Kalakaua | Images of Old Hawaiʻi

March 26, 2026 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Piʻikoi

Born on March 26, 1871, Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Piʻikoi (grandson of Kaua‘i King Kaumuali‘i and the cousin of King Kalākaua and Queen Lili‘uokalani) was prince of the reigning House of Kalākaua.

After the rule of the House of Kamehameha ended with the death of King Kamehameha V in 1872, and King Liholiho died in 1874, the House of Kalākaua ascended to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.

He became an orphan after his father died in 1880 and mother in 1884. Prince Kūhiō was adopted by King David Kalākaua’s wife, Queen Kapi‘olani, who was his maternal aunt.

He attended the Royal School and Punahou; studied four years in St. Matthew’s College, California; was a student at the Royal Agricultural College in England and graduated from a business college in England.

Historical accounts say that Kūhiō was tagged with the nickname “Prince Cupid” by a French teacher when he was very young because of his chubby stature and good-natured personality.

He witnessed the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, took the side of the monarchy, was found guilty of treason for plotting a counter-revolutionary attempt and made a political prisoner.

Prince Kūhiō, eligible royal heir to the Hawaiian throne, Delegate to Congress for ten consecutive terms and tireless worker for native Hawaiian rights, was born along the Poʻipū coast at Kukui‘ula and grew up in Kōloa on Kaua‘i.

Kūhiō was often called Ke Ali‘i Maka‘āinana (Prince of the People) and is well known for his efforts to preserve and strengthen the Hawaiian people.

In politics, he was a Republican. He launched a campaign to establish local government at the County level; this led to the County Act in 1905. Under the Act, the islands were divided into five separate Counties.

Prince Kūhiō restored the Royal Order of Kamehameha I and established the Hawaiian Civic Club.

The Order of Kamehameha I was established on April 11, 1865 by King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa) to honor the legacy of his grandfather, the unifier of these islands, Kamehameha the Great.

The Order was reorganized by Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaole in 1902. Today, the organization continues to guard, maintain and preserve the rituals and the memory of the ruling Chiefs of Hawai‘i.

Hawaiian Civic Clubs were organized in 1918 and were formed to provide scholarship aid for the education of Hawaiian students; preserve and promote the Hawaiian heritage, traditions, language and culture; improve the conditions of the Hawaiian people and community at large; and perpetuate the values that dignify all human life.

In 1919 he also introduced the first bill asking that Hawai‘i become a state.

While a delegate of Congress, he spearheaded the effort in the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act that provides lands for native Hawaiians.

He was concerned about the diminishing number of Hawaiians and their seeming inability to adapt to urban living. It was his dream to have Hawaiians return to the land and encourage them to be self-sufficient farmers, ranchers and homesteaders.

Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Piʻikoi died on January 7, 1922 of heart disease. He was given the last state funeral for an Ali‘i; he is buried at Mauna ‘Ala, the Royal Mausoleum.

Prince Kūhiō Day is an official holiday in the State of Hawaiʻi. It is celebrated annually on March 26, to mark the birth of Prince Kūhiō.

January 27, 2026 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Plundered

“Kalākaua’s crown has been robbed of its jewels. The theft was discovered on Monday morning when James Robertson turned over some property to the Government.”

“Ever since the monarchy was overthrown Robertson has been custodian of the Palace and everything was in his charge. The other day the Government decided to dispense with his services and his successor was appointed.”

“The dismissed custodian was ordered to turn over all property in his possession to his successor, and while doing so the robbery of the jewels was discovered.”

“The details of the sensational affair were hard to obtain and they are as follows:”

“Two Crowns, one formerly worn by the late King Kalākaua and the other by his wife, Kapiʻolani, were encased in a handsome plush box.”

“They were kept in a vault at Bishop & Co.’s bank for a long time, but eventually the coronets were turned over to the Chamberlain at the Palace. Whether they were first handed to George Macfarlane or to Robertson it could not be learned last evening.”

“When the jewels reached the place they were placed in a sole-leather trunk, where they remained for an indefinite time. The trunk was kept constantly locked, and for safekeeping it was deposited in the Chamberlain’s office, which is situated on the basement floor of the Palace.”

“When the trunk was brought forth on Monday it was found that the lock had been broken. The box containing the coronets had been opened and Kalākaua’s crown had been robbed of its ornaments. All that was left of it was the velvet cap.”

“The crown was nearly oval in shape, and was ornamented with a Maltese cross at the apex and brilliantly studded with diamonds and other precious stones, and on either side were gold kalo leaves. In the center of the cross was a large diamond about the size of a ten cent piece. It was taken along with a number of other smaller precious stones.”

“The Chamberlain’s office was searched, and some of the filigree work was found in a small closet.”

“Nobody knows who the thief is, but from a hurried examination made on the day the robbery was discovered, it is almost a certainty that it occurred during the old regime and not since the Provisional Government has been established.”

“The most curious portion of the affair is that the crown worn by Kapiʻolani was untouched and nothing else in the trunk was disturbed.”

“It is a strange coincidence.”

“It will be remembered by old residents that the crowns were made in London at a cost of $5000 each. They were worn by Kalākaua and Kapiʻolani on February 12, 1883, when the late king was crowned.”

“At the time the taxpayers of this country strenuously objected to the expenses of the coronation exercises, but their objections carried no weight and the expensive festivities went on.”

“Marshal Hitchcock will take up the case on his return from Hawaii today, and as there is a faint clue to the identity of the thieves he may be fortunate enough to capture them. (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, April 5, 1893)

George Ryan (an alias, he reportedly is really known as Preston Horner) was sentenced to a “three year term for the larceny of the crown jewels, with an additional sentence of six months imposed as a check to his jail break proclivities.”

“He escaped July 27, 1893, while awaiting trial, but was recaptured the same day. Ryan is a noted ‘crook’ and a smooth talker.”

“At his trial, be conducted his own case. He boasts of his sharpness and his ability to mislead one, and claims to be an escaped convict from the Oregon State Penitentiary. He has time and again bragged of his ability to break jail, and says that the Oahu prison is not strong enough to hold him.” (Hawaiian Gazette, March 16, 1894)

“He was pardoned by the Executive Council last year (1898) and left the prison on December 31. After leaving jail Ryan went to Hawaii. He worked a while for CVE Dove, the surveyor. The job was irksome, however, and he decided to go to Manila.”

“He stowed away on one of the transports here early in March and reached the Philippines on the 27th of that month.” (Hawaiian Star, May 22, 1899) Disguised as a soldier, Horner was murdered in Malolos, Philippines in 1899.

(A February 11, 1894 Chicago Tribune story notes his sister, Hattie McGinnis, notes his name as Preston Horner; George Ryan was his alias.)

While a few of the precious stones were recovered (including some Horner sent to his sister,) Kalākaua’s crown was repaired in 1925 with artificial gemstones.

November 13, 2025 by Peter T Young 9 Comments

How Did The Aliʻi Feel About non-Hawaiians?

The historical record is clear – from Kamehameha I to Liliʻuokalani, the aliʻi befriended, sought counsel, and even married Caucasians and other foreigners. As examples:

Foreigners supported Kamehameha I, including John Young, Isaac Davis, Don Francisco de Paula Marin, George Beckley and Alexander Adams (and others.)

One can only speculate what might have happened had these foreigners not aligned with Kamehameha. However, it is clear, with their help, he became Kamehameha the Great. Without these and other foreigners, Hawaiʻi’s history may have been significantly different.

Kamehameha III chose American missionaries Amos Starr Cooke and Gerrit Parmele Judd to serve as teacher and physician for the children of the seven families who were eligible under succession laws stated in the 1840 Constitution of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i.

In a letter requesting Cooke to teach and Judd to care for the children, King Kamehameha III wrote, “Greetings to you all, Teachers – Where are you, all you teachers? We ask Mr. Cooke to be teacher for our royal children. He is the teacher of our royal children and Dr. Judd is the one to take care of the royal children because we two hold Dr Judd as necessary for the children and also in certain difficulties between us and you all.”

Kamehameha III called on seven boys and seven girls to board in the Chief’s Children’s School. No school in Hawai‘i has ever produced so many Hawaiian leaders in one generation.

In this school were educated the Hawai‘i sovereigns who reigned over the Hawaiian people from 1855, namely, Alexander Liholiho (King Kamehameha IV,) Queen Emma, Lot Kamehameha (King Kamehameha V,) King William Lunalilo, King David Kalākaua and Queen Lydia Lili‘uokalani.

In addition, the following royal family members were taught there: Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, Princess Elizabeth Kekaaniau Pratt, Prince Moses Kekuaiwa, Princess Jane Loeau Jasper, Princess Victoria Kamāmalu, Prince Peter Young Kaeo, Prince William Pitt Kīnaʻu, Princess Abigail Maheha, Prince James Kaliokalani and Princess Mary Polly Paʻaʻāina.

The last of the Kamehameha’s, Kamehameha V, had a Caucasian (John Owen Dominis) as a secretary and advisor. “On the accession to the throne of Prince Lot as Kamehameha V., the last of the Hawaiian monarchs to bear that name, my husband (John Owen Dominis) was at once appointed his private secretary and confidential adviser, which position he occupied during the entire reign.” (Liliʻuokalani)

“The king was surrounded by his own people, with whom he was in perfect accord, but showed this mark of royal favor to my husband simply because he preferred to advise with him on matters of public importance.” (Liliʻuokalani)

Hawaiʻi’s last queen, Queen Liliʻuokalani, was married to a Caucasian, John Owen Dominis. This shows her acceptance of being a lifelong partner with a non-kanaka maoli – of the marriage she noted, “My husband was extremely kind and considerate to me”.

Dominis died before the overthrow – related to that, Queen Liliʻuokalani noted, “His death occurred at a time when his long experience in public life, his amiable qualities, and his universal popularity, would have made him an adviser to me for whom no substitute could possibly be found.”

“I have often said that it pleased the Almighty Ruler of nations to take him away from me at precisely the time when I felt that I most needed his counsel and companionship.” (Liliʻuokalani)

Kalākaua and Liliʻuokalani’s sister, Miriam Likelike, was also married to a Caucasian, Archibald Scott Cleghorn. The Cleghorns had one child Kaʻiulani – “the only member of the Royal Family having issue.”

Princess Kaʻiulani was not the only royal who was part-Caucasian – Emma, a future queen, was born to Fanny Kekelaokalani Young, daughter of John Young, King Kamehameha I’s Caucasian counselor, and Kaʻoanaʻeha, Kamehameha’s niece. Her father was high chief George Naea.

As was the custom, Emma was offered to her mother’s sister, Grace Kamaikui Rooke (the second daughter of John Young) and her husband, Dr Thomas Charles Byde Rooke (a Caucasian) as hānai daughter. Unable to have children of their own, the Rookes adopted Emma. Queen Emma was part Caucasian and she was raised by Caucasians.

We can’t forget that Princess Bernice Pauahi was also married to a Caucasian (Charles Reed Bishop.)

Following contact, Caucasians were actively involved with all of the aliʻi – they were befriended and served as personal and significant advisors to the aliʻi. Aliʻi sought their advice and put them in places of importance – many of these were missionaries.

Back then, there was an obvious tolerance by the Hawaiian leadership in engaging and including Caucasians (and other foreigners) in various matters.

A lot of non-kanaka maoli were born in the Islands or became naturalized citizens, or are descendants of such. By laws and practice, they, too, are Hawaiian citizens … history and the laws related to Hawaiian citizen status are clear and unambiguous.

(The image shows the letter Kamehameha III sent to the American (Caucasian) missionaries, asking Cooke and Judd to teach and serve the children of the aliʻi (including all of the subsequent Kings and Queens of the Hawaiian kingdom.))

March 5, 2025 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Paul Neumann

“Mrs. Dominis in a few words stated that she desired to surrender all her claims to the throne, and offered her formal abdication to President Dole in the shape of a document drawn up by Judge AS Hartwell, who was consulted by Mr. Wilson, Mr. Parker and Mr. Neumann about the matter and acted as advising counsel for them”.

“Attorney Neumann then read aloud the formal abdication. Her ex-Majesty also read the document aloud from beginning to end and then signed both the document and the oath of allegiance to the republic, while Notary Stanley affixed his jurat. Mr. Neumann returned the document to the ex-Queen”. (The Morning Call, February 7, 1895)

Paul Rudolph Neumann, lawyer, diplomat, and bon vivant (a person having cultivated, refined and sociable tastes especially with respect to food and drink,) was born in Prussia in December 1839.

He came to the United States when he was fifteen, locating in California, where he became a naturalized citizen. He was admitted to the practice of law in 1864 and served in the California legislature as a senator three terms.

Interactions with Neumann were typically enlivened by his bubbling wit; while a competent lawyer, he was known far more widely for his love of fun and his wit and bon vivant. Wherever he went, he left behind a trail of his kindly humor and was as full of frolic as a schoolboy.

While in California, Neumann broke his leg; while it was mending, he broke it again. It had to be amputated; he “stumped around on a cork substitute, of which he was ever ready to make fun.” He and another amputee, C Mitchell Grant, would joke with an impromptu peg-leg waltz. (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, July 22, 1901)

Neumann married Elise Dinklage of California on June 25, 1870; they had six children: Paul Jr, Edouard, Anita Alejandra, Inez Sophie, Eva and Lillie Leonora. (Neumann was born of Jewish parents and was reared as a Jew. His wife was not a Jewess and his children were not reared in the Jewish faith. (The New Era))

As a lawyer, the partner of Harry Eickhoff, he had a good practice and did not hesitate to match wits with any member of the bar. Often he upset a learned argument with a quick sally, and people followed him into court in the expectation of hearing him turn a point and raise a laugh. But beyond his humor he could be logically forceful and had quite a turn of eloquence.

As an after-dinner speaker he was particularly ready, and was often selected to preside as toastmaster when an evening of lively fun was expected. Even when he went into politics he could not keep down his love of a joke, and he lost some votes among people who feared he never would be serious enough for a lawmaker. (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, July 22, 1901)

In the fall of 1882 he was the Republican candidate for representative in Congress from the San Francisco district; he was denounced by the San Francisco Chronicle as a ‘sugar-coated candidate’ and a tool of the Claus Spreckels interests. He lost.

In the fall of 1883, Neumann made a short visit to Honolulu. It was reported that he had been offered an appointment as Attorney General but had declined it. A month later, he returned to Honolulu and within a few days was admitted to the Hawaiian bar. On December 14 he was appointed Attorney General. (Kuykendall)

In public service, he was Attorney General under King Kalākaua (1883–1886) and Queen Liliʻuokalani (1892,) became a member of the House of Nobles, and later became Liliʻuokalani’s personal attorney until his death. In 1884 he went to Mexico as special Hawaiian Envoy; later (1896,) he was Envoy Extraordinary of the Republic of Hawaiʻi to Guatemala.

“Paul Neumann … told me stories of the old monarchy and the good old early days. Neumann was a character, one of the early figures in modern Hawaiian history, and a very patriotic man. Crabbed and crusty to the stranger, he unbent most charmingly to any one he liked. Story followed story …” (Beringer; Overland Monthly, 1909)

When the Hawaiʻi Bar Association was formed, Neumann was unanimously elected as its first President. (Independent, June 29, 1899)

He was a close friend and poker-playing companion of the King. As Attorney General and legislator, friendly adviser and personal attorney, Neumann gave faithful service to King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani. (Kuykendall)

Neumann was also a great friend and companion of Robert Louis Stevenson; Stevenson was a welcomed and privileged guest at the Neumann’s residence while in Honolulu. (Johnstone)

At the time of the overthrow, Neumann went to Washington as the representative of Queen Liliʻuokalani, to oppose the first treaty of annexation and to secure her restoration.

He successfully kept Hawaiʻi from becoming a Territory of the United States under President Grover Cleveland by carrying a personal letter from the Queen explaining the takeover – Cleveland interceded with Senate Democrats to stop action on the treaty. (Denson) That changed in 1898 when McKinley took office.

Neumann also successfully negotiated a pension for the Queen ($20,000 annually during her life) and Princess Kaʻiulani (a lump sum of $150,000.)

Following the conspiracy of 1895, Neumann was counsel for the ex-Queen and for the more prominent of the royalist defendants in the trials for treason before the military court. (Hawaiian Star, July 2, 1901)

Paul Neumann died July 2, 1901. His widow, several years later, met with a tragic ending. “She was known to her many friends as an unusually self-reliant woman. Of recent years her sorrows have been many.”

“Her husband died, seven year ago. Two years ago one of her sons, an ensign in the United States Navy was killed on board the battleship Missouri in a turret explosion. Her mother died about a year ago.”

“She never ceased to grieve, say her friends, over the death of her son.” … (She reportedly jumped overboard and drowned while travelling via ship from Mazatlán to San Francisco.) (San Francisco Call, September 8, 1908)

February 15, 2025 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

‘Him of the Low, Sweet Voice’

Failing health for some months past made it seem advisable that King Kalākaua should seek to regain it by a voyage to the more bracing climate of California, and inspired with this hope, he left his kingdom in November last (1890.) The voyage and change of circumstances at first seemed to benefit him. (Privy Council)

“The United States steamer Charleston, with King Kalākaua, of Hawaii, on board, entered the harbor at 11 o’clock this morning. Colonel McFarlane, chamberlain to King Kalākaua, stated that the king visited California for the benefit of his health and eyesight, which is somewhat impaired.”

“The king would probably remain in California five or six weeks, and during that period would visit the southern part of the state, but would not go east. The king is accompanied only by Colonel McFarlane and a few servants.” (Los Angeles Herald, December 5, 1890)

“King Kalākaua left the Charleston in the Admiral’s barge late this afternoon, and a few minutes later arrived at the Clay-street wharf.”

“Great crowds of people surrounded the landing-place, and as the King left the barge he bowed right and left in acknowledgment of the cheers which were given by the spectators.”

“King Kalākaua immediately entered a carriage, drawn by four horses, and was driven to the Palace Hotel, where a reception was given him, which was attended by Governor Waterman, Mayor Pond, representatives of the commercial organizations, and a number of prominent citizens.” (Sacramento Daily Union, December 5, 1890)

On December 18, the Daily Alta California announced that local favorites from San Francisco and Oakland would be competing in the baseball game, which would be held December 20 at the Haight Street grounds, where the bleachers could seat 14,000 fans.

“His Royal Highness King Kalākaua has promised to be present, which in itself should insure the presence of a large gathering, as the King has not shown himself to the multitude since his arrival on these shores.” (Daily Alta, December 18, 1890) That Saturday turned out to be a beautiful sunny day.

The Haight Street grounds’ park band escorted the two teams, the All-Californians and the Picked Nine, from the clubhouse around the grandstand and bleachers. The bench of the Picked Nine was draped with the American flag, while that of the All-Californians displayed the Hawaiian colors.

The king and his party arrived at 2:15 pm. The band played ‘Hawaii Ponoʻi’ and the game began. Despite a triple by Picked Nine right fielder Ebright, the All-Californians won 12-8. The king did not stay for the whole game. He was a sick man suffering from kidney disease. (San Jose Mercury News)

Then, the sad news …

“The announcement yesterday of the death of King Kalākaua fell like a clap of thunder from the skies. Although we all knew that he was not a well man when he left here and that he had in his system a most insidious disease …”

“… yet the reports of the decided improvement in his health from the voyage over and the bracing climate of California deceived us as to his frail hold on life.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, January 30, 1891)

“He passed away at exactly 2:35 pm of Tuesday, January 20, 1891, and there were present at his bedside, on the right of His Majesty, Rev. J. Sanders Reed, Col. Macfarlane, and Admiral Brown; on the left Col. Baker, Kalua, and Kahikina …”

“… and at the foot of the bed Consul McKinley, Mrs. Swan, and Fleet Surgeon Woods. Grouped around were Lieut Dyer, Hon. CR. Bishop, Mr Godfrey Rhodes, Judge Hart, Senator GE Whitney, Mrs. McKinley, Mrs. Price, Mrs Reed, and the Hon Claus Spreckels.”

His body was returned to the Island on the USS Charleston …

“The sad duty of taking care of the remains and bringing them to the kingdom devolved on Admiral Brown, who was especially delegated by President Harrison to take the tidings of the monarch’s sudden decease to his beloved subjects.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, January 30, 1891)

“At 8:15 am yesterday the Diamond Head telephone announced the arrival of the USS Charleston, Admiral Brown, off Coco Head, with the American and Hawaiian flags at half mast. Half an hour later, the ship appeared off the harbor, dressed in mourning.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, January 30, 1891)

“The reign of our departed King was memorable as an era of remarkable and increasing prosperity. In the seventeen years of his reign, now closed, this nation has made rapid strides in its material industries, education, and the arts of civilization.”

“But death comes alike to King and Commoner, and the seventh Sovereign of Hawaii is gone to join the roll of the illustrious dead. We humbly bow to the Will of God.” (Privy Council)

“When the widowed Queen, Kapiʻolani, took leave of the American officers who had brought the body to its native land, she was much touched by the remark of Admiral Brown that he could never forget the musical beauty of the late King’s voice.”

“With the poetic fancy innate in all Hawaiians, she replied, ‘From henceforth, when you think of him, call him not Kalākaua, but say ‘him of the low, sweet voice.’”

“Kalākaua I was buried with great state on February 15th, 1891, another guest in that mausoleum which is so fast filling with the mortal remains of Hawaiian royalty. His sister Liliʻuokalani reigns in his stead, and follows worthily the best traditions of sovereignty, inspired doubtless by what she saw when in 1887 she was present at the Jubilee of our own gracious Queen.” (Gowen)