JULY 24, 1962

NATIVE HAWAIIAN DANCER/WOMEN’S ADVOCATE KINI “JENNIE” KAPAHU WILSON DIED

Born March 4, 1872, in Honolulu, Ana Kini Kapahukulaokamāmalu Ku‘ululani McColgan Huhu (known as “Jennie”), was adopted hanai by a woman who was a chanter, hula dancer, and friend of Queen Kapi‘olani. Jennie joined King Kalākaua’s court hula group, Hui Lei Mamo, and learned ukulele, singing, and ballroom dancing. Kapahu danced with the 1^st hula group seen in the Western world performing before Kaiser Wilhelm II & Tsar Nicholas II, and at the Chicago World’s, Trans-Mississippi, and Pan-American Expositions. She married John Wilson who became Mayor of Honolulu. Following ratification of the 19th Amendment, Kapahu used her position as Wilson’s wife to advance women’s rights and “the new sphere of womanhood.” Jennie later was State historian and spoke in English only when necessary. In 1960, she was one of Hawaii’s first presidential electors. Kini, declared Hawaii’s “Honorary First Lady,” died in Honolulu. Hawaiʻi Magazine lists her among Hawaii’s most influential women.

Sources:

Aina Mamona, “Kini Kapahu Wilson,” Kiaʻi Throughout History, 3/17/2021.  Retrieved 5/24/2023, Kini Kapahu Wilson (kaainamomona.org)

Wikipedia

Photo:  Author unknown, circa 1890. Public Domain.