Schultz)

“(I)t was the general opinion of the missionaries there that their children over eight or ten years of age, notwithstanding the trial that might be involved, ought to be sent or carried to the United States, if there were friends who would assume a proper guardianship over them”. (Bingham)

“This was the darkest day in the life history of the mission child. Peculiarly dependent upon the family life, at the age of eight to twelve years, they were suddenly torn from the only intimates they had ever known, and banished, lonely and homesick, to a mythical country on the other side of the world …”

“… where they could receive letters but once or twice a year; where they must remain isolated from friends and relatives for years and from which they might never return.” (Bishop)

During the first 21-years of the missionary period (1820-1863,) no fewer than 33 children were either taken back to the continent by their parents. (Seven-year-old Sophia Bingham, the first Caucasian girl born on Oʻahu, daughter of Hiram and Sybil, was sent to the continent in 1828. She is my great-great-grandmother.)

Resolution 14 of the 1841 General Meeting of the Sandwich Islands Mission changed that; it established a school for the children of the missionaries (May 12, 1841.) Meeting minutes note, “This subject occupied much time in discussion, and excited much interest.”

The following report was adopted: “Whereas it has long been the desire of many members of this mission to have a school established for the instruction of their children, and this object received the deliberate sanction of our last General Meeting; and”

“(W)hereas the Providence of God seems to have opened the way for this undertaking, by providing a good location for the school, suitable teachers to take charge of it, and a sufficiency of other means for making a commencement. Therefore,”

“Resolved 1, That the foundation of this institution be laid with faith in God, relying upon his great and precious promises to believing parents, in behalf of their children, commending it to his care and love from its commencement, and looking unto him to build it up, cherish it, and make it a blessing to the church and the world.”

“Resolved 2, That the location of the school be at Punahou, in the vicinity of Honolulu.”

“Resolved 3, That $2,000 be appropriated from the funds of the mission, to aid in erecting the necessary buildings, and preparing the premises for the accommodation of the school, as soon as possible; but as this sum is inadequate to the wants of the school, even in its commencement, that it be commended to the private patronage of the brethren of the mission.”

“Resolved 4, That a Board of five Trustees be chosen, of whom the teacher shall be one, ex officio, whose duty it shall be to devise a plan for the school, carry it into operation, as soon as possible, watch over its interests, and regulate its affairs generally.” (Resolution of the General Meeting of the Sandwich Islands Mission, 1841)

A subsequent Resolution noted “That Mr (Daniel) Dole be located at Punahou, as teacher for the Children of the Mission.”

On July 11, 1842, fifteen children met for the first time in Punahou’s original E-shaped building. The first Board of Trustees (1841) included Rev. Daniel Dole, Rev. Richard Armstrong, Levi Chamberlain, Rev. John S Emerson and Gerrit P Judd. (Hawaiian Gazette, June 17, 1916)

By the end of that first year, 34-children from Sandwich Islands and Oregon missions were enrolled, only one over 12-years old. Tuition was $12 per term, and the school year covered three terms. (Punahou)

By 1851, Punahou officially opened its doors to all races and religions. (Students from Oregon, California and Tahiti were welcomed from 1841 – 1849.)

December 15 of that year, Old School Hall, “the new spacious school house,” opened officially to receive its first students. The building is still there and in use by the school.

“The founding of Punahou as a school for missionary children not only provided means of instruction for the children of the Mission, but also gave a trend to the education and history of the Islands. In 1841, at Punahou the Mission established this school and built for it simple halls of adobe. From this unpretentious beginning, the school has grown to its present prosperous condition.” (Report of the Superintendent of Public Education, 1900)

The curriculum at Punahou under Dole combined the elements of a classical education with a strong emphasis on manual labor in the school’s fields for the boys, and in domestic matters for the girls. The school raised much of its own food. (Burlin)

Some of Punahou’s early buildings include, Old School Hall (1852,) music studios; Bingham Hall (1882,) Bishop Hall of Science (1884,) Pauahi Hall (1894,) Charles R. Bishop Hall (1902,) recitation halls; Dole Hall and Rice Hall (1906,) dormitories; Cooke Library (1908) and Castle Hall (1913,) dormitory.

Dole Street, laid out in 1880 and part of the development of the lower Punahou pasture was named after Daniel Dole (other nearby streets were named after other Punahou presidents.)

Click HERE to View/Download an expanded discussion on Oʻahu College/Punahou School.

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Punahou School, Photograph attributed to Charles Burgess-1866
Punahou School, Photograph attributed to Charles Burgess-1866

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Day 100 – January 30, 1820

January 30, 1820 – Lord’s Day. – This region of terror we find to be the place of our rejoicing. No Sabbath, perhaps, since our embarkation has been more interesting or happy than this, or deserves a more grateful rememberance. This day we double Cape Horn. and write upon it “Ebenezar.” We enjoyed our meeting in the morning as usual. At 4 P.M. as it was too cold and rough to meet on deck, we assembled in the cabin and attended a public lecture by Br. B. from I Sam. 7:12, in which after giving an exposition of the passage he endeavored to show the prevalence of the ancient practice of wording special favors, and perpetuating their memory by significant names, grateful songs or monuments of praise. &ly. The utility of the practice as it tends to promote gratitude; – to waken a sence of obligation when inclined to murmur; – to give comfort in adversity; – to promote confidence in God; – to increase the knowledge and the praise of God; – 3 ly That it is suitable and important that we should this day record the distinguishing goodness of our God to us and here erect our monument of praise. The service was closed by singing the following original Hymn designed as our monument and entitled,

Jan. 30. Cape Horn. 1820. 1 Sam. 7.12. (Thaddeus Journal)

  1. With joyful hearts and grateful praise,
    our Helper, God, thy name we hail,
    Our Ebenezer here we raise,
    While round thy stormy Cape we sail.
  2. Conducted by thy sovereign hand,
    Mysterious, mighty, wise and good,
    We left our friends and native land,
    To toss upon the raging flood.
  3. Then adverse winds our course delayed
    And dangerous currents rolled below,
    Thy voice the roaring tempest stayed,
    And made the breeze propitious blow.
  4. From want, from pestilence, and death,
    Defended by they gracious care,
    To thee we raise our tuneful breath
    Our Rock of Help forbids our fear.
  5. This waymark in the trackless seas,
    Fixt by his hand who rules above,
    The tempests of six thousand years
    Have ne’er been able to remove.
  6. So shall our grateful record stand,
    That, “Hither by thine aid we come”
    No will we trust thy constant hand
    To bring our souls in safety home.

Having thus publicly erected here our Ebenezer, of praise, as we hope, to the God of our Salvation, we desire forever hereafter to remember his signal and undeserved goodness. We desire that the name of our divine Helper may be glorified by future navigators when they double this cape; by our Patrons and benefactors when employed in the same work; by our Patrons and benefactors when they see that their prayers are thus far answered, by the rising and future generations both in heathen and christian lands, when they look on the map of the world and remember that the first Christian Mission to the Sandwich Isles passed the dangerous region of Cape Horn, singing the praises of the God of Zion, for his smiles upon the enterprise and for his gracious assistance thus far. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 30th. Sabbath. An interesting day to us—a day in which we “double Cape Horn”, long the object of hope and fear. While we find some part of the way around it rough, we are, indeed, greatly smiled upon, and allowed to set up our Ebenezer, saying, “thus far hath the Lord helped us.” Permitted to do it unitedly and publicly, as we have been, will our gracious Lord accept us in it, through his beloved Son. We assembled in the cabin for worship, (the weather being too inclement to be on deck) when Mr. B— addressed us extemporaneously, from 1st Sam. 7. 12. “Then Samuel took a stone and set it between,” etc. After a full exposition of the passage, showed 1st. It was customary in ancient days for those who received special favors from the hand of GOD, to regard his goodness by setting up same monument of his praise. 2nd. The practice of recording and perpetuating the memory of divine favors, is suitable and important, as it tends to promote gratitude—to awaken a sense of obligation when inclined to murmur—to give comfort in adversity—to promote confidence in GOD—to encrease the knowledge and praise of GOD. 3rd. If the practice be suitable and important, if it tend to these things, then sould we, this day, record his distinguishing goodness to us, and here erect our monument of praise.
0, that indeed we did! Methinks, my heart, cold as it is would aspire to praise, exalting in the thought, that the tempest and whirlwinds lie in the future path, all shall not prevent the erecting a monument at this spot, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” How do these mercies which we experience, witness for God, that He heareth prayer ! If He continue a spirit of prayer in Zion for this Mission, it; shall prosper, tho wicked men, and the powers of darkness conspire against it. 0, to be ashamed of past ingratitude—past distrust; and while we erect our Ebenezer, devote ourselves anew to our divine Master’s work I My beloved sisters, GOD strengthening me, I will. Renew the fervour of your petitions for me, praying that I may ’make his service my delight, assured. He’ll make my wants, his care.’ We sung, at the close of the lecture, the following occasional hymn entitled, “Ebenezer”. (Sybil Bingham)

January 30th. 1820.-Lat. about 57-20 Long. from Cape Horn. Sabbath preaching in the cabin by Mr. B. from 1st Sam. 7, 12 v. ‘Here we set up our Ebenezer, &c – for hitherto the Lord helped us.’ (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

30th. Passed west of the cape which we have so long dreaded. What shall we render to the Lord for all his benefits to us. It becomes us to devote our lives anew to his service, and live more than ever to his glory. We know not what is yet to befal us ere we reach the fields of our labours, but we know that hitherto the Lord has helped us; and now not all the storms and tempests and dangers which may await us, shall hinder our erecting here in this cold and dismal region, around this memorable way. – Mark our EBENEZER of raise to him who has thus far been our preserver & Deliverer. Brother B. has written the following lines for the occasion which was sung at the close of our public worship. – Brig Thaddeus off Cape Horn Jan. 30th 1820
Cape Horn appears to be an island of rocks piled one above another; the horn or point is a huge black rock of “terrible appearance and seems to bid defiaance to contending elements. – (Samuel Ruggles)
111 days out. Lat 40. Long 63.
Two weeks to-day since we doubled the cape and bade farewell to the Atlantic. During the last eighteen we have made 25 degrees Lat. and 15 Lon. We have been detained only two days since we came in sight of Terra del Fuego a day becalmed in the strait of Le Maire and a day we lay to in a storm off the Cape. We have had rough seas a considerable part of the time but the wind, has been almost constantly in our favor. We anticipated that our passage round the Cape would be the most tedious part of our voyage, but favor has been shown us far beyond our expectations. We have not only had some as smooth sailing as at any time since we embarked, but in some respects it has been the pleasantest part. Perhaps no vessel ever passed this cold region with more uninterrupted prosperity. We now consider ourselves out of the reach of the C. storms, and the weather is warm enough for us to sit comfortably on deck. We hope to reach the field of our labours in about 40 days. O how pleasant the thought that I am so soon to set my feet on land; and on that land where I have so long desired to be placed. I believe I shall enjoy health if I live to reach the shore — We have never been able to catch any fish until we entered the Pacific, since then we have caught several Porpoises, which have furnished us with some rare meals. (Samuel Ruggles.)

Jan. 30. Lat. 58 S. This morning (Sabbath) we passed the Cape. At the close of public worship (the hymn Ebenezer was sung). We suffer some with the cold, as we have no fire below; though the weather is more mild than I expected. This morning I was so chilled as to be unable to sit without shaking. I sometimes think it would be very pleasant to sit down by a good fire (a comfort which my dear friends probably enjoy) but I feel contented without one Though the natural sun denies us his cheering and enlivening beams, I trust we in some measure enjoy the rays of the Sun of Righteousness, and our souls are thereby strengthened and invigorated. I have been enabled this day to look forward with humble hope to that state of future blessedness, where there will be no need of the light or heat of the sun, but where “the glory of God will enlighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

30. – We are now safely past the cape. This is what sailors call one chance to a thousand, but missionaries look upon it as a signal blessing of God. Here we set up our Ebeneser for thus far the Lord has helped us. The events of this day, the kindness experienced & the good dealings of providence shall ever stand on my record to excite gratitude. And when I remember this my vow, may the Lord help me to raise this ejaculatory prayer. O God stand by the Heralds of Salvation who shall hereafter pass this cape, & preserve them as thou hast preserved us. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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Kūkaniloko Birthstones

The Kūkaniloko Birthstones site is one of the most significant cultural sites on O‘ahu. This significance was recognized in the listing of the site on the National and Hawai’i Registers of Historic Places.

Kūkaniloko means “to anchor the cry from within.”

The 5-acre site was acquired by the State of Hawaiʻi in 1992 and placed under the jurisdiction of State Parks to preserve and interpret this important historic site.

Kūkaniloko was one of two places in Hawai‘i specifically designated for the birth of high-ranking children; the other site was Holoholokū at Wailua on Kauai.

These royal birthing sites maintained the antiquity and purity of the chiefly lineages on O‘ahu and Kauai. It is said that chiefs from Hawai‘i Island and Maui often sought greater prestige by marrying those with these strong ancestral lineages.

The site is marked by 180 stones covering an area of about ½-acre. Many of these stones have surface depressions and fluted edges with a coating of red dirt. These surfaces are probably a combination of natural weathering and human craftsmanship over many generations.

Today, they appear as very smooth, round, “sit-spots” in the rocks, with no signs of tools or human workmanship; only their uniform symmetry and design would indicate human craftsmanship.

One can immediately visualize the use of these stone “sit-spots” in childbirth, for many of them have natural backrests behind the depressions, which would have given firm support to a straining mother-to-be. It is small wonder that these birthstones would have been revered and reserved for childbirth for chiefesses.

With assistance from her attendants, the chiefess would lean against the stone and follow the prescribed regulations for birthing (liloe kapu).

Beginning with the birth of Kapawa, Kūkaniloko became recognized as the royal birthsite on O’ahu. Based on genealogical records, the dates of Kapawa’s birth range from A.D. 1100 to A.D. 1400, but the date could be earlier.

A child born in the presence of the chiefs was called “he ali‘i” (a chief), “he akua” (a god), “he wela” (a blaze of heat). The births of at least 4 renown chiefs of O‘ahu are recorded at Kūkaniloko – La‘a (ca. 1420,) Mā‘ilikūkahi (ca. 1520,) Kalanimanuia (ca. 1600) and Kākuhihewa (ca. 1640).

The reign of these chiefs was marked by good deeds, peace and prosperity.

This place was so highly viewed that, even in later times, Kamehameha I, in 1797, previous to the birth of his son and successor, Liholiho (Kamehameha II,) made arrangements to have his birth take place at Kūkaniloko; but the illness of Queen Keōpūolani prevented that (Liholiho was born in Hilo.)

Major trails crossed the island and intersected near Kūkaniloko. The Waialua Trail ran from Waialua through Wahiawā to ‘Ewa. The Kolekole Trail from Wai‘anae crossed the Wai‘anae Range and joined the Waialua Trail near Kūkaniloko.

To the south of the birthstones is the Wai‘anae Mountain Range with prominent peaks such as Kaʻala and a dip known as Kolekole. According to oral tradition, these features create an image of a pregnant woman known as “wahine hāpai.”

From Kūkaniloko, the setting of the sun at peaks (pu‘u) along the Waiʻanae Range could be observed and used as a calendar. Some of the stones at Kūkaniloko may have been used as reference points to observe the sun setting behind, Mt. Ka‘ala at the equinox.

Likewise, it is believed that alignments and marking on the stones illustrate navigational directions. (Today, September 22, 2012) is the Autumnal Equinox; from Kūkaniloko, the setting sun is aligned with Mt. Kaʻala.)

Wahiawā is translated as place of rumbling. It is said that Wahiawā is where thunderstorms, the voices of the ancestral gods, welcomed an offspring of divine rank. Being the center of O‘ahu, Kūkaniloko is also symbolic of the piko (navel, as well as center) and thus, birth.

The site is managed and maintained through a partnership between DLNR-State Parks, the Hawaiian Civic Club of Wahiawā and the Friends of Kūkaniloko. Additional support for interpretive efforts at the site has been provided by the Wahiawā Hospital Association and the Wahiawā Community and Business Association.

The Kūkaniloko birthstones are located next to a dusty (or muddy) plantation road and are partially surrounded by former pineapple fields. The turn-off from Kamehameha Highway just north of the town of Wahiawā, at the Whitmore Village intersection.

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Day 101 – January 31, 1820

January 31, 1820 – This day is also a season of rejoicing. The voice of health contentment and praise, gives the cheerful response to the breeze of prosperity. Peace without and peace within, while we are rapidly borne westward into the waters of the Pacific. Lat. S 58° Lon. W. 68°. The days are long, having about 17 hours sun, and the twilight continues through the short night, keeping along the Southern horizon. At sunsetting the mercury stands at 46 Fahrenheit. Though it is but little past midsummer here, it requires a winter dress to make us comfortably warm. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 31st. This morning finds our family well— the winds taking us fast into the Pacific. Peace without—peace within. Evening. It is some minutes past nine o’clock, but day-light is not so far gone but I write this with so much of it as comes in at the little round glass at the top of the room. Sophia will remember that is all the window I have. It is very pleasant, now so far away, to recollect one dear sister has trod upon the floor which I tread from hour to hour. I love to look up at the names over the door— then think of the hymn to be sung when we came into mind, “Begone unbelief—” (Sybil Bingham)

Jan. 31. We are daily called upon by the providence of god law for the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Notwithstanding we are in this cold and dreary region and at this point which is thought to be the most dangerous sailing on the globe, we can sit down with cheerful hearts to our ordinary, though frugal meals; and arise with gratitude, to the Giver of our mercies. The weather continues cold and unpleasant. But though cold and comforts be the way in which a kind providence shall lead us, I hope we shall cheerfully acquiesce in all His dealings. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

3[1]. – Owing to westerly winds we are driven farther south than our Capt. wished to go. The weather is so cold that I can hardly keep warm by walking fast with my cloak on. Thermometer stands at 46°. We are on the same meridian of longitude as our friends at home; but our situation is somewhat different. They are pinched with northern blasts we would southern. They are surrounded with comforts of home, we would mercies abroad. And though the waves of the Pacific rage about us we feel that the arm on which we lean is omnipotent. Few families in New England we believe have more real enjoyment than this little band of brethren. Blessed with health & far more of the comforts of life than we ever expected at sea; with high hopes of soon setting our feet on heathen shores & performing the work of our heavenly Father, we are happy. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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Day 102 – February 1, 1820

February 1, 1820 – Today we pass the meridean of the Foreign Mission school in Cornwall, Conn. U.S.A., sailing westward 7 or 8 knots an hour. During 24 hours we have made nearly 5 degrees. Our respected Capt. B. says there never could be a better chance to get west, from the cape, and that if this wind should continue another day, he should then be desirous to turn more to the north. (Thaddeus Journal)

Feb. 1st. The wind continues in our favor, carrying us fast from the ‘’stormy Cape”. Our course now is due west—one hundred fifty miles the last twenty-four hours. 0, that we may suitably notice our mercies! (Sybil Bingham)

February 1, Lat. 59 South-within 8 days sail of the regions of perpetual ice. Suffer much from the cold, there being no fire in the cabin, nor are we allowed a foot stove as the Magazine is under us; and consequently it would be running some hazard to admit fire into the cabin. The only way I can keep any way comfortable, is, to roll myself up in my blanket and lie in my berth. It is more than 3 months since I have seen a fire-but tomorrow I have the promise of the old cook that I may go into the Caboose, the place where he cooks our victuals.
O let me entreat you to prize a good fireside and other domestic comforts while you remember Him from whom all your blessings flow. (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

Feb 1. – The weather continues cold & unpleasant. The sun rises at ½ past 3, & sets at ½ past 8. Daylight is to be seen to whole 24 hours. The moon at its greatest altitude forms an angle of 15° with the northern whole horizon. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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