HAWAIIAN PRINCE KALAHOʻOLEWA (WILLIAM PITT LELEIOHOKU II) DIED
Born on January 10, 1855, the day of Kamehameha III’s funeral, his name meant “Day of the funeral.” Of the reigning House of Kalākaua, he was a poet and composer of Hawaiian mele (songs). He is remembered primarily for composing the song Kāua I Ka Huahuaʻi, used in the popular American song, Hawaiian War Chant. He was the youngest brother of James Kaliokalani, David Kalākaua, Liliʻuokalani, Anna Kaiulani, Kaʻiminaʻauao, and Miriam K. Likelike. He and his siblings are credited with the musical revival enjoyed by Hawaiians during the last half of the 19th century. His compositions have been adapted into folk tunes of visiting merchants, sailors, and settlers. He founded several royal choral societies including the Kawaihau Glee Club. He was named Crown Prince by his brother Kalākaua in 1874 and became a member of the Privy Council and House of Nobles. When he died of rheumatic fever at age 23, Kalākaua, then king, named their sister Liliʻuokalani Crown Princess.
Sources:
“Leleiohoku II: Hawaiian Prince,” Up/Closed. Retrieved 6/26/2019, https://upclosed.com/people/leleiohoku-ii/
“William Pitt Lileiohoku (1854-1877), Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame. Retrieved 6/26/2019, https://www.hmhof.org/about-us
Wikipedia
Photo: Menzies Dickson (1840-1891), 1874 or 1876. Hawaii State Archives. Call Number: PP-98-8-014. Public Domain in U.S.: Pre 1/1/1925. Public Domain elsewhere where copyright term is author’s life plus 70 years or less.