Origins & Early Life

Kaʻahumanu ("The Feathered Mantle", March 17, 1768 – June 5, 1832) was queen consort and acted as regent of the Hawaiian Kingdom as Kuhina Nui. She was the favorite wife of King Kamehameha I and also the most politically powerful, and continued to wield considerable power as co-ruler in the kingdom during the reigns of his first two successors. Kaʻahumanu was born in a cave called Puu Kauiki in Hāna on the Hawaiian island of Maui. She was born on March 17, 1768.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The present Kaʻahumanu Society celebrates her birthday on March 17. Kaʻahumanu's father was Keʻeaumoku Pāpaʻiahiahi, a fugitive aliʻi (noble) from the island of Hawaiʻi, and her mother was Nāmāhānaikaleleokalani, daughter of Mō'ī Kekaulike Kalaninui Kui Hono and wife of her half-brother, the late king of Maui, Kamehamehanui. Through her mother, she was related to many aliʻi nui of Maui. Through her father, she was the third cousin of Kamehameha I, both sharing the common ancestor, Princess Kalanikauleleiaiwi of the island of Hawaiʻi. She was named after her father's rival, Kahekilinuiʻahumanu, because it was from him that her father was fleeing at the time.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Her siblings include Governor John Adams Kuakini of...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld — Contemporary (Born in 1832) (1832): Finland-Swedish baron, renowned geologist, and pioneering Arctic explorer.
• Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson — Contemporary (Born in 1832) (1832): Pioneering Norwegian writer, poet, and polemicist, celebrated for national spirit.
• Édouard Manet — Contemporary (Born in 1832) (1832): Pivotal French modernist painter bridging Realism and Impressionism.
• Bayard Rustin — Shared historical date (03-17 · Born) (1912): Pioneering organizer of nonviolence, civil rights, and socialist movements.
• Bobby Jones (golfer) — Shared historical date (03-17 · Born) (1902): Pioneering American amateur golfer, founder of Augusta National and the Masters.
• Alan Bond — Shared historical date (06-05 · Died) (2015): Australian businessman known for high-profile dealings, the America's Cup, and founding Bond University.
• Bill Tilden — Shared historical date (06-05 · Died) (1953): Dominant American tennis star, 'Big Bill', known for 14 Major singles titles.
• 1768 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1768
• March 17 (03-17) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 17
• 1832 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1832
• June 5 (06-05) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 5