Hana in Maui County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)
Queen Ka'Ahumanu
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, December 8, 2025
1. Queen Ka'Ahumanu Marker
Elizabeth Ka'ahumanu was born on March 17, 1768, In Häna at Pu'u Ka'ulki, Her mother High Chiefess Namahana I Kaleleonaiani, was the daughter of the Great Maui King Kekaulike and Ha'alo'u. Her father Ke'eaumoku Pápa'lahiahi was the son of Hawaii chief Keawepoepoe and a Maui chiefess. At birth Ka'ahumanu's kapu was that of silence. Chants tell us during her birth there was complete silence across the land. No sounds came from the ocean nor from the birds in the sky, there was only peace and calm. Eventually from far across the ocean, came the cry of the La'a bird and soon the sounds were restored.
After Ka'ahumanu's birth, mother and baby were taken to a pu'uhonua or a sanctuary, presumably because Ka'ulki which was occupied by Kalani'opu'u of Hawai'i Island was under attack by Maui's great warrior chief Kahekili'ahumanu, half-brother of Ha'alo'u and for whom Ka'ahumanu was named. Ka'ahumanu herself was considered a pu'uhonua, and all in her presence were safe from harm or persecution.
As an only child Ka'ahumanu was favored and lavished with gifts and affection. Historian Samuel Kamakau writes Ka'ahumanu and her
this page online
Ka'ahumanu stood 6 feet tall, straight, and full figured; she was the most beautiful woman in Hawai'i, and as smart as she was beautiful. Kamehameha held her in high esteem and had the utmost confidence in her abilities. As his favorite wife she was his confidant, advisor and influenced many of his decisions during his rule. Her rank afforded her the privilege to be by his side during battle, and to fight alongside him, if she chose to. But it was after Kamehmeha's death in 1819 that Ka'ahumanu moved from influence to power. As Kuhina Nui Ka'ahumanu originated laws, judicial procedures and policies on education, taxation, and land ownership. The laws she created were against murder, prostitution, theft and even breaking the Sabbath. She insisted on policies for better education and health care for her Hawaiian people.
Ka'ahumanu died on June 5, 1832,
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, December 8, 2025
2. Queen Ka'Ahumanu Marker
You are now on Wahi Pana,
Sacred ground!
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Women.
Location. 20° 45.306′ N, 155° 59′ W. Marker is in Hana, Hawaii, in Maui County. It is on Keawa Place east of Uakea Road, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 150 Keawa Pl, Hana HI 96713, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in North America, in Polynesia, in the Pacific Ocean, in North Pacific, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: In Memoriam (here, next to this marker); Wahi Kapu (Sacred Place) - Mokae Cove - Hamoa Beach (approx. 2.4 miles away); Ola I Ka Wai O Ka 'Opua or There is Life in the Water From the Clouds (approx. 7.4 miles away); Kai uli, The Deep Blue Sea (approx. 7½ miles away); The Mahele (approx. 7½ miles away); The Mahele - One Family's Story (approx. 7½ miles away); Restoring the Hala Forest (approx. 7½ miles away); He Huliau ma Kipahulu or Change in Kipahulu (approx. 7½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hana.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 28, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 45 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 31, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
