Name Abigail Maheha | Grandparents Hoapili, Wahinepio | |
Great-grandparents Kameʻeiamoku, Kamakahukilani, Kekuamanoha Similar People Keopuolani, Hoapili, Kamehameha II, Kahekili II, Kaumualii | ||
Parents Kekauʻonohi, Kuini Liliha | ||
Abigail Maheha (July 10, 1832 – February 13, 1861) was a Hawaiian chiefess during the Kingdom of Hawaii who attended Chiefs' Children's School also known as Royal School.
Life
Maheha was the daughter of High Chief Namaile and High Chiefess Kuini Liliha. Her mother was the royal governor of Oʻahu during the regency of Queen Kaʻahumanu. She was descended from Kahekili II, Moi of Maui, and High Chief Hoapili.
She was adopted or hānaied by her aunt, Princess Kekauʻōnohi. Her hānai mother was a granddaughter of Kamehameha the Great who united the Hawaiian Islands into one kingdom and was also the youngest consort of the deceased Kamehameha II and served as Governor of Kauaʻi.
She was among those chosen by King Kamehameha III eligible for throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii to attend the Chiefs' Children's School, also known as the Royal School of Hawaii. Her sister (or half-sister) Jane Loeau who also attended Royal School. She was taught by American missionaries Amos Starr Cooke and his wife Juliette Montague Cooke. During their Sunday procession to church it was customary for boys and girls to walk side by side; Abigail walked beside Alexander Liholiho, the future King Kamehameha IV.
She left the school on January 18, 1847 married Keaupuni on February 3, 1847. In 1855, he husband was involved in the Hawaii Supreme Court case Keaupuni vs. Fred. Ogden. The plaintiff sought to recover damages from the defendant for criminal conversation with the plaintiff's wife, Abigail Maheha. The indecisive jury were discharged by the Court after an absence of four hours. They eventually divorced. She married Kiaʻaina Wahineaea on July 17, 1857, on the island of Kauaʻi. Her first name was spelled "Apigaila" on the marriage record.
She died in Halealii, Honolulu, on February 13, 1861.