Princess Victoria Ka‘iulani

This new biography of Princess Victoria Ka’iulani goes far beyond most accounts of her life, which tend to dwell on nostalgic recollections of what could have been rather than the reality of her life. Many of the most cherished depictions of Ka‘iulani originate from other people’s reflections, rather than the actions and words of the princess herself. By using historical documents, including archival manuscripts, Hawaiian and English–language newspapers, government records, firsthand testimonies, poetry, and mele, a factual and thoroughly supported narrative of Ka‘iulani’s life during tumultuous times emerges, surpassing fairy tale-like portrayals.

The late Ralph Thomas Kam was the author of several articles in the Hawaiian Journal of History. He lived in Kaneohe, Hawai‘i.

Marilyn Stassen-McLaughlin is a retired Punahou teacher who has studied the life of Princess Ka‘iulani and the ‘Āinahau Estate for more than four decades. She has published in the Hawaiian Journal of History and Honolulu Magazine. She lives in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

Ralph Thomas Kam and Marilyn Stassen-McLaughlin
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 259
Bibliographic Info: 29 photos, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2024
pISBN: 978-1-4766-9469-6
eISBN: 978-1-4766-5208-5
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments vi
Preface 1
On the Use of the Hawaiian Language 4
Introduction: Seeing Ka‘iulani with
Dispassionate Eyes 5
One—A Propitious Birth and Baptism 11
Two—Joy at ‘Āinahau 16
Three—Sorrow at ‘Āinahau 27
Four—European Sojourn 63
Five—Kingdom and Nation Lost 99
Six—Royal Engagement 157
Seven—Illness and Death of Ka‘iulani 172
Eight—Mourning for a Princess 180
Nine—Legacy of Ka‘iulani 203
Chapter Notes 211
Bibliography 225
Index 245