Signature Cousins Albert Kamehameha House House of Kalakaua | Role Composer Name Leleiohoku II | |
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Born January 10, 1854
Honolulu, Oʻahu, ( 1854-01-10 ) Burial April 25, 1877
Mauna ʻAla Royal Mausoleum Father Caesar Kaluaiku Kapaʻakea Mother Analea Keohokalole
Ruth Keʻelikolani (hanai) Died April 9, 1877, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Parents Kapaakea, Keelikolani, Keohokalole Siblings Kalakaua, Likelike, James Kaliokalani Similar People Kalakaua, Likelike, Keelikolani, Kapaakea, Kamehameha IV | ||
Prince William Pitt Leleiohoku II, born William Pitt Kalahoʻolewa (1854–1877), was a prince of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi and member of the reigning House of Kalākaua. He is remembered for composing the song "Kāua I Ka Huahuaʻi", which was used in the American popular song, "Hawaiian War Chant".
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Life
He was initially named Kalahoʻolewa meaning "the day of the funeral" in Hawaiian because his birth coincided with the funeral of King Kamehameha III. He was the youngest brother of James Kaliokalani, David Kalākaua, Liliʻuokalani, Anna Kaiulani, Kaʻiminaʻauao, and Miriam K. Likelike. Shortly after his birth he became the hānai (adopted son) of Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani who named him after her late husband High Chief William Pitt Leleiohoku. Leleiohoku means "Fled in the time of Hoku" in Hawaiian and commemorates the day Kamehameha I died on the Hawaiian calendar. Princess Ruth also named Leleiohoku II heir to her vast holding of most of the Kamehameha lands but he predeceased her. He was educated at the present day ʻIolani School, which was called the Saint Alban's College at the time. At this school, he developed a close friendship with Curtis P. Iaukea, who later served as an aide during his time as prince. An accomplished musician, Leleiohoku founded several royal choral societies including the Kawaihau Glee Club.He was named the Crown Prince by his brother Kalākaua in 1874, with the consent of the House of Nobles and granted the title of Prince and style of "His Royal Highness". He became a member of the Privy Council and House of Nobles. When Kalākaua visited the United States in 1874, Leleiohoku ruled as regent.
Death
On April 10, 1877 at the age of 23, Prince Leleiohoku died of rheumatic fever. Because Leleiohoku was unmarried and had no children, his brother King Kalākaua named their sister Liliʻuokalani Crown Princess. It was said that Keʻelikōlani had wished that Kalākaua had chosen her instead of Liliʻuokalani, but making her heir would make Bernice Pauahi Bishop next in line to the throne. He is buried in the Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii.
Compositions
He composed many songs (many based on folk tunes), and was included in the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.