When Kamehameha I, founder of the Hawaiian Kingdom, died in May 1819, his favorite (and most political) wife, Ka‘ahumanu, emerged from the hale and proclaimed his dying wish was that she should share the rule of the kingdom with his
When Kamehameha I, founder of the Hawaiian Kingdom, died in May 1819, his favorite (and most political) wife, Ka‘ahumanu, emerged from the hale and proclaimed his dying wish was that she should share the rule of the kingdom with his heir, Liholiho, as Kuhina Nui, a co-regent, creating this new office then and there.
All the alii women who held the position after her took the name “Ka‘ahumanu” as a title of office; and the co-regency remained part of the structure of the Hawaiian monarchy until 1864, when Kamehameha V abolished the position with
his new constitution.
By popular demand at the Lyman Museum, Hawaii Island historian Boyd D. Bond reprises the tale of these important “other” rulers of the Hawaiian monarchy on two occasions: from 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 15 and 3-4:30 p.m. Aug. 16. Admission to this program is free to museum members, $3 for nonmembers. Space is limited; first come, first seated.
The presentation is part of the museum’s Monday night Saigo Public Program lecture series. Some of the lectures will offered the following afternoons.
The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawaii. Located at 276 Haili St., the museum is open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.
