Near Waimea in Hawaii County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)
Pelekane
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 27, 2017
1. Pelekane Marker
Captions: (left) Pelekane as it may have appeared around 1800. Pelican was the residential site for generations of Hawai'i Island ruling chiefs.; (top right) Queen Emma's birthplace at Pelekane (photo taken in 1889). It is believed that Queen Emma (Emma Nā'e'a Booke) was born here around 1840. She was the great grandniece of Kamehameha, and granddaughter of John Young; trusted advisor to Kamehameha. Pelekane is also believed to have been the birthplace of Kanidmatu, daughter of Kamehameha, around 1802.
The compound contained the royal residence, probably some housing for other members of the royal court and a royal fish pond. It was at Pelekane where Keoua, rival to Kamehameha, was killed in 1791, securing Hawai'i for Kamehameha and initiating his takeover of all of the Hawaiian Islands. Here, too, Kamehameha II prepared for his role as king following his father's death in 1819.
Pelekane also became a favorite landing spot for foreign ships, where Europeans seeking trade negotiations with the king were often hosted. After 1819 it is probable that, like Pu'ukoholā Heiau and the ancient religious beliefs, the royal compound was abandoned with the abolition of kapu (sacred laws).
Erected by U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1791.
Location. 20° 1.683′ N, 155° 49.376′ W. Marker is near Waimea, Hawaii, in Hawaii County. Marker can be reached
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Hale o Kapuni Heiau (within shouting distance of this marker); Pu'ukohola Heiau (within shouting distance of this marker); Mailekini Heiau (within shouting distance of this marker); Pu'ukohlā Heiau (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pu'ukoholā Heiau (about 500 feet away); Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); Camp Henry C. Drewes (approx. 2.6 miles away); Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological District (approx. 5.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waimea.
More about this marker. The marker is located on the trail at Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 27, 2017
2. Pelekane Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2017. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 266 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 20, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
