Kalakaua | Images of Old Hawaiʻi

October 11, 2026 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Hawaiian Challenge

“The Meeting at the King’s Boat House (October 19, 1885) – The meeting was called to order (and a) motion was passed that an association be formed to be called “The Hawaiian Rowing and Yachting Association.’”

“The association was to be represented by three delegates each from the Myrtle, Honolulu, and Kapiolani Clubs, and by one delegate each from all other established clubs. A committee of one from each club was appointed to make by-laws and racing rules.” (Daily Honolulu Press, October 20, 1885)

“A special meeting of the Hawaiian Yachting and Rowing Association was held last evening at the Iolani Boat Club House … After routine business had been transacted the following resolution was put and carried;”

“Resolved that the Association do hereby appropriate the sum of $350 for the express purpose of purchasing a silver cup to be sailed for annually up on the 4th of July under the auspices and conditions of the Hawaiian Yachting and Rowing Association by first class yachts of dimensions not to exceed 40 feet over all, said cup to be called the ‘Hawaiian Challenge Cup.’” (Daily Bulletin, June 19, 1889)

“The Challenge Cup, which is a very handsome one of solid silver and old silver finish in the form of a Japanese vase, is lettered on one side with the name of the Association, while the other side has a splendid view of Diamond Head with two yachts running seaward.”

“It is embellished with birds, fishes, seaweed and marine emblems. It is a perpetual challenge cup, and Messrs. Iaukea, Hatch and Cecil Brown, the owners of the Healani, hold it for one year. A pennant is given to the winner each year. The one this year is of a white silk ground with the monogram HRYA in blue letters, surmounted by a crown.” (Daily Bulletin, December 2, 1889)

“The cup is an ornate affair, etched on one side with the title of the trophy and on the other with a view of Diamond Head and racing yachts. On the shoulders cunningly wrought objects typical of the sport are attached. The names of previous winners are engraved on the cup.” (Sunday Advertiser, September 6, 1903)

“The Hawaiian Challenge Cup is an elegant silver trophy valued at $400. It was presented a number of years ago by the Hawaiian Rowing and Yachting Association, now defunct, and was to be raced for not oftener than once every year.” (Sunday Advertiser, September 6, 1903)

“Among boats that have won the cup are the Healani, Helene and Bonnie Dundee, the latter of which held it from 1893 until last year, on which occasion the Eva won.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, August 1, 1899)

“The Hawaiian Challenge Cup is open to all yachts over five and not exceeding ten tons measurement, this limitation not applying to yachts which were in Hawaiian waters and entered for the race previous to July 4th, 1899.”

“The course set runs from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor and back, finishing off the Oceanic wharf, making a course of twenty-three miles.”

“The cup was originally donated by the Hawaiian Rowing and Yachting Association, the conditions under which it was sailed being drawn up at a meeting of the Association in the ʻIolani Boat Club hall on June 28, 1889.” (Sunday Advertiser, September 6, 1903)

“An important event in the yachting annals of the islands took place on Saturday afternoon at the boathouse of His Majesty the King. It was the presentation of the silver challenge cup and a handsome pennant won by the yacht Healani on the 4th of July.”

“His Majesty, as president of the Hawaiian Rowing and Yachting Association, and who has always done so much in stimulating yachting and rowing in the islands as asked to make the presentation, and gracefully acceded to the request.”

“An elegant lunch was provided by His Majesty, and on the table, which was nicely decorated with flowers, stood the challenge cup. After ample justice had been done the good things His Majesty rose and said:”

“Representatives of the Hawaiian Yachting and Rowing Association and Gentlemen: At a special meeting of this Association held on the 18th of June last, it was resolved that a sum be appropriated for the express purpose of purchasing a silver cup, to be sailed for annually on the 4th of July, said cup to be called the ‘Hawaiian Challenge Cup.’”

“Subsequently a Pennant was added, and the prize then was the “Hawaiian Challenge Cup and Pennant for 1889.” The first race under the new conditions was sailed on the 4th of July. Five yachts I think started, the race was won by the Healani, being closely followed by the second boat.”

“Gentlemen, you are present on this occasion to witness the presentation of the above prize and pennant to the owners of the winning yacht. Messrs. Iaukea, Hatch, and Brown : As President of, and on behalf of the Hawaiian Yachting and Rowing Association, I take pleasure in handing over to you this handsome souvenir of an enjoyable day’s sport, and a well-contested trophy.”

“Hon. CP Iaukea, one of the owners of the yacht Healani, in receiving the challenge cup said: Your Majesty and Gentlemen, in receiving this trophy from Your Majesty’s hands, permit me on behalf of the owners of the yacht Healani, to express my great pleasure and satisfaction in now bearing away the palm during the first year of its competition.”

“It must also be highly gratifying to Your Majesty that the Healani, with which Your Majesty has so long been associated, should have successfully competed for the cup. The great interest which Your Majesty has for many years shown in yachting has no doubt animated others to a like appreciation of this healthy and instructive sport, as evidenced by the number of splendid yachts now adorning our bay.”

“In thanking Your Majesty for the honor conferred, permit me to express the hope that Your Majesty may continue to assist lovers of yachting with your gracious patronage. With Your Majesty’s permission I shall ask the gentlemen present to join me in wishing you, our royal President of HYR Association, a very good health.”

“His Majesty’s health was drunk by all standing, after which social conversation, principally on yachting matters, was indulged in for a time.” (Daily Bulletin, December 2, 1889)

“From this time the cup lay fallow for seven years until the advent of the ‘Gladys’ into our waters. A race was then sailed between the ‘Bonnie Dundee’ (now ‘Mary L’), and the Gladys on September 13, 1899, when the Gladys won by 23 minutes or one minute to the mile. Governor Dole sailed the Bonnie Dundee and T. W. Hobron the Gladys.” (Sunday Advertiser, September 6, 1903)

Reportedly, over the years, the prize became known as the ‘Kalākaua Cup.’ There were a few periods of inactivity due to disinterest and extenuating circumstances, as well as the disappearance of the cup itself.

When Castle & Cooke was moving offices, their old vault was opened and the trophy appeared it was filled with silverware belonging to the last winner, Tom Hobron, in the yacht ‘Gladys Mary’ in 1911.

The last winner of the Hawaiian Challenge Trophy was the Star class yacht ‘Roulette,’ skippered by Laurie S Dowsett, the 17-year-old son of HM Dowsett, with his crew Lloyd B. Osborne. This was the summer of 1941. Names of winning yachts and skipper/crew from 1925 through 1941 are inscribed on the trophy. (Waikiki Yacht Club)

The trophy was re-dedicated in 1986 and today is awarded annually to the winner of the Fourth of July Regatta consisting of three separate races. The first race is from Waikiki to Kaneohe, the second is an offshore race in the waters off of Kaneohe Bay, and the third is a race from Kaneohe to Waikiki. (Stowell)

Hawaiian Challenge Cup-Advertiser Sept 6, 1903

August 21, 2026 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Overthrow

Some suggest the overthrow of the Hawai‘i constitutional monarchy was neither unexpected nor sudden.

Dissatisfaction with the rule of Kalākaua and Lili‘uokalani initially led to the ‘Bayonet Constitution,’ then, the overthrow. “(M)ounting dissatisfaction with government policies and private acts of officials led to the formation of the Hawaiian League, a group of Honolulu businessmen.” (Forbes)

Challenges with Kalākaua
• Polynesian Confederacy
• “(Gibson) discerned but little difficulty in the way of organizing such a political union, over which Kalākaua would be the logical emperor, and the Premier of an almost boundless empire of Polynesian archipelagoes.” (Daggett; Pacific Commercial Advertiser, February 6, 1900)

Opium License Bribery Case
• Initially the king, through his minister of foreign affairs, disclaimed any involvement. However, “To cap the climax of the opium matter, the Attorney General proceeds to acknowledge that the money was paid over by the Chinese … (H)e informed the gentlemen interested in getting the money back that he would never accomplish his object so long as he allowed the newspaper to speak of the affair.” (Hawaiian Gazette, May 17, 1887)

Extravagance/Debt
• Although Kalākaua had been elected and serving as King since 1874, upon returning from a trip around the world (1881), it was determined that Hawaiʻi’s King should also be properly crowned.
• “ʻIolani Palace, the new building of that name, had been completed the previous year (1882), and a large pavilion had been erected immediately in front of it for the celebration of the coronation. This was exclusively for the accommodation of the royal family; but there was adjacent thereto a sort of amphitheatre, capable of holding ten thousand persons, intended for the occupation of the people.” (Liliʻuokalani)

Bayonet Constitution (1887)
• In 1887, the struggle for control of Hawaiʻi was at its height with David Kalākaua on the throne. But some of the businessmen were distrustful of him. “So the mercantile element, as embodied in the Chamber of Commerce, the sugar planters, and the proprietors of the ‘missionary’ stores, formed a distinct political party, called the ‘down-town’ party, whose purpose was to minimize or entirely subvert other interests, and especially the prerogatives of the crown, which, based upon ancient custom and the authority of the island chiefs, were the sole guaranty of our nationality.” (Liliʻuokalani)

Concern with Lili‘uokalani’s Attempt to Rewrite the Constitution
• “When Lili‘uokalani became Queen, she took the following oath: ‘I solemnly swear in the presence of Almighty God, to maintain the Constitution of the Kingdom whole and inviolate, and to govern in conformity therewith.’” (UH Law School)
• “On January 14, 1893, Lili‘uokalani was prepared to ignore the constitutionally mandated approval-by-two-successive Legislatures process for amending the 1887 Constitution by announcing a new constitution in place of Kalākaua’s 1887 Constitution.” (UH Law School)
• “She did not do so because the Cabinet she appointed on January 13, 1893, refused her authorization request. The members of that Cabinet were Samuel Parker, William Henry Cornwell, Jr,, Arthur P. Peterson and John Colburn. Parker was a Native Hawaiian.” (UH Law School)

Some Native Hawaiian Dissatisfaction with the Acts of Kalākaua and Lili‘uokalani
• Robert W Wilcox – the man who figured so prominently & conspicuously in the revolution of 1889 (All quotes from Wilcox, Morgan Report)
o “Queen Lili‘uokalani brought these evils upon herself and the country both by her personal corruption, and that of her Government.”
o “I believe that if we can be annexed to the United States, the rights of all of our citizens, and especially those of the native Hawaiians, will be protected more carefully than they have ever been under the monarchy.”
o “They are naturally somewhat prejudiced against (the Provisional Government), as monarchy is the only form of Government with which they are familiar, but this feeling will quickly wear away as the Hawaiians are led to see that the Government is friendly to them and their interests. They already have confidence in the integrity and patriotism of President Dole.
o “I have repeatedly (advocated annexation to the United States) in public meetings held in this city. … but I am compelled to move cautiously or I shall lose my influence over them. I believe I am doing a good work by constantly conversing with them on the subject.”
o “I have told my countrymen that the monarchy is gone forever, and when they ask me what is the best thing to follow it I tell them annexation, and I firmly believe that in a very short time every Hawaiian will be in favor of that step.” (Robert W Wilcox – the man who figured so prominently & conspicuously in the revolution of 1889; Morgan Report)

Repeated Changes in Cabinet Ministers in the Kalākaua and Lili‘uokalani Reigns
• “Under every constitution prior to 1887 the ministers were appointed by the King and removed by him; but until Kalākaua’s reign it was a very rare thing that any King changed his ministry. They had a pretty long lease of political life.” (Judd; Blount Report)
• “It was a very rare political occurrence, and made a great sensation when a change was made.” (Judd; Blount Report) if

January 14, 1893 Lili‘uokalani’s Ministers Refused to Support Her Constitution – Threats of Bloodshed were Made Against Her Cabinet Ministers
• “The Queen retired to the blue room and summoned the ministers (Samuel Parker – Minister of Foreign Affairs; John F Colburn – Minister of Interior; William H Crowell – Minister of Finance; Arthur P Peterson – Attorney General) who repaired at once to the palace. The Queen was at a table, still dressed in the magnificent costume of the morning, and sparkling in a coronet of diamonds.”
• “She at once presented them with the draft of the new constitution, demanded their signatures, and declared her intention to promulgate the same at once.”
• “Attorney-general Peterson and Minister of Interior Colburn decidedly refused to do so, and Ministers Cornwell and Parker, though more hesitatingly, joined their colleagues in this refusal.”

The Provisional Government (and subsequent Republic, Territory & State) did not steal the land from the Hawaiian people – Crown Lands Remain in the Public Trust
• Crown and Government Lands, though under the control of changing sovereigns and governments (Kingdom to Provisional Government to Republic to Territory to State,) were in and continue to remain in the ‘public domain’ for the public good.
• US Court of Claims concluded, “The constitution of the Republic of Hawai‘i, as respects the crown lands, provided as follows: ‘That portion of the public domain heretofore known as crown land is hereby declared to have been heretofore, and now to be, the property of the Hawaiian Government …” (Lili‘uokalani v The United States, 1910)
• We now generally refer to the Crown and Government Lands as ‘ceded’ lands. Under the Admission Act, about 1.2-million acres are to “be held by (the) State as a public trust” to promote one or more of five purposes:
o support of the public schools and other public educational institutions
o betterment of the conditions of native Hawaiians (per the Hawaiian Homes Act, 1920)
o development of farm and home ownership on as widespread a basis as possible
o making of public improvements
o provision of lands for public use

The United States does not have to acquire property only through a Treaty of Annexation with a concurring vote by the US Senate.
• Annexation of Hawai‘i to the US was not a hostile takeover, it was something the Republic of Hawai‘i sought. “There was no ‘conquest’ by force in the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands nor ‘holding as conquered territory;’ they (Republic of Hawai‘i) came to the United States in the same way that Florida did, to wit, by voluntary cession”. (Territorial Supreme Court; Albany Law Journal)
• “There is no provision in the Constitution by which the national government is specifically authorized to acquire territory; and only by a great effort of the imagination can the substantive power to do so be found in the terms of any or all of the enumerated powers.” (Legal Issues Raised by Proposed Presidential Proclamation To Extend the Territorial Sea, October 4, 1988)

Here is the URL: https://imagesofoldhawaii.com/wp-content/uploads/Overthrow.pdf

One more correction to the many misconceptions … on January 17, 1893, the Hawai‘i constitutional monarchy was overthrown, not the Hawaiian race.

Commenters, please focus on the facts and if referring to the linked document. Please note the page and line number you are referring to (please include your source reference, as well).

July 22, 2026 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Portuguese in Hawaiʻi

Reportedly, the first Portuguese in Hawai’i were sailors that came on the Eleanora in 1790. It is believed the first Portuguese nationals to live in the Hawaiian kingdom sailed through on whalers, as early as 1794, and jumped ship.

The first recorded Portuguese visitor was John Elliot de Castro, who sailed to Hawaiʻi in 1814. During his days in Hawaiʻi he became a retainer of King Kamehameha I, serving as his personal physician and as member of the royal court.

After two years in Hawaiʻi, he sailed off to the island of Sitka, Alaska and joined the Russian-American Company under Alexander Baranov, working as a commercial agent.

Later, Whitney notes, “In (1828,) extensive fields of cane were grown in and about Honolulu, and mills were erected in Nuuanu Valley and at Waikapu, Maui. At the latter place, a Portugese, named Antonio Silva, is spoken of as the pioneer sugar planter.”

For 50 years after these early visitors arrived, Portuguese sailors came ashore alone or in small groups, jumping ship to enjoy Hawaiian life and turning their backs on the rough life aboard whalers and other vessels.

The 1853 population of the Hawaiian Islands was 73,134, including 2,119 foreigners, of these, reportedly 86 were Portuguese. Hawaiians referred to the Portuguese as “Pokiki.”

Eventually several hundred Portuguese made the Islands their home. Many of the settlers came from Madeira Islands (about half the size of Oʻahu,) off the coast of Africa. They also came from the Azores, nine islands between Portugal and the US, and about 1½-times the size of Oʻahu.

The reciprocity treaty in 1875 between the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi and the United States opened the US sugar market to Hawaiʻi and greatly increased the demand for workers.

Jacinto Pereira (also known as Jason Perry,) a Portuguese citizen and owner of a dry goods store in Honolulu, suggested in 1876 that Hawaiʻi’s government look for sugar labor from Madeira where farmers were succumbing to a severe economic depression fostered by a blight that decimated vineyards and the wine industry.

At that time, about 400-Portuguese, a large number of whom formerly served as seamen on whaling vessels, lived in Hawaiʻi. Then, the numbers grew.

São Miguel in the eastern Azores was also chosen as a source of labor. In 1878, the first Portuguese immigrant laborers to Honolulu arrived on the German ship Priscilla. At least one hundred men, women and children arrived to work on the sugar plantations. That year marked the beginning of the mass migration of Portuguese to Hawaiʻi, which continued until the end of the century.

In 1879 in Hawaiʻi, Portuguese musicians (Madeira Islanders) played on “strange instruments, which are a kind of cross between a guitar and a banjo, but which produce very sweet music” (this Madeiran guitar, the machete, was destined to become known as the Hawaiian ʻukulele.) (Hawaiian Gazette – September 3, 1879)

On his world tour, in 1881, King David Kalākaua visited Portugal and was entertained in royal fashion by Portugal’s King Dom Luis. That year two ships delivered over 800-men, women and children from São Miguel. The next year a treaty of immigration and friendship was signed between Portugal and the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Migration to Hawaiʻi became popular to escape poverty and a harsh military system. The dream of settling in islands that looked like home drew workers away from offers to labor in the fields of Brazil and urban seaports of the US.

Mass immigration of the Portuguese to Hawaiʻi also came from New England and California as Portuguese came to replace Chinese workers who left plantations to open stores and work in the trades.

While Chinese and Japanese workers had come as single men, whole families came from Portugal (reportedly, forty-two percent of the early Portuguese emigrants were men, 19% women and 39% children.)

The sponsoring of Portuguese immigration to Hawaiʻi was ceased in 1888 due to its high cost and the success of efforts to recruit Japanese workers. Almost 12,000-people had moved from Madeira or São Miguel, Azores to Hawaiʻi by that time.

Shortly after the overthrow, “An association has recently been formed here known as the Annexation Club.” Various regional Annexation Clubs formed in several communities.

“The majority of those who have joined the organization have done so after careful consideration and because it is their firm conviction that the country can no longer maintain a good and stable independent government.”

“It is the hope of the members of this association that a treaty of annexation may soon be accomplished between Hawaii and the United States”. By September 30, 1893, the largest portions of the membership were: Portuguese 36%, Hawaiian 25% and American 22%. Portuguese membership “being 73 per cent of Portuguese on islands and 41 per cent of club rolls.”

Many continued to be employed by the plantations even after their contracts had been fulfilled. Others, however, sought to take up independent work and turned especially to farming and ranching. Between 1890 and 1910, many Portuguese left Hawaiʻi and migrated to California, primarily the Bay Area.

The Portuguese have given Hawaiʻi many traditions. In music – they brought the ʻukulele and steel-string guitar. Try to image Hawaiʻi without sausage (linguiça,) malasada (malassada) or sweet bread (pão doce) … or Frank De Lima.

July 7, 2026 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Ahahui Hoʻoulu a Hoʻola Lahui

“The Hui Ho‘oulu a Ho‘ola Lahui of Kalākaua I was organized at Kawaiahaʻo, Her Royal Highness Princess Kapili Likelike being President. … A large number of members joined the Society on this day, some 51. The amount of money collected was $17.00, the dues being ten cents per month.” (Report of the Executive Committee, February 19, 1874)

In addition to dues, they had fundraisers, “There will be a grand luau put on by the President, HRH Liliʻuokalani, at Kaumakapili Church, for the benefit of the Hoʻoulu and Hoʻola Lahui Society (Ahahui Hoʻoulu a Hoʻola Lahui) on the 22nd of January 1887, from 12 to 7 o’clock. Therefore, the kindness of all is requested to come there with their donations for the Ahahui.” (Ko Hawai‘i Pae ‘Āina, January 15, 1887)

“If the sick person is destitute, and has no one to take care of him, and is poor, and has no relatives or friends, but, has an aikane who is supporting him, and who has more love for him than his own relations, then such person is not entitled to assistance from this Society.”

“But if such person has no one to care for him, then the Society shall give him temporary assistance and endeavor to induce him to go to the hospital or to the Lunalilo Home; but if such person shall refuse to go to either of those places, then the Society may let such person go.”

“The Committee must be extremely careful that they are not imposed upon by undeserving persons who may claim that they are sick and destitute.”

“If the committee should be imposed upon, then they should forgive such offender if he return all that the Society has given him; but if such person will not return what has been given, then they must be dealt with according to the law of the land.” (Bylaws XI, Ahahui Ho‘oulu a Ho‘ola Lahui)

“His Majesty Kalakaua designed and established an organization for benevolent work amongst his people; it was called the Ho‘oululahui. The first meeting of the society having been appointed at Kawaiahaʻo Church, there was a good attendance of the first ladies of the city, not only those of Hawaiian families, but also of foreign birth.” (Liliʻuokalani)

“There shall be appointed a committee of three or more members of the society, and they shall do the work of the Society. It shall be their duty to visit the sick and destitute in their various districts and report the same to the President.”

“The Committee shall ascertain all facts concerning the sick or those in distress, ascertain if the sickness is a fever or some other sickness, and do all they can to give such person relief.”

“The committee should do all in their power to prevent such sick person from taking cold and should give instructions regarding clothing and diet.”

“If such sick person has no one to look after or help him, then the President may direct some member of the committee or any member of the Society to assist such sick person.” (Article VII, Constitution of Hui Ho‘oulu a Ho‘ola Lahui)

“It was my brother’s intention that the society should have as its head Her Majesty Kapi’olani, his queen; but to make it more efficient and systematic in its work, the society was divided into three departments.”

“Of these, the first embraced the central part of the city of Honolulu, and this was under the presidency of the queen. Next came the lower part of Honolulu, Kaumakapili, extending as far as Maemae, and embracing all the district beyond Palama, which was assigned to my management and presidency.”

“In like manner the third division, Kawaiahaʻo, extending through Waikiki and Manoa, Pauoa, and a certain portion of the city, was assigned to my sister, the Princess Likelike.”

“All denominations, including the Roman Catholics, were invited to co-operate in the good work. The Princesses Po‘omaikalani and Kekaulike … gave their aid to the queen. The former was made governess of Hawaiʻi, and the latter governess of Kauai.”

“These two ladies did all in their power to assist Queen Kapiʻolani in her work of charity, and my sister and myself were equally interested to attend to the needs of our departments …”

“… but the responsibility for the general management was really upon the king, who not only had to assume the financial burden, but gave to the work the weight of his official influence, and always responded cheerfully to our calls upon him for advice, giving to us with liberality the advantage of his own good judgment.”

“The people responded with good-will from other parts of the islands, and the work has gone on for over ten years since it was first established by my brother. Of those then interested, Queen Kapiʻolani and myself are the only two of the managers now living. As Princess Likelike and the other two princesses died, their departments came more under the personal management of the queen.”

“Like many other enterprises of charity, the original intentions of the founders have been improved upon; and the society is merged in other good works, or its purposes diverted to slightly different ends. The organization is now consolidated in the Maternity Home …”

“… the charitable funds which used to be distributed amongst the poor, the amounts contributed by the people everywhere to carry out the designs of the king, are still doing good through this institution, of which the Dowager Queen Kapiʻolani is the president, assisted by a board of managers consisting of notable Hawaiian ladies, and by others of foreign descent.” (Liliʻuokalani)

(Queen Kapiʻolani founded the Kapiʻolani Maternity Home in 1890. Kauikeōlani Children’s Hospital merged with Kapiʻolani Hospital and relocated to become Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women and Children.)

April 22, 2026 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Likelike

She was the sister of a King and Queen – and the daughter of High Chief Kapaʻakea and Chiefess Analeʻa Keohokālole – her sister became Queen Liliʻuokalani and her brothers were King Kalākaua and William Pitt Leleiōhoku.

Miriam Kapili Kekāuluohi Likelike was born on January 13, 1851. Unlike her brothers and sister, Princess Likelike’s early years were spent on the Island of Hawaiʻi.

On returning to Honolulu, “Her first course of instruction was at the school of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, and she finished her education at Kawaiahaʻo Seminary.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, February 4, 1887)

Then her musical endeavors began in earnest; encouraged by her siblings she wrote music. With her sister, she led one of the three royal music clubs that held regular friendly competitions to outdo each other in song and poetry.

Like her sister, Princess Likelike sponsored many concerts and musical pageants in and around Honolulu, and played an important role in the development and perpetuation of Hawaiian music by the encouragement and patronage she gave to young musicians and composers. (HMHOF)

On September 22, 1870, Princess Likelike was married to Honolulu businessman Archibald Scott Cleghorn. The wedding was held at Washington Place, the residence of Governor Dominis and Princess Liliʻuokalani.

Cleghorn, born November 15th 1835 in Edinburgh, Scotland, was brought to Hawaii by his parents, Mr and Mrs Thomas Cleghorn by way of New Zealand.

After arriving to Honolulu in 1851, Thomas set up a dry goods store in Chinatown, but within the year, at the age of 54, Thomas suffered a fatal heart attack while on his way home from church. Archibald took over his father’s business and turned it into one of the most successful mercantile chains in the islands. (Kaʻiulani Project)

“Princess Likelike visited New Zealand and Australia with her husband, Hon AS (Archibald Scott) Cleghorn, soon after her marriage and was very favorably impressed with what she saw, more especially the city of Melbourne.”

“She also twice visited San Francisco. Her mind, expanded by travel and intercourse with the world, was bent upon the moral and physical elevation of her own race, and she therefore lent herself heartily to every educational scheme looking to that end.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, February 3, 1887)

When her brother David Kalākaua became King in 1874, Miriam was given the title ‘Princess Likelike’ and she was appointed governess of Oʻahu.

The Cleghorns had one child Kaʻiulani (born on October 16, 1875) – “the only member of the Royal Family having issue.” (Daily Herald, February 3, 1887)

ʻĀinahau, Princess Likelike’s Waikiki home was said to have been the most beautiful private estate in the Hawaiian Islands. A driveway between rows of stately palms led to the gracious pillared mansion set in a grove of 500 coco palms. Artificial lakes dotted with pink water lilies, and statues found here and there, added to the charming grounds.

Mango trees were plentiful, and everywhere one could catch the scent of sweet smelling pīkake and gardenias. Proud peacocks strutted through the grounds displaying their beautiful feathers. Thousands of trees, shrubs and vines grew in this huge garden estate.

Today, ʻĀinahau is no more. The Governor Cleghorn Condominium stands at the entrance to the driveway which led to the house. (Likelike ES)

‘ʻĀinahau,’ the most famous of Likelike’s compositions, was written about the Cleghorn residence in Waikiki, the gathering place for Sunday afternoon musical gettogethers. She wrote most of her compositions there, and supported the musical education of her daughter, Princess Kaʻiulani. (HMHOF)

Click here, then the link, to hear a performance of ʻĀinahau (1914, LOC)

Not in very good health, Princess Likelike died at the early age of 36 on February 2, 1887. She will be long be remembered for her kindness to children, her pleasing manners, her many charities, her never failing hospitality, and her beautiful songs. (Likelike ES)

“Princess Likelike was generally beloved for her amiable and kindly disposition her cordial and gracious manners. Her late Royal Highness will long be remembered for the deep interest she took in the welfare of her race and in many worthy objects of a religious and benevolent nature.”

“Although a leading member of St Andrews Cathedral she held a lively concern for the prosperity of native churches outside of the Anglican communion. This was strikingly manifested in her attendance on last Saturday week although in a weak physical condition at a festival in aid of the Kaumakapili Church building fund.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, February 4, 1887)