VIDEO: Ceremony Honors Birthday of Queen Ka’ahumanu
*Video by Wendy Osher
Members of the ‘Ahahui Ka’ahumanu Society on Maui honored Queen Kaʻahumanu during a special ceremony on Friday, marking 248 years since her birth on March 17, 1768. Ka’ahumanu, whose name means “the feather cloak,” was born in a cave at Kauiki Hill in Hāna, Maui, during period of war between the ruling chiefs to parents Keeaumoku and Namahana.
She was the first wife of Kamehameha, served as kuhina nui or co-ruler of the kingdom with Liholiho and then as a regent during Kauikeauoli’s reign.
As kuhina nui, she created laws to protect her people from foreign influences and recognized the advantages of literacy. In a single generation, it is noted that Hawaiʻi achieved one of the highest rates of literacy in the world.
“Kaʻahumanu’s most enduring act was to dissolve the kapu system of laws governing early life in Hawaiʻi.” She also converted to Christianity before her death in 1832.
Friday’s event included chant, a blessing, history, hula, song, and a draping of lei on the Queen’s statue located across from the center stage at the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center.
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members celebrate the birthday of the Queen by draping lei upon the shoulders of her statue. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members celebrate the Queen’s birthday with protocol assisted by the Royal Order of Kamehameha. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members celebrate the Queen’s birthday with protocol assisted by the Royal Order of Kamehameha. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members celebrate the Queen’s birthday with protocol assisted by the Royal Order of Kamehameha. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members celebrate the Queen’s birthday with protocol assisted by the Royal Order of Kamehameha. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members celebrate the Queen’s birthday with protocol assisted by the Royal Order of Kamehameha. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members celebrate the Queen’s birthday with protocol assisted by the Royal Order of Kamehameha. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members celebrate the Queen’s birthday with protocol assisted by the Royal Order of Kamehameha. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members celebrate the Queen’s birthday with protocol assisted by the Royal Order of Kamehameha. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members celebrate the Queen’s birthday with protocol assisted by the Royal Order of Kamehameha. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members celebrate the Queen’s birthday with protocol assisted by the Royal Order of Kamehameha. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members celebrate the Queen’s birthday with protocol assisted by the Royal Order of Kamehameha. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members celebrate the Queen’s birthday with protocol assisted by the Royal Order of Kamehameha. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu members. Photo by Wendy Osher. (3.18.16)
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