HONOLULU (KHON2) — In the ahupuaʻa of Honolulu, which lies in the moku of Kona here on Oʻahu, stands a busy roadway named after a High Chiefess.
We’re speaking of Liliha St.
Liliha, also known as Kuini Liliha and Keomailani, was a chiefess who was famously married to a chief named Boki.
In 1816, following the establishment of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Boki was appointed Governor of Oʻahu.
Originally named Kamaʻuleʻule, Kamehameha I gave him the nickname Boki after the king’s favorite dog named “Boss.”
In 1829, with the hopes of finding sandalwood, Boki departed for the South Pacific after passing his governorship to Liliha.
Boki and his company never returned home as it’s believed their ship sank at sea as a result of an on-board explosion.
Aside from being appointed Governor of Oʻahu by her husband, Liliha also became the caretaker for King Kamehameha III, who was just a teenager at the time.
But that role was stripped away from her along with her authority. Why? Because of alcohol.
Prior to Boki passing all his gubernatorial functions on to Liliha and sailing to the South Pacific, liquor had been prohibited.
But Liliha eventually allowed alcohol on occasion, but kept it banned for women.
However, one day after a storm, Liliha was found drunk, and the word got back to Queen Kaʻahumanu who was co-ruler of the Kingdom.
Kaʻahumanu had the young king taken away from Liliha’s care because her drinking and worldly pleasures were a bad influence.
Liliha was banished to Maui, where she died.
Despite her issues with the ruling class, Liliha is said to have been beloved by the common people.
Did you know? Now you do!