History
‘AHAHUI KA‘AHUMANU
Chapter I, Honolulu
P.O. Box 2809
Honolulu, HI 96803
‘Ahahui Ka‘ahumanu, Chapter 1, Honolulu
The ‘Ahahui was originally chartered on August 8, 1864 by Princess Victoria Kamāmalu, Chiefess Lydia Kamaka‘eha Dominis, crowned Queen Lili‘uokalani in 1891, and Chiefess Bernice Pauahi, who later became Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. The society was named “Ka‘ahumanu Society” after Princess Victoria’s aunt, Ka‘ahumanu, Kūhina Nui of the Hawaiian Kingdom under Kamehameha the Great.
Very concerned about the ill health and grim social conditions facing their native Hawaiians, these three influential women believed an organization for Hawaiian women was needed to ease suffering and offer help. Unfortunately the group disbanded two years later in the fall of 1866 after the unexpected passing of the young Princess Kamāmalu.
Thirty nine years later, on June 14, 1905, a group of eleven women led by Lucy Kaheiheimālie Peabody resurrected and re-chartered the Ahahui at Kawaiaha‘o Church.
Our benevolent society, whose members are of Hawaiian ancestry, continues to address concerns of its members. The ‘Ahahui supports and cares for its ailing members; helps members with a dignified burial; provides official representation at royal “Ali‘i” events and functions; promotes the language and culture of the Hawaiian people; supports the elderly through contributions to Lunalilo Home; provides involvement for educational programs; and encourages education that focuses on the health and well-being of its members.
Today, the ‘Ahahui Ka‘ahumanu thrives with nine chapters throughout the islands and enjoys a growing membership.
The Honolulu Chapter will celebrate its 111th Anniversary in 2016 and looks forward to another one hundred eleven years of perpetuating our mission and objectives.