APRIL 26, 1859

HAWAIIAN STATESMAN JONAH PI’IKOI DIED

Born circa January 1804, at Waimea on Kauaʻi, his Hawaiian name “Piʻikoi” meant “Lofty Aspirations.” He began public service as a tobacco lighter for King Kaumualiʻi of Kaui’i. Jonah accompanied Kamehameha II to Oʻahu in 1822 and served as his personal attendant. Returning to Kauaʻi after Kamehameha II’s departure to Great Britain, Piʻikoi assisted the newly appointed Governor Kahalaiʻa Luanuʻu in suppressing Humehume‘s rebellion in 1824. Returning to Oʻahu, he served Kahalaiʻa until his death in 1826 and afterward became a servant of Kamehameha III. Piʻikoi eventually became land agent for Kamehameha III on Oʻahu. He would later serve in the House of Nobles 1845–1859 and on the Privy Council 1852–1855. Piʻikoi died in Honolulu.

Source:  "Sketch of J. Piikoi's Life," The Pacific Commercial Advertiser, 5/12/1859.  Retrieved 2/23/2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonah_Piʻikoi

Photo:  Author unknown, circa 1850s. Public Domain.