Ali’i / Chiefs / Governance | Page 127

September 17, 2016 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Kālaimoku

“(I)n the earliest times all the people were alii … it was only after the lapse of several generations that a division was made into commoners and chiefs” (Malo)

Kamakau noted, in early Hawaiʻi “The parents were masters over their own family group … No man was made chief over another.” Essentially, the extended family was the socio, biological, economic and political unit.

Because each ʻohana (family) was served by a parental haku (master, overseer) and each family was self-sufficient and capable of satisfying its own needs, there was no need for a hierarchal structure.

Kamakau states that there were no chiefs in the earliest period of settlement but that they came “several hundred years afterward … when men became numerous.”

As the population increased and wants and needs increased in variety and complexity (and it became too difficult to satisfy them with finite resources,) the need for chiefly rule became apparent.

The actual number of chiefs was few, but their retainers attached to the courts (advisors, konohiki, priests, warriors, etc) were many.

In addition to the expanded demand to provide food for the courts, commoners were also obliged to make new lines of products for the chiefs – feather cloaks, capes, helmets, images and ornaments.

Once King Kamehameha I gained control of the major Hawaiian Islands, he reestablished the ancestral custom of the ʻaha aliʻi (council of chiefs,) first to provide advice and ensure the proper governance of the islands without reliance on warfare.

The council of chiefs supervised the division and management of land, the management of fisheries, the sandalwood trade and the annual collection of taxes.

Kamehameha also appointed governors for each island, in recognition of the relative autonomy of each island in relation to local affairs and as an accommodation to the federated nature of the governance of the unified Kingdom.

The council provided a constraint on the power of the mōʻī (head of state) and was an early indicator of the democratic direction in which governance of the nation was moving. (MacKenzie)

There were two strong forces, or parties, in the government; one the kahunas, who attended to the idol-worship, the other the kālaimoku, or king’s chief councilor (counselor, prime minister, high official; to perform such office. Lit., manage island, (Ulukau.)) These two were the ones who controlled the government, and led its head, the king, as they thought best. (Malo)

The word kālaimoku related to the civil polity, or government, of the land. The government was supposed to have one body (kino.) As the body of a man is one, provided with a head, with hands, feet and numerous smaller members, so the government has many parts, but one organization. (Malo)

The kālaimoku’s manner of procedure was as follows: He first made secret inquiries of the keepers of the genealogies – poe kuauhau – and informed himself as to the pedigree of all the chiefs.

Because the kālaimoku believed that the king was to be compared to a house. A house indeed stands of itself, but its pa or stockade, is its defense. So it was with the king; the chiefs below him and the common people throughout the whole country were his defense.

Aliʻi nui would carefully consider the advice of his council, and would be hesitant to go against it. Kālaimoku and kahuna kiʻi played different roles in their process of governing.

The kālaimoku advised on the material processes of government: political affairs, war, and taking care of makaʻāinana; the kahuna kiʻi focused on the spiritual and metaphysical and was the aliʻi nui contact t the gods. (Beamer)

If the head of the government declined to follow their advice, the government went to another, on account of the fault of its head, that is the king. The high priest – kahuna o nā kiʻi – controlled the king in matters of religion – haipule- (He was keeper of the king’s conscience.)

The kālaimoku, chief councilor or prime minister, guided him in regulating the affairs of administration, and in all that related to the common people. (Malo)

The principal duties of the kālaimoku’s office were comprised under two heads; to look after the king’s interests and to look after the people’s interests. The one who filled the office of kālaimoku made it his first business to counsel the king in the regulation of these two departments. (Malo)

One thing which the kālaimoku impressed upon the king was to protect the property of the chiefs as well as that of the common people; not to rob them, not to appropriate wantonly the crops of the common people. (Malo)

The kālaimoku’s manner of procedure was as follows: He first made secret inquiries of the keepers of the genealogies – poe kuauhau – and informed himself as to the pedigree of all the chiefs.

There were two great reasons why a kālaimoku had superior ability as a counselor to others. In the first place, they were instructed in the traditional wisdom of former kālaimoku, and in the second place their whole lives were spent with kings.

When one king died, they lived with his successor until his death, and so on. Thus they became well acquainted with the methods adopted by different kings, also with those used by the kings of ancient times.

These kālaimoku were a class of people who did not care much for luxury and display, nor for distinction, wealth, or land. They had no desire for great rewards from the king. They were only intent on serving the king by their secret councils.

A notable Kālaimoku was Kalanimōkū was a trusted and loyal advisor to Kamehameha I, Liholiho (Kamehameha II) and Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha III.)

He adopted the name William Pitt, because of his great admiration for the British Prime Minister, William Pitt the Younger. He was frequently addressed as Mr. Pitt or Billy Pitt. (Lots of information here from Malo.)

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William Pitt Kalanimoku (c. 1768–1827) was a military and civil leader of the Kingdom of Hawaii-Pellion

September 10, 2016 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Early Battles Leading to Unification

I came across a summary (that also had some expanded explanatory notes) on early battles that Kamehameha was involved with – effectively from about 1760 to the mid-1780s. (You can put some time context to these – these were about the time of the American Revolutionary War.)

I liked the formatting and summary nature of the descriptions, including the who, what, where, when and why, and result. These are included here as presented by Harrington (with some editing for formatting purposes.)

Battle #1—Hilo Warriors of Alapaʻinui Defeat Kaʻū Warriors of Kalaniʻōpuʻu Near Hilo
Who: The Kaʻū warriors of Kalaniʻōpuʻu, including his kahu Puna, Kekūhaupiʻo, and Keawemauhili vs. the Hilo warriors of Alapaʻinui and chiefs loyal to Alapaʻinui, including Keawe‘ōpala, Keaweāheulu, and the three sons of Keawepoepoe (Kameʻeiamoku, Kamanawa and Keʻeaumoku.)
Where: Near Hilo, Hawai‘i Island.
Why: Kalaniʻōpuʻu seeks to avenge Alapa‘inui’s poisoning of Keōuanui, the father of Kamehameha, and take Kamehameha from Alapa‘inui’s court in Hilo and bring him to his own court in Kaʻū.
When: Kamehameha is about ten years old.
Result: Kalaniʻōpuʻu’s forces suffer many deaths and are put to flight by the warriors of Alapaʻinui.

Battle #2—Kaʻū Warriors of Kalaniʻōpuʻu Defeat Hilo Warriors of Keawe‘ōpala and Keʻeaumoku Inland of Kawaihae.
Who: The Kaʻū warriors of Kalaniʻōpuʻu vs. the Hilo warriors of Keawe‘ōpala, allied with Keʻeaumoku.
Where: Inland of Kawaihae on Hawai‘i Island, between Keʻei and Hōnaunau.
Why: Kalaniʻōpuʻu seeks revenge for his earlier military defeat by the warrior forces of Alapaʻinui.
When: c.1760. Some years after previous battle; after death of Alapaʻinui.
Result: After a battle lasting several days, Kalaniʻōpuʻu’s forces are victorious. A turning point in this battle is the death of Keawe‘ōpala’s kahuna nui Ka‘akau. Keawe‘ōpala is also killed. Keʻeaumoku flees to Maui, and Kalaniʻōpuʻu rules over all of Hawai‘i Island. Kamehameha returns to Kaʻū to live in the court of his makua kāne mō‘ī Kalaniʻōpuʻu.

Battle #3—Kamehameha and Hawai‘i Island Warriors of Kalaniʻōpuʻu Defeat Maui Warriors of Kahekili at Fortification of Kaʻuiki at Hāna and Nearby Village of Kaupō: The Plunder of Kaupō.
Who: The Hawai‘i Island warriors of Kalaniʻōpuʻu (with Kamehameha) vs. the Maui warriors of Kahekili.
Where: Fortification of Kaʻuiki at Hāna, Maui; nearby village of Kaupō.
Why: To regain control of the Hāna fort.
When: c.1775.
Result: Kalaniʻōpuʻu’s forces are victorious over the Maui warriors and retake the Hāna fort. Kalaniʻōpuʻu orders his warriors to plunder the people of Kaupō and many innocent people are killed.

Battle #4—Battle of Kalaeokaʻīlio—The Cape of the Dog: Maui Warriors of Kahekili Defeat Hawai‘i Island Warriors of Kalaniʻōpuʻu at Kaupō.
Who: The Hawai‘i Island warriors of Kalaniʻōpuʻu (including Kamehameha) vs. the Maui warriors of Kahekili.
Where: Kaupō, Maui.
Why: Kahekili is angered by the killing of his people at Kaupō, Maui and seeks revenge against Kalaniʻōpuʻu.
When: c.1775.
Result: Kalaniʻōpuʻu’s forces are outnumbered and flee the battlefield, suffering many deaths. This is the first major battle of the rising warrior Kamehameha, and during the fighting he shows fearlessness and bravery by coming to the rescue of his war instructor Kekūhaupiʻo

Battle #5—Kamehameha and Kekūhaupiʻo Defeat Maui Warriors of Kahekili Near Papawai Point
Who: Kamehameha and Kekūhaupiʻo vs. the Maui warriors of Kahekili.
Where: Near Papawai Point, Maui.
Why: Maui warriors try to prevent Kamehameha and Kekūhaupiʻo from landing their canoe.
When: Same day as #6; time overlaps with Battle #6
Result: Kamehameha and Kekūhaupiʻo are vastly outnumbered yet they defeat the Maui warriors and force them to flee.

Battle #6— Battle of the Sand Dunes—Pi‘ipi‘i and ‘Ālapa Heaped Up at Kakanilua: Maui Warriors of Kahekili and O‘ahu Warriors of Kahahana Defeat Hawai‘i Island Warriors of Kalaniʻōpuʻu’s Chiefly Army of Keawe at Wailuku.
Who: The Hawai‘i Island warriors of Kalaniʻōpuʻu’s Chiefly Army of Keawe (‘Ālapa and Pi‘ipi‘i armies) including Kekūhaupiʻo, Kalanimanoiokaho‘owa, Nae‘ole, ‘Īmakakoloa, Kānekoa, Nu‘uanupā‘ahu, Nanuekaleiōpū, Keaweaheulu, and Keawemauhili as well as Kameʻeiamoku, and Kamanawa. vs. the Maui warriors of Kahekili supported by the O‘ahu warriors of Kahahana.
Where: Inland at Wailuku, Maui.
Why: Kalaniʻōpuʻu seeks to avenge his earlier defeat to Kahekili’s forces at Kaupō, Maui.
Result: All of Kalaniʻōpuʻu’s Chiefly Army of Keawe is slain by the Maui and O‘ahu warriors, except for two messengers who bring the news to Kalaniʻōpuʻu.

Battle #7—Maui Warriors of Kahekili and O‘ahu Warriors of Kahahana Defeat Hawai‘i Island Warriors of Kalaniʻōpuʻu Near Wailuku.
Who: The Hawai‘i Island warriors of Kalaniʻōpuʻu vs. the Maui warriors of Kahekili and the O‘ahu warriors of Kahahana.
Where: Near Wailuku, Maui.
Why: Kalaniʻōpuʻu seeks to avenge the slaughter of his Pi‘ipi‘i and ‘Ālapa warriors at Wailuku.
Result: The Hawai‘i Island warriors are overpowered and flee the battlefield. They are not pursued by the Maui and O‘ahu warriors, who also suffer many losses.

Battle #8—Warriors of Maui Ruler Kahekili Defeat Hawai‘i Island Warriors on Molokai.
Who: Hawai‘i Island warriors of Kalaniʻōpuʻu vs. warriors of the Maui ruler Kahekili.
Where: Kalae, Molokai.
Why: Kalaniʻōpuʻu seeks to avenge the death of his ‘Ālapa and Pi‘ipi‘i armies at Wailuku, Maui.
When: One year after peace accord between Kahekili and Kalaniʻōpuʻu.
Result: Kalaniʻōpuʻu’s warriors are again defeated.

Battle #9—Hawai‘i Island Warriors of Kalaniʻōpuʻu and Kamehameha’s Hunalele and Huelokū Warriors Defeat the Maui and O‘ahu Warriors of Kahekili and Kahahana in Hakalau.
Who: The Hawai‘i Island warriors of Kalaniʻōpuʻu, including Kamehameha’s Hunalele and Huelokū warriors mostly from Kohala and Waimea vs. the Maui and O‘ahu warriors of Kahekili and Kahahana.
Where: Hakalau in the Hilo district of Hawai‘i Island.
Why: Kalaniʻōpuʻu seeks to avenge the slaughter of his Pi‘ipi‘i and ‘Ālapa warriors at Wailuku.
Result: Kalaniʻōpuʻu’s Hawai‘i Island warriors are victorious. Kaihe is killed by Kekūhaupiʻo, and the Maui and O‘ahu warriors flee the battlefield.

Battle #10—Battle of Mokuʻōhai—Kamehameha’s Warriors of Kohala, Kona, and Waimea Defeat Hilo, Puna, Kaʻū, and Hāmākua Warriors of Kīwala‘ō and Keawemauhili on Plain of Mokuʻōhai.
Who: Kīwala‘ō’s army led by the twins Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula and Keōuape‘e‘ale and supported by the Hilo warriors of Keawemauhili and the Puna warriors of Ahia, along with warriors of Kaʻū and Hāmākua vs. Kamehameha’s army of warriors mostly from Kohala, Kona, and Waimea. Chiefs allied with Kamehameha and Kekūhaupiʻo are Keʻeaumoku Pāpaʻiaheahe, Keaweaheulu, Keaweokahikona, Kawelookalani, Kala‘imamahū, and Kamehameha’s younger brother Keli‘imaika‘i, as well as Kameʻeiamoku and Kamanawa, the sacred twins of Kekaulike.
Where: Plain of Mokuʻōhai between Hōnaunau and Keʻei.
Why: Aggressive acts by Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula against Kīwala‘ō for denying him land lead to an alliance between Kīwala‘ō and Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula against Kamehameha.
When: 1782
Result: Kīwala‘ō is killed by Keʻeaumoku and Kamehameha’s warriors are victorious. Kamehameha gains control of Kona, Kohala, and part of Hāmākua while Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula rules over Kaʻū and part of Puna, and Keawemauhili rules over Hilo and parts of Hāmākua and Puna.

Battle #11—Battle of the Bitter Rain—Kaua Kaua‘awa: Kamehameha’s Palena, Mahi, Huelokū, and Hunalele Warriors Defeat Hilo, Kaʻū, and Puna Warriors of Keawemauhili and Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula and Maui Warriors of Kahekili from Pū‘āinakō to Pua‘aloa.
Who: Kamehameha’s 20,000 warriors, including his Palena, Mahi, Huelokū, and Hunalele army divisions vs. the warriors of Hilo, Kaʻū, and Puna under the Hilo and Kaʻū rulers Keawemauhili and Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula, later supported by the Maui warriors of Kahekili, who were led by Kahāhāwai.
Where: Begins near Pū‘āinakō and ranges as far as Pā‘ie‘ie and Pua‘aloa in Hilo.
Why: Kaha‘i [Keahia] asks Kamehameha to attack Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula to avenge the death of Kaha‘i’s brother, Kānekoa.
When: c.1783
Result: After three days of fighting, Kamehameha’s forces are winning the battle against the Hilo, Kaʻū, and Puna warriors of Keawemauhili and Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula. Then the Maui warriors of Kahāhāwai arrive and join the battle against Kamehameha’s warriors, who are forced to retreat.

Battle #12—Kamehameha’s Mahi Warriors Led by Kaʻiana Defeat Pōniu and Pukeawe Armies of Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula Above Kainaliu.
Who: Kamehameha’s Mahi army of 2,000 warriors led by Kaʻiana, with reinforcements of 2,000 warriors arriving from South Kona vs. Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula’s Pōniu and Pukeawe armies.
Where: Above Kainaliu.
Why: To prevent Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula from attacking rear of Kamehameha’s forces as Kamehameha’s warriors attack Keawemauhili at Hilo.
Result: The Mahi warriors gain the advantage over Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula’s Pōniu warriors and then Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula directly leads his Pukeawe army to assist in the fight, outnumbering the Mahi army and gaining the advantage. Kamehameha sends reinforcements from South Kona, and Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula warriors are forced to retreat.

Battle #13—Battle of Hāpuʻu: Kamehameha’s Waimea Warriors with Keʻeaumoku Pāpaʻiaheahe Defeat Kahekili’s Maui Warriors Led by Manonoikauakāpekulani from Hālawa Uplands to the Sea.
Who: Kamehameha’s army of 2,000 warriors, mostly from Waimea, and including Keʻeaumoku vs. Kahekili’s Maui warriors led by the aliʻi Manonoikauakāpekulani.
Where: Beginning in the Hālawa uplands and moving to the shore.
Why: An invasion of Kohala by Kahekili’s Maui warriors led by Manonoikauakāpekulani causes Kamehameha to attack these invaders of his homeland.
When: c.1785.
Result: The battle lasts for two days and Kamehameha’s side prevails. Manonoikauakāpekulani is offered as a sacrifice at the heiau of Moʻokini.

Battle #14—Battle of Laupāhoehoe Two: Kīpu‘upu‘u and Malana Warriors of Kamehameha and Kamehameha’s Canoe Fleet Led by Keʻeaumoku Pāpaʻiaheahe Defeat Hilo and Hāmākua Warriors of Keawemauhili at Hāmākua o Kupapaulau and from Maulua to Kealakekua at Hāmākua
Who: Kamehameha’s Kīpu‘upu‘u army (led by Nanuekaleiōpū); Kamehameha’s Malana army (led directly by Kamehameha); and Kamehameha’s canoe fleet (led by Keʻeaumoku) vs. Keawemauhili’s Hilo and Hāmākua warriors led by the Honohina chief Kalino, and other warriors of Keawemauhili led by the chief Kainea of Kapehu.
Where: Two major battles occur.
Battle One: The battle of Kamehameha’s Kīpu‘upu‘u army under Nanuekaleiōpū against Keawemauhili’s Hilo and Hāmākua warriors led by the Honohina chief Kalino begins at Kaholo, at Hāmākua o Kupapaulau.
Battle Two: The battle of Kamehameha’s Malana army begins in Kapehu, where Kekuapāni‘o’s warriors proficient in the use of slings meet Keawemauhili’s warriors led by the Kapehu chief Kainea, and this battle ranges from Maulua to Kealakekua at Hāmākua.
Why: Kamehameha is angered at the killing of his aliʻi watchman Lononuiākea stationed at Laupāhoehoe. These killings are committed by Pīna‘au and Kauwehanehane, two of Keawemauhili’s chiefs, and are considered an act of war by Keawemauhili against Kamehameha, who had previously gained control of Laupāhoehoe in a battle against Kahekili’s warriors.
Result of Battle One: Kamehameha’s Kīpu‘upu‘u warriors led by Nanuekaleiōpū are victorious over Keawemauhili’s warriors of Hilo and Hāmākua after two days and nights of fighting. Keawemauhili’s warriors flee the battlefield with Kamehameha’s warriors in pursuit.
Result of Battle Two: In a separate battle, Kamehameha’s Malana army led by Kamehameha emerges victorious after three days of fierce fighting against Keawemauhili’s warriors under Kainea, who flee the battlefield. The three aliʻi responsible for the earlier deaths of Kamehameha’s men at Laupāhoehoe are killed.

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September 9, 2016 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

The Lady and Emma

Jane Franklin (1791-1875), was born on December 4, 1791, the daughter of John Griffin, a wealthy silk weaver, of London, and Mary, née Guillemard. In 1828, she married (as his second wife) John Franklin, an explorer trying to map out the Northwest Passage.

On April 29, 1829, John was knighted by George IV and the same year awarded the first Gold Medal of the Société de Géographie of France. Franklin was governor of Tasmania for a while before heading out on his next Canadian Arctic expedition. (Franklin had spent three winters in the Arctic without sending word back home; Jane began to get worried.)

In 1848 the search for Franklin and his crew began. In 1849 Jane’s panic began and she dedicated her life and resources to trying to find her missing husband and his crew. Later a journal was found that said that Franklin had died on June 11th, 1847.

While monitoring her husband’s rescue trips and waiting for news she became well-acquainted with the Hawai‘i royal family. En route to the Sandwich Islands Lady Jane and Sophia Cracroft, her niece, went around South America and stopped in California.

In 1861, Robert Crichton Wyllie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, hosted a visit by Lady Jane Franklin, a lively, energetic 69 year old who delighted the 63 year old Wyllie.

He housed her in a spacious apartment at Rosebank. It appears that the confirmed bachelor was rather smitten with Lady Jane. Wyllie was taken with the idea that she should visit Princeville and she quickly agreed.

“We passed here twelve delightful days of unbroken repose, free from bustle, interruption, and fatigue – pray don’t imagine that this means in indolence …”

“… the very reverse is the fact – we read, wrote, drew, sewed, while drinking in the perfume of the flowers such as are cherished in conservatories at home, revelling in beauty which could never satiate, because ever changing.” (Miss Sophia Cracroft, 1861; Harrington)

Wyllie arranged for the ladies to be presented to King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma. The friendship that developed was very beneficial for Lady Jane, who had open access to the palace. (Kauai Historical Society)

They discussed a wide range of topics. Lady Jane and her niece were very involved with social events of the community, attending musicals, teas, receptions, excursions into the country side and dances.

Next, Lady Jane went to California for a brief time then returned to Hawai‘i to visit the royal family when en route to Japan. Again she was the guest of Robert Wyllie at Rosebank. From Hawai‘i she proceeded to Calcutta before making her way home to England.

Although Lady Jane never returned to Hawai‘I, she maintained close contact with Queen Emma and Robert Wyllie through correspondence. In 1864 Lady Jane wintered in Spain but hurried back to England to host a visit from Queen Emma. (Kauai Historical Society)

To win support for an Anglican mission to Hawai‘i, where Lady Jane was concerned that British should replace American influence, she acted as hostess in her London home to Queen Emma. (Woodward)

“(S)he was received with great kindness by the ‘royal family,’ and is now repaying it by having ‘the Queen’ and her retinue to live with her; though our Queen has placed her apartments at Clarges’ Hotel at the Sandwich Island Queen’s disposition.”

“(Queen Emma) is a charming young woman, in spite of the tinge of black – or rather green. Large black, beautiful eyes, a lovely smile, great intelligence, both of face and manner, a musical, true voice, a perfect English accent.” (Jane W Carlyle to Welch)

“The queen is the widow of the late King of the Sandwich Islands, Kamehameha IV., to whom she was married in 1856. Her only child died in the year 1862; and the throne is now filled by her husband’s brother, with the title of Kamehameha V.”

“The Queen Dowager Emma is partly of Hawaiian and partly of European race; her father was one of the native chieftains, and her mother was a granddaughter of John Young, one of the companions of Vancouver.”

“She has come to England on a visit to Lady Franklin, for the purpose of interesting the friends of English Church missions in the welfare of the Christians among her own people, which ought to be no matter of surprise, when it is known that her husband was the Hawaiian king who invited the planting in his dominions of a branch of the English Church …”

“… the king, who himself translated the English Prayer-book into the native language, and wrote the preface to it, which the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge have published as one of their own tracts.”

“It must not be imagined that, though Queen Emma has come to England on a visit to Lady Franklin, that she is confined alone to the residence of that distinguished lady.”

“She has also been the guest of Mr JF Batemen, of Moor Park, near Farnham, Surrey. The spot is not only one of romantic beauty, but the house itself was formerly the residence of Sir William Temple and Dean Swift.”

“While staying with Lady Franklin, Queen Emma visited the Duke of York‘s Military School at Chelsea. During her visit to Mr. Buteman, she visited all the interesting places round Farnham, including Aldershott Camp”.

“At the time that she was on a visit to the Rev. Mr. Keble, at Hursley, in Hampshir she went to see Winchester, when the bells of the ol cathedral rang peals of welcome during her stay, and on her way through the Close to Archdeacon Utterton’s, she was greeted with a succession of cheers.” (London Journal, September 30, 1865)

On September 9th, Queen Emma and Queen Victoria met. The British Queen noted in her Journal: “After luncheon I received Queen Emma, the widowed Queen of the Sandwich Islands of Hawai‘i. Met her in the Corridor & nothing could be nicer or more dignified than her manner.”

“She was dressed in just the same widow’s weeds as I wear. I took her into the White Drawingroom, where I asked her to sit down next to me on the sofa. She was much moved when I spoke of her great misfortune in losing her husband and only child.”

“She was very discreet and would only remain a few minutes. She presented her lady, [Mrs. Hoapili] whose husband is her Chaplain, both being Hawaiians.” (Queen Victoria; Hackler)

Note, at this time, the three women were widows: Lady Jane Franklin learned of her husband’s death in 1854; Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria died December 14, 1861; and Prince Albert, Kamehameha Iv and Emma’s only son died August 27, 1862 and Kamehameha IV died November 30, 1863.

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September 7, 2016 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

ʻIolani Palace Lanterns

King Kalākaua was the first ruling Monarch to tour of the world; in doing so, he made good on his motto, and motivation, proclaimed at his accession, ‘Hoʻoulu Lahui!’- (Increase the Nation!)

“(T)he King goes but for the good of his people, to make the country richer by getting more capital and people to come this way. … So the King this time takes with him a Commissioner to enquire into and bring other people of brown skins here to re-people these isles.” (Kapena)

The King and others were concerned about the declining Hawaiian population in the Islands. “The King himself would be only so in name if he had no people to rule. The King will not rest until his hope of re-peopling these isles has been fulfilled.” (Kapena)

Leaving January 20, 1881 on the Oceanic and arriving back in the Islands October 29, 1881 (nine months and nine days later,) Kalākaua travelled to the US, Japan, China, Siam, Burma, India, Egypt, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Austria-Hungary, France, Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

Kalākaua wanted to gain recognition for his kingdom and learn how other monarchs ruled. He believed the best way to conclude diplomatic relations with foreign countries was to understand their customs.

In Japan, “On the day following their arrival, the royal party were escorted to the Imperial Theatre, Shintomiza. Twenty-eight carriages were required to take the train of Imperial Princes and Princesses, and high dignitaries, who formed the escort of His Majesty the King.”

“One thousand globe shaped lanterns were displayed in front of and around the theatre; and each one had the Imperial Japanese flag, and the Royal Hawaiian standard painted on them. Every walk, and every tree in the spacious theatre garden was hung with illuminated globes, every corridor and lobby was lined with them …”

“… and the interior of the theatre was in a blaze of light. It was estimated that over 3000 of these brilliant illuminated lanterns decorated the great theatre, and were an especial display, marvellous even to Japanese eyes, in honor of King Kalakaua’s visit.” (King Kalākaua’s Tour Round the World, PC Advertiser, 1881)

“When the King and his suite visited the Enriokwan Mansion, in a grand park, in Tokio, the grounds were illuminated by over 4,000 Japanese globe lanterns; and the King and suite were robed in very rich Japanese court costumes, provided expressly for this occasion.” (King Kalākaua’s Tour Round the World, PC Advertiser, 1881)

Following his trip, “King Kalākaua gave a grand ball at the royal palace Ball (in honor of the Prince and Princess Henri de Bourbon of Austria) …. The palace was beautifully decorated with festoons of Chinese lanterns, so thickly that it appeared to be almost covered with them.” (Daily Alta California, November 2, 1889)

“Every approach to the palace presented a scene of gorgeous resplendence. The illumination of the building and grounds has never been surpassed in style or degree.”

“From basement to battlements on every side the noble pile was profusely hung with rows of colored lanterns, festooned and straight but never departing from artistic symmetry…”

“There was a great crush of people in the throne room and main hall at the height of the reception, yet the procession past the royal dais flowed on in remarkably good order, the return stream of observed ones mingling with the throng of observers round the apartment. The band played throughout the ceremony.”

“Every approach to the palace presented a scene of gorgeous resplendence. The illumination of the building and grounds has never been surpassed in style or degree. From basement to battlements on every side the noble pile was profusely hung with rows of colored lanterns, festooned and straight but never departing from artistic symmetry.”

“These myriad lights were interspersed with the glittering rays from the permanent rose-shaped incandescent lamps on the outer walls, every door and window poured forth a welcoming glow from the electric crystal chandeliers richly bestowed within.”

“The paths in the grounds were lined, the trees and shrubbery decked, with hundreds of colored lanterns closely ranged in right lines and curves, all with such consummate art as to yield an effect of exquisite harmony to every point of vision.” (Daily Bulletin, October 24, 1889)

“The Palace grounds were lit up with torches and the front of the lower veranda was illuminated with lanterns in colors of white, green and red.” (Ball in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Claus Spreckels, August 7, 1885 – Pacific Commercial Advertiser, 8/8/85)

Lili‘uokalani continued the lantern tradition, “O ke kahua oloko o ka pa, ua hookauluwela ia e ua kuikui he mau haneri o na waihooluu like ole i hookuene akamai ia a lilo i mau nanaina maikai.” (The enclosed area within the fence was aglow with many hundreds of lanterns of different colors that were artistically arranged creating a wondrous sight to behold.) (Ball given by Lili‘uokalani – Nupepa Kuokoa, March 1892)

Friends of ʻIolani Palace continue the tradition – ʻIolani Palace and its grounds are often decorated with lanterns harking back to the time of Hawai‘i’s monarchy. (ʻIolani Palace)

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September 3, 2016 by Peter T Young 2 Comments

Lopaka

In 1790, two Western ships, Simon Metcalf (captaining the Eleanora) and his son Thomas Metcalf (captaining the Fair American) were trading in Hawaiian waters.

The Eleanora arrived in the islands first; after a brief confrontation with local chief Kameʻeiamoku in Kohala, she sailed to the neighboring island of Maui to trade along the coast.

Kame‘eiamoku vowed revenge on whatever ship next came his way. By coincidence, the Fair American was the next ship to visit the territory of chief Kameʻeiamoku, who was eager for revenge. Isaac Davis was a crew member of the Fair American.

On March 16, 1790, the Fair American was attacked by Kameʻeiamoku’s warriors at Puako, near Kawaihae, Hawaii. The schooner was manned by only four sailors, plus its relatively inexperienced captain. It was easily captured by the Hawaiians (Davis was spared.)

Unaware of the events and fate of the Fair American, the Eleanora returned from Maui and arrived at the Big Island; Captain Simon Metcalf sent John Young ashore to see the country.

That evening, as Young attempted to return to his ship, Kamehameha’s forces detained him (Kamehameha had placed a kapu on anyone going on the ship.)

Young was captured and Metcalf, unaware, was puzzled why Young did not return. Metcalf waited two days for Young to return, firing guns in hope that the sound would guide Young back and sending a letter to foreigners ashore.

Finally, sensing danger or becoming frustrated, Metcalf departed and set sail for China (abandoning Young,) not knowing that his son had been killed not far away.

A number of muskets, swords, axes, powder and clothing, as well as a brass cannon, were recovered from the Fair American, which Kamehameha kept as part of his arsenal. Kamehameha made Young and Davis his advisors. (Rechtman)

Kamehameha gave the name ‘Lopaka’ to the powerful pū kuniahi (cannon) that was captured from the British ship Fair American.

Later described as “ka puʻuhonua o ko Kamehameha aoao” (the sanctuary of Kamehameha’s side), Lopaka would gain fame at the decisive battles of Kapaniwai on Maui and Paʻauhau on Oʻahu. (Bishop Museum)

The famous cannon, Lopaka, was dragged and set up at a place called Kawelowelo, and from there it was fired into the ‘Iao Valley, and turned to fire at the cliffs where the Maui people were attempting to flee.

The thundering sound of the Lopaka cannon caused absolute terror amongst the Maui warriors, and some of them met their death by the weapons of the foreigners. They were slaughtered below the pali.

While the Lopaka cannon was being fired by John Young, Maui warriors gathered together some men and sprang to seize the Lopaka cannon.

That cannon fell into the hands of Keoua’s men (for a time,) and John Young ran for his life arriving before Isaac Davis at the place now called Honoka‘a.

At this place a very hot battle was fought between the two sides. If John Young had not run, he would have died at the hands of Ka‘ie‘iea, Keoua’s fearless warrior. (Desha) But the damage had been done.

Had they fought face-to-face and hand-to-hand, as the custom was, they would have been equally matched. But the defensive was drawn up in a narrow pass in ʻIao, and the offensive advanced.

Kamehameha’s warriors pursued them and slew the vanquished as they scrambled up the cliffs. The battle was called “Clawed off the cliff” (Kaʻuwaʻupali) and “The damming of the waters.”

During the fight Kalanikupule and other chiefs escaped to Oʻahu; others went over the pass in ʻIao Valley into Olowalu, then they sailed to Molokai. (Kamakau)

Because of their knowledge of European warfare, Young and Davis are said to have trained Kamehameha and his men in the use of muskets and cannons. In addition, both Young and Davis fought alongside Kamehameha in his many battles.

Kamehameha appointed John Young as Governor of Kamehameha’s home island, Hawai‘i Island, and gave him a seat next to himself in the ruling council of chiefs. In 1819, Young was one of the few present at the death of Kamehameha I.

Davis became a respected translator and military advisor for Kamehameha. Davis brought western military knowledge to Hawai‘i and played a big role during Hawaii’s first contacts with the European powers. His skill in gunnery, as well as Lopaka from the Fair American, helped Kamehameha win many battles.

Davis had the King’s “most perfect confidence” and he attended to Kamehameha’s needs on all travels of business or pleasure – and ventured with him during times of war. Davis earned Kamehameha’s “greatest respect and the highest degree of esteem and regard.”

When Captain George Vancouver visited Hawai‘i Island in 1793, he observed that both Young and Davis “are in his (Kamehameha’s) most perfect confidence, attend him in all his excursions of business or pleasure, or expeditions of war or enterprise; and are in the habit of daily experiencing from him the greatest respect, and the highest degree of esteem and regard.”

Reportedly, Lopaka was lashed to a sled and pulled by ropes; in more difficult terrain, it was removed from its carriage and slung from long poles. (The image shows Lopaka, John Young and Isaac Davis at ʻIao, as drawn by Brook Parker.)

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