Images of Old Hawaiʻi

by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

French Invasion of Honolulu

In 1846, a treaty had been concluded with France, eliminating the harsh terms of the treaty of 1839. This produced an exceedingly friendly feeling toward France.

However, in 1848, Consul Dudoit retired from the French consulship and William Patrice Dillon was appointed in his place.  Later, things got worse.

The French Invasion of Honolulu (also known as the Sacking of Honolulu, or the Tromelin Affair) was an attack on Honolulu by Louis Tromelin for the persecution of Catholics and repression on French trade.

On August 12, 1849, French admiral Louis Tromelin arrived in Honolulu Harbor on the corvette Gassendi with the frigate La Poursuivante.  Upon arrival, de Tromelin met with French Consul Dillon.

Dillon immediately initiated a systematic and irritating interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom, arising largely out of personal hostility to RC Wyllie, minister of foreign affairs, picking flaws and making matters of extended diplomatic correspondence over circumstances of trifling importance.

This continued until the French Admiral Tromelin arrived, and after a conference with Dillon the celebrated “ten demands” were formulated and presented to the Hawaiian Government with the commanding request for immediate action.

The ten demands:

  1. The complete and loyal adoption of the treaty of March 26th 1846.
  2. The reduction of the duty on French brandy to fifty per cent ad valorem.
  3. The subjection of Catholic schools to the direction of the chief of the French Mission and to special inspectors not Protestants and a treatment rigorously equal granted to the two worships and to their schools.
  4. The use of the French language in all business intercourse between French citizens and the Hawaiian Government.
  5. The withdrawal of the (alleged) exception by which French whalers which imported wine and spirits were affected and the abrogation of a regulation which obliged vessels laden with liquors to pay the custom house officers placed on board to superintend their loading and unloading.
  6. The return of all duties collected by virtue of the regulation the withdrawal of which was demanded by the fifth article.
  7. The return of a fine of twenty-five dollars paid by the whale ship ‘General Teste’ besides an indemnity of sixty dollars for the time that she was detained in port.
  8. The punishment of certain school boys whose impious conduct (in church) had occasioned complaint.
  9. The removal of the governor of Hawaii for allowing the domicile of a priest to be violated (by police officers who entered it to make an arrest) or the order that the governor make reparation to that missionary.
  10. The payment to a French hotel keeper of the damages committed in his house by sailors from HBM’s (His Britannic Majesty’s) ship ‘Amphitrite.’  (Alexander)

The Hawaiian Government was allowed three days in which to make a satisfactory reply to these demands.  If they were not acceded to, the admiral threatened to cancel the existing treaty, and to “employ the means at his disposal to obtain a complete reparation.”

Sensing disaster, King Kamehameha III issued orders: “Make no resistance if the French fire on the town, land under arms, or take possession of the Fort; but keep the flag flying ’till the French take it down. … Strict orders to all native inhabitants to offer no insult to any French officer, soldier or sailor, or afford them any pretext whatever for acts of violence.”

On August 25, the demands had not been met.

About noon of the 25th, a firm but courteous reply was sent to the admiral, declaring that the Hawaiian government had faithfully observed the treaty of 1846; that the existing duty on brandy was so far from being “an absolute prohibition” that the importation of French brandy had greatly increased under it …”

“… that rigorous equality in the treatment of different forms of worship was already provided for, but that public schools supported by government funds should not be placed under the direction of any mission, whether Catholic or Protestant; and that the adoption of the French language in business was not required by the treaty or by international law, and was impracticable in the state of the islands.

The Hawaiian government offered to refer any dispute to the mediation of a neutral power, and informed the admiral that no resistance would be made to the force at his disposal, and that in any event the persons and property of French residents would be scrupulously guarded.

After a second warning of the impending invasion, 140-French Marines, two field pieces and scaling ladders were landed by boat, which were met with no opposition and Tromelin’s troops took possession of an empty fort.

The invaders also took possession of the customhouse and other government buildings, and seized the king’s yacht, together with seven merchant vessels in port.

But the Admiral was careful not to lower the Hawaiian flag.

The marines broke the coastal guns, threw kegs of powder into the harbor and destroyed all the other weapons they found (mainly muskets and ammunition).

They raided government buildings and general property in Honolulu, including destruction of furniture, calabashes and ornaments in the governor’s house.  After these raids, the invasion force withdrew to the fort.

On the 30th, the admiral issued a proclamation, declaring that by way of “reprisal” the fort had been dismantled, and the king’s yacht, “Kamehameha III,” confiscated (and then sailed to Tahiti,) but that private property would be restored. He also declared the treaty of 1846 to be annulled, and replaced by the Laplace Convention of 1839. This last act, however, was promptly disavowed by the French Government.

He sailed away with the understanding that the King would send an agent to France to settle the difficulties.

In 1850, the Hawaiian government instructed commissioners JJ Jarves and GP Judd to demand an indemnity of $100,060 on account of the seizure of the Kamehameha and damage wrought by de Tromelin’s forces.

But for the consideration of a loss of face, the indemnity would have been paid. Instead, a compromise was decided upon. To Consul Perrin, successor of Dillon, the Minister of Foreign Affairs wrote:
“There is no need to tell you that indemnities are out of question. The word itself should be avoided: however, the Prince-President … wishes that … in his name, you put in the hands of King Kamehameha a very costly present.”

The present turned out to be an elaborate silverware table service. Today, the heavy, ornate silver service sent to Kamehameha III by Louis Napoleon of France is the formal tableware of the Governor of Hawaiʻi in Washington Place.

The image shows Fort Kekuanohu, Fort Honolulu in a drawing by Emmert in 1853 (this is to show a representation of the fort – this was not drawn during the occupancy by the French.)  (The inspiration and information here is primarily from reports in the Hawaiʻi Journal of History through UH-Mānoa.)

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by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Kūnuiākea

“‘The Kuakoa publicly affirmed,’ says the Elele, ‘that A. K. Kūnuiākea is the illegitimate child of Kamehameha III, while Kaeo and Lahilahi were his legal parents.’”

“This is a very important matter, and should not concealed. There are many witnesses to it; it has been universally talked of; Kamehameha made no secret of the fact that this was his son, and there are an abundance of witnesses to his saying so; there are also tokens such as are wont to be preserved as proofs.”

“This is a strange thing for the present age, but it was considered perfectly proper in the age that is past. That was the nature of the relation between Liloa and Umi, (his illegitimate male son,) Peleiholani and Kaleiopuu, Kahekili and Kamehameha I, and the same was the relation between Kauikeaouli and this chief (Kūnuiākea).”

“Undoubtedly it is an offence in this age, but what is the best course, to utter a falsehood or to speak out the truth? We prefer to tell the truth.”

“A child resulting from this kind of relation between aliis of high rank was much prized in old times, and was greatly esteemed by those who were jealous of their chiefly rank. …”

“The history of children begotten after this (illegitimate) fashion by parents of this sort is well-known. These histories merely show what has been done secretly; the features of the parents are seen in their children and this is a shame.”  (Elele Poakolu, Saturday press, April 28, 1883)

Kūnuiākea “was born June 19, 1851 at the premises known as ‘Kuaihelani,’ now the present site of the central Union church.” (Independent, March 11, 1903) [Now part of the Capitol grounds.]

“The Honorable Kūnuiākea was baptized in the Anglican faith, by the Lord Bishop of Honolulu, at the Church at Peleula, and his name he was baptized with is Albert Fredrick Kūnuiākea Oiwiaulani Koenaokalani.”

“Present was his hanai mother, the dowager Queen K. Hakaleleponi, and the Honorable Col. Peter Young Kekuaokalani, and Col. D. Kalakaua.” (Kuokoa, 11/22/1862)

“Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha III let the whole world know that Lahilahi Young’s twin sons were his when he gave them their names.”

“Kiwalao was the name which he gave the boy he and Kalama took home. Kūnuiākea Ke-Kukailimoku was the name he gave the boy kept by Lahilahi and her husband, Joshua Kaeo”.

“Kiwalao had been the name of Kauikeaouli’s grandfather, the unfortunate successor to Kalaniopuu whom Kamehameha the Great had killed in his first successful battle.”

“Kiwalao means ‘the shining aura of the kapus, seen from head to foot of the sacred person.’ Kūnuiākea was an ancient name, which means Ku, the founder. Ke Kukailimoku was the name of Kamehameha’s war god. … Fate, or the curse which hung over lolanl palace, again thwarted Kauikeaouli’s happiness in his sons. Kiwalao, their child, died before reaching his first birthday.” (Clarice Taylor)

“As a hānai of Queen Kalama (Kauikeaouli’s wife), [Kunuikea] had been raised in the household of his biological father. Although a son of the mōʻī (king), he was not eligible to succeed his father because the constitution stated that succession was limited to legally begotten children or named heirs.”

“As Kaiukeaouli was discouraged from naming his biological son his heir, his hānai son Alexander Liholiho became Kamehameha IV.”  (Iolani Palace)

Kūnuiākea “was better known as Prince Albert, called ‘Prince’ only by courtesy for from childhood he was brought up by being a ‘hanai’ child by adoption of King Kamehameha III and his consort Hazeleleponi Kapakuhaili, better known as Queen Kalama, also a High Chiefess and the child was a favorite figure in and about grounds during those days.”

“Even at the death of his reputed father he remained with Queen Kalama up to the time of her death with the exception of the days he attended school at Ahuimanu under the tuition of the Roman Catholic Mission with Father Walsh as tutor.”

“He was a man of words and that loudly to His people called him pupulo (not crazy but nutty to use a slang phrase on account of being talkative in an indiscreet manner).  It is said of him that thus trait befell him when he was yet In his infancy and it came about in this wise:  …”

“The King his reputed father visited the child in disguise as he was wont to do at times when going out among his people and found the child in his cradle asleep unbeknown to the nurse kahu who was away washing and awaking him took him up and nestled him on his lap, he being very fond of him knowing him to be of his own flesh.”

“When the nurse returned (who died a few years ago) and saw the King with the child she rebuked him saying: ‘You have ruined my charge.’ And from that time so it is said by those who pretend to know began this trait in him, remaining with him to the end as a punishment of the gods upon the faultless child who was unaware of his fate.”

“The reason for this was the reverence and awe in which the King was held, his rank being such that he was considered sacred kapu next to that of a god and deemed likely to be worshipped by the other chiefs of lower rank and by the people.”

“The first Liholiho (King Kamehameha II), the High Chiefess Nahienaena, the King’s sister was held in the same respect they being considered alii kapu (sacred chiefs) for they were the children of first cousins (being of the first blood almost a brother and sister), Kamehameha I and the High Chiefess Keopuolani.”

“But apart from all of these traits in his character he was generous to others not of his people or retainers and a steadfast friend. On account of certain traits in him their loyal friends and retainers did not stay around him although when called upon they always responded and respected him.”

“It is true that he might have been King but it was not so decided his character being too well known and he was feared by the people for they mistrusted him.”

“His first fiancee in his young days was the late Princess Likelike their betrothal being much desired by those in authority as well as the other chiefs.”

“But through some reason or other the engagement was broken she later becoming Mrs A S Cleghorn.  In 1878 he was married to Mary Poli the widow of the Rev Z Poli who now survives him a widow for the second time.”

“After being released from a spendthrift guardianship under which he had been placed by those who cared for his welfare, the people of this city, to show some confidence in him elected him as a Representative of the Legislature of 1882.”

“But he was never again reelected till under the Provisional Government he was elected as a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1895.” (Independent, March 11, 1903)

“When the bells of the Fort St Cathedral tolled a requim for Prince Albert Kekukailimoku Kūnuiākea they tolled the passing of the last of the royal family of the Great Kamehameha.”

“Prince Kūnuiākea died at the age of 52 on March 10, 1903 at his beach road home. … The prince as not the last descendant by any means.  Other children of Kamehameha who were not recognized as members of the royal family have descendants living today.” (Clarice Taylor)

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by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Washington Place

Captain John Dominis was an Italian-American ship captain and merchant from New York who had been trading in the Pacific since the 1820s.

In the 1840s, he purchased property on Beretania Street.  There, he started to build a home for his family, Mary Lambert Dominis (his wife) and John Owen Dominis (his son.)

The original central portion, built in 1844-1847, was designed and executed in Greek Revival Style, with supplies ordered from Boston.

Captain Dominis reportedly embarked on several trading voyages while the house was being built, using the profits to pay off accumulated debts and resume operations (it’s not clear how many trips were required to build the new home.)

It is a two-story structure with partial basement. Various additions and alterations have occurred over the years.  Cellar walls and foundations are of coral stone; Walls are coral stone (approximately 2½-feet thick) faced with cement to simulate stone work.  The second floor is wood frame.

In 1847, on a voyage to the China Sea, Captain Dominis was lost at sea.

The grounds were said to have been planted “by Mrs. Captain Dominis as the first private garden in Honolulu, carefully watered until the yard was a handsome, cool retreat.” By 1848 the garden was sufficiently interesting for a visitor to ask for a list of the plants in the yard.

Mary Dominis then rented out the spare bedroom to American Commissioner Anthony Ten Eyck.  Impressed with the white manor and grand columns out front, Ten Eyck said it reminded him of Mount Vernon, George Washington’s mansion and that it should be named “Washington Place.”  He wrote a letter to RC Wyllie stating such.

King Kamehameha III, who concurred, Proclaimed as ‘Official Notice,’ “It has pleased His Majesty the King to approve of the name of Washington Place given this day by the Commissioner of the United States, to the House and Premises of Mrs. Dominis and to command that they retain that name in all time coming.”  (February 22, 1848)

In 1862, John Owen Dominis married Lydia Kamakaʻeha (also known as Lydia Kamakaʻeha Pākī.)  Lydia Dominis described Washington Place “as comfortable in its appointments as it is inviting in its aspect.”

Mary Dominis died on April 25, 1889, and the premises went to her son, John Owen Dominis, Governor of Oʻahu.

Lydia was eventually titled Princess and later Queen Liliʻuokalani, in 1891.  John Owen died shortly after becoming Prince consort (making Liliʻuokalani the second widow of the mansion.)  Title then passed to Queen Liliʻuokalani.

Liliʻuokalani continued to occupy Washington Place until her death on November 11, 1917.

Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, one of the heirs to the estate of Queen Liliʻuokalani, suggested that the Territory acquire Washington Place as the Executive Mansion. The Legislature appropriated funds for the purchase, and in May, 1921, the property was acquired by the Territory.

In 1922, major additions were made. These included the glassed-in lanai, the porte-cochere and the rear one-story wing with Dining Room and Kitchen. Family bedrooms were added to the second-story of this wing, later.

Washington Place became the official home of the Governor of Hawaiʻi when it was formally opened on April 21, 1922, by Governor Wallace Rider Farrington.

In 1954, the large Covered Terrace was constructed and in 1959, the second-story TV room was built above the glassed-in lanai. An elevator and the metal fire escape were added in 1963.

The Beretania Street and Miller Street sides and a portion of the rear line are enclosed with a wrought iron fence set on a concrete base.

The original tract, as owned by the Dominis family and Queen Liliʻuokalani, comprised about 1.46 acres. The Territory of Hawaiʻi acquired additional property on Miller Street, making a total of about 3.1 acres.

Across the street from the State Capitol on Beretania Street, Washington Place was the executive mansion for the territorial governors from 1918 to 1959, and, after Hawaiʻi became the 50th state, the state governor’s mansion, from 1959 to 2002.

Washington Place remains the official residence of the governor however, a new house, built on the property in 2002, is now the personal residence of the Governor of Hawai‘i.  (governor-hawaii-gov)

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by Peter T Young 1 Comment

“Admiral of the Sandwich Islands”

On November 27, 1823, Kamehameha II (Liholiho) was the first Ali‘i to travel to England.  He was accompanied by Kamāmalu, the queen, Boki and his wife, Liliha, Kekūanāoʻa, Manuia, James Young and Kapihe.  (Alexander)

Kapihe (Naihekukui) “was very intelligent, had an excellent memory, and spoke English tolerably. He was remarkably skillful in the game of draughts (Kōnane,) which he played with uniform success.”  (Byron)

He was son of the chief Hanakāhi and also known as Jack the Pilot or Captain Jack. He had been the pilot for the Russian explorer Golovnin in 1818 and piloted Freycinet from Kailua Bay to Kawaihae in August 1819.  (Birkett)  Lord Byron referred to him as ‘Admiral.’

“He was decently clad in European clothes and spoke passable English; he showed me papers authorizing him to pilot us through these waters.”  (Camille de Roquefeuil; Birkett)

Back to Liholiho’s trip … it was taken partly by curiosity to see foreign lands, and partly by a desire to secure protection for his country, especially against Russia.

A council of the high chiefs was held at Lahaina to consider the subject, at which Kaahumanu was acknowledged as regent with Kalanimōku as her prime-minister, and Kauikeaouli confirmed as heir-apparent.

The king embarked in an English whale-ship, “L’Aigle,” commanded by Captain Starbuck, an American.  (Alexander)

L’Aigle arrived on May 17, 1824 in Portsmouth, and the next day the entourage moved into the Caledonian Hotel in London.  On the 12th of June, Manuia, was attacked by the measles; the next day, the king sickened, and by the 19th, all of the party were afflicted with the same disease … in a few days, the queen became dangerously ill.  (Jarves)

Kapihe was the only one of the followers who had suffered from the disorder in a degree at all equal to the king and queen.  Boki and Kekūanāoʻa rapidly recovered; and Kapihe soon grew better.

On the 4th of July, Liholiho was sufficiently well to give an audience to Richard Charlton, Esq., the newly appointed consul to his dominions. By the 8th, no hopes of the queen were entertained; the mutual grief of the royal couple was affecting.

They held each other in a warm and protracted embrace, while the thought of dying so early in their career, so far from their loved islands and friends, caused the tears to gush freely. In the evening she died.  (Jarves)

The king was supported by pillows, and said little, but repeated the words, “I am dying, I am dying:” within the curtains of the bed one of the chiefs sat continually, with his face towards the king, and his eyes fixed on him, in conformity, as they said, with their native customs.

The day of the 8th of July was a very painful one, and the dying agony of the sufferer was long; for it was not until four o’clock of the morning of the 14th that Tamehameha II breathed his last.  (Byron)

The grief-stricken Kamehameha II (age 27) died six days later on July 14, 1824.  Prior to his death he asked to return and be buried in Hawai‘i.

Shortly thereafter, the British Government dispatched HMS Blonde to convey the bodies of Liholiho and Kamāmalu back to Hawaii, along with the entourage.  The Captain of the Blonde, a newly commissioned 46-gun frigate, was Lord Byron (a cousin of the poet.)

The remains of the sovereigns had been placed in lead coffins, enclosed in wood, covered with crimson velvet, and richly ornamented. Suitable inscriptions in English and Hawaiian told the rank and age of the deceased.

The group headed back to the Islands on the 28th of September. On their voyage they had an opportunity of observing several other countries. The frigate touched at Rio, St. Catherines, at Valparaiso.  (Jarves)

Early in the morning of February 8, 1825, “Kapihe was affected with an apparent determination of blood to the head, and, notwithstanding every effort to save him, he died in the course of the day.”

“The attack seemed to have been coming on for some days; and, as it afterwards appeared, an abscess had formed on the brain.”

“The death of Kapihe may be considered as a serious loss to his native country: his natural intelligence had been cultivated and improved by his various voyages, and he had the most anxious desire to be useful at home.”

“We buried him out at sea off the Couronilla point, because the bigotry of the Chilians scarcely permits permanent repose to the remains of such as are not within the pale of the Roman church; and as Kapihe was not even christened, we substituted a prayer, written on the occasion, for the church service, when we committed his body to the deep.”  (Byron)

The Blonde arrived back in Honolulu on May 6, 1825.  Liholiho and Kamāmalu were buried on the grounds of the ʻIolani Palace in a coral house meant to be the Hawaiian version of the tombs Liholiho had seen in London.  They were eventually moved to Mauna ‘Ala, the Royal Mausoleum.

Kamehameha II was succeeded by his younger brother Kauikeaouli, who became King Kamehameha III.

Kapihe had one daughter, Kalama.

When it came to selecting a wife, Kamehameha III chose Kalama, although Kamanele, daughter of Gov. Adams, had been proposed as the most suitable, as to age, rank and education.

“Princes, doubtless, have a right to choose their own companions, though if they expect their offspring to enjoy a peaceful possession of the throne, the constitution, established usage, or will of the nation, should be respected. No small agitation existed for a time. His wishes in this matter, however, eventually prevailed.”  (Bingham)

The image shows Kapihe (Naihekukui, Captain Jack, Jack the Pilot.)  It was drawn by Arago.

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by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Alumnae

Founded in 1839, O‘ahu’s first school was called the Chiefs’ Children’s School (The Royal School.)  The cornerstone of the original school was laid on June 28, 1839 in the area of the old barracks of ʻIolani Palace (at about the site of the present State Capitol of Hawaiʻi.)

The school was created by King Kamehameha III; the main goal of this school was to groom the next generation of the highest ranking chief’s children of the realm and secure their positions for Hawaii’s Kingdom.

Seven families were eligible under succession laws stated in the 1840 Constitution of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i; Kamehameha III called on seven boys and seven girls to board in the Chief’s Children’s School.

The Chiefs’ Children’s School was unique because for the first time Aliʻi children would be brought together in a group to be taught, ostensibly, about the ways of governance.

Amos Starr Cooke (1810–1871) and Juliette Montague Cooke (1812-1896), missionaries from the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, were selected by the King to teach the 16-royal children and run the school.

In a letter requesting the Cookes 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.”

The students ranged from age two to eleven, and differed widely in their temperaments and abilities, goals and destinies.  But they all had one common bond: their genealogical sanctity and mana as Aliʻi-born.

The school building was square-shaped, about seventy-six square feet in area, with a courtyard in the center and a well.  The thirteen or so rooms included a large classroom, kitchen, dining room, sitting room and parlor, and living quarters for the students and the Cookes.  The entire complex was surrounded by a high wall, apparently intended as much to keep people out as to keep them in.

In this school were educated the Hawai‘i sovereigns who reigned over the Hawaiian people from 1855 (age noted is the age at death:)

Alexander Liholiho (February 9, 1834 – November 30, 1863 (age 29))
Son of High Chief Mataio Kekūanāoʻa (Royal Governor of Oʻahu, as well as Kuhina Nui (Prime Minister (1863-1864)) and Princess Elizabeth Kīnaʻu (Kuhina Nui (Prime Minister) as Kaʻahumanu II (1832-1839.)) He was the grandson of Kamehameha I.  Hānai by his uncle, King Kamehameha III.  Alexander Liholiho became King Kamehameha IV and ruled over Hawaiʻi January 11, 1855 – November 30, 1863

Emma Naʻea Rooke (January 2, 1836 – April 25, 1885 (age 49))
Daughter of High Chief George Naʻea and High Chiefess Fanny Kekelaokalani Young and hānai to by her childless maternal aunt, chiefess Grace Kamaʻikuʻi Young Rooke, and her husband, Dr. Thomas CB Rooke.  On June 19, 1856, Emma married Alexander Liholiho and became Queen Emma.  They had one child Prince Albert.  In 1859, King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma founded Queen’s Hospital.

Lot Kapuāiwa (December 11, 1830 – December 11, 1872 (age 42))
Son of High Chief Mataio Kekūanāoʻa (Royal Governor of Oʻahu, as well as Kuhina Nui (Prime Minister (1863-1864)) and Princess Elizabeth Kīnaʻu (Kuhina Nui (Prime Minister) as Kaʻahumanu II (1832-1839.))  Hānai by his grandmother Queen Kalākua Kaheiheimālie and step-grandfather High Chief Ulumāheihei Hoapili.   Lot Kapuāiwa became King Kamehameha V and ruled over Hawaiʻi November 30, 1863 — December 11, 1872.

William Lunalilo (January 31, 1835 – February 3, 1874 (age 39))
Son of High Chief Charles Kanaʻina and High Chiefess Miriam Auhea Kekāuluohi (Kuhina Nui (Prime Minister) as Kaʻahumanu III (1839-1845.)) He was grandnephew of Kamehameha I and second cousin to King Kamehameha IV and King Kamehameha V.  The first elected King of Hawaiʻi; he became King Lunalilo and ruled over Hawaiʻi January 8, 1873 – February 3, 1874.

David Kalākaua (November 16, 1836 – January 20, 1891 (age 54))
Son of High Chief Caesar Kapaʻakea and his mother High Chiefess Analeʻa Keohokālole.  Hānai to Keaweamahi Kinimaka and High Chiefess Haʻaheo Kaniu.  Under Kalākaua’s direction, the cornerstone for ʻIolani Palace was laid on December 31, 1879 (it was completed in 1882.) He earned the nickname “Merrie Monarch.”  He defeated Queen Emma in an election to the throne and ruled over Hawaiʻi February 12, 1874 — January 20, 1891.

Lydia Liliʻu Kamakaʻeha (September 2, 1838 – November 11, 1917 (age 79))
Daughter of High Chief Caesar Kapaʻakea and his mother High Chiefess Analeʻa Keohokālole.  Hānai to Abner Pākī and his wife Laura Kōnia.  Hawaiʻi’s last reigning monarch, she was named heir apparent (and her name was changed to Liliʻuokalani) and succeeded her brother to the Hawaiian throne and ruled over Hawaiʻi January 29, 1891 – January 17, 1893.

Bernice Pauahi (December 19, 1831 – October 16, 1884 (age 52))
Daughter of High Chief Abner Pākī and Laura Kōnia. Pauahi was married to businessman Charles Reed Bishop.  Hānai to Princess Kīnaʻu (Kuhina Nui (Prime Minister) as Kaʻahumanu II (1832-1839.))  Great-granddaughter of King Kamehameha I, her estate operates the Kamehameha Schools (established in 1887) according to Pauahi’s will.

Elizabeth Kekaʻaniau Laʻanui (September 12, 1834 – December 20, 1928 (age 94))
Daughter of High Chief Gideon Peleioholani Laʻanui and High Chiefess Theresa Owana Kaheiheimalie Rives; she was great grandniece of Kamehameha I. She married Franklin Seaver Pratt on April 27, 1864.  She was the last Royal School alumnus to die.

Moses Kekūāiwa (July 20, 1829 – November 24, 1848 (age 19))
Son of Mataio Kekūanāoʻa and Elizabeth Kīnaʻu. He was a grandson of Kamehameha I.

Jane Loeau (December 5, 1828–July 30, 1873 (age 44))
Daughter of High Chief Kalaniulumoku and High Chiefess Kuini Liliha (descended from Kahekili II, Mōʻi of Maui, and High Chief Hoapili through her mother.)  She was hānai to Ahukai (Kaukualiʻi.)

Victoria Kamāmalu (November 1, 1838 – May 29, 1866 (age 27))
Daughter of High Chief Mataio Kekūanāoʻa (Royal Governor of Oʻahu, as well as Kuhina Nui (Prime Minister (1863-1864)) and Princess Elizabeth Kīnaʻu (Kuhina Nui (Prime Minister) as Kaʻahumanu II (1832-1839.)) She served as Kuhina Nui (Prime Minister) as Kaʻahumanu IV (1855-1863;) as Kuhina Nui, she effectively served as “Queen” for a day and proclaimed her brother Lot Kamehameha V the rightful successor to Kamehameha IV, when the latter died unexpectedly in 1863.)

Peter Young Kāʻeo (March 4, 1836 – November 26, 1880 (age 44))
Son of Joshua Kāʻeo (Judge of the Supreme Court of Hawaiʻi) and Jane Lahilahi.  Hānai to his maternal uncle John Kalaipaihala Young II (Keoni Ana) (Kuhina Nui (Prime Minister) (1845-1855) and son of John Young, the English sailor who became a trusted adviser to Kamehameha I)

William Pitt Leleiōhoku (March 31, 1821 – October 21, 1848 (age 27))
Son of the Kalanimōku (Prime Minister) and Kiliwehi (daughter of King Kamehameha I.)  Hānai to John Adams Kuakini (Governor of Hawaiʻi Island and brother of Queen Kaʻahumanu.)  Entering the school in 1844, he was the last boy to enter the school.  He was married to the Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena and later to Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani.

Abigail Maheha (July 10, 1832 – ca. 1861 (age 29))
Daughter of High Chief Namaile and High Chiefess Kuini Liliha; Hānai to her aunt, Princess Kekauʻōnohi (granddaughter of Kamehameha I.)

James Kaliokalani May 29, 1835 – April 2, 1852 (age 16))
Son of High Chief Caesar Kapaʻakea and mother High Chiefess Analeʻa Keohokālole.  Hānai to his maternal grandfather High Chief Aikanaka.)

Mary Polly Paʻaʻāina (1833 – May 28, 1853 (age 20))
Daughter of Henry Coleman Lewis and High Chiefess Fanny Kekelaokalani (daughter of John Young, the advisor of Kamehameha I, and was also grandniece of Kamehameha I.) Entering the school in 1843, she was the last girl to enter the school.

In the classroom students were divided by their age and or length of time as the school. The older group consisted of Moses, Lot, Alexander, William, Jane, Bernice, Abigail and Elizabeth who had attended the school since 1839.

The next class consisted of Emma, James, Peter and David. Mary was in the youngest class together with Victoria, Lydia, and John Pitt due to her late attendance.

The custom was for a boy and girl to march side by side; the lead being taken by the eldest scholars. Moses and Jane had this distinction, next Lot and Bernice, then Alexander Liholiho with Abigail, followed by Lunalilo and Emma, James and Elizabeth, David and Victoria, Mary and Peter, and John and Lydia being the last.  (Liliʻuokalani)

No school in Hawai‘i has ever produced so many Hawaiian leaders in one generation.

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