Ruling Chiefs of Hawaii

Book excerpt: Features the translated Hawaiian language writings of Samuel Mānaiakalani Kamakau (October 29, 1815 - September 5, 1876) that were published in the Hawaiian language newspapers Ka Nupepa Kuokoa and Ke Au Okoa throughout the period of 1850-70. The translation of this book began with a group of Hawaiian translators and scholars selected by the trustees of the Bishop Museum. They were Mary Kawena Pukui, Thomas G. Thrum, Lahilahi Webb, Emma Davidson Taylor, and John Wise. Once the translations were assembled, Mary Kawena Pukui reviewed the translation for cohesion. Martha Warren Beckwith, in collaboration with Mary Kawena Pukui, added most of the notes with the Museum staff assisting with further notes. Dr. Alexander Spoehr indexed the book. Dorothy Barrere and Caroline Curtis proofread the manucript. The introduction is by Alexander Spoehr (Director of Bishop Museum) and Acknowledgements by Harold W. Kent (President of The Kamehameha Schools). This book constitutes a history of Hawaii's ruling class and reveals the role of ali'i nui and kaukau ali'i in shaping the Hawaiian Lāhui.