Hawaiian Monarch. Born in Pohukaina, Hawaii (now part of Honolulu) to Miriam ‘Auhea Kekauluohi and Charles Kanaʻina. He was named as eligible to succeed the throne by royal decree of King Kamehameha III. He was one of the first students to enroll in the Chief’s Children’s School. He was regarded as a scholar, and appreciated poetry, literature, and music. He was also known to be compassionate and kind, and was known as 'Lokomaika‘i', meaning 'generous' or 'benevolent'. During the Constitutional Convention of 1864, he was vocal in his support of smaller government as well as and a more democratic form of government with two houses of legislature. Following the death of Kamehameha V in December 1872, no heir had been named. Lunalilo requested a plebiscite to be held “to submit the decision of my claim to the voice of the people.” He was confirmed as king by democratic election, and his coronation took place at Kawaiaha’o Church in January 1873. He amended the 1864 Constitution, and abolished property requirements for voting. He disbanded the army after a mutiny of Household troops, and withdrew a proposal to lease out Pearl Harbor when faced with public opposition. After a year on the throne, he succumbed to tuberculosis at age 43, unmarried and childless. He named no heir, desiring his people again vote for the ruler of their choice. Initially entombed in the Royal Mausoleum, in 1875 his remains were moved to a tomb near Kawaiaha’o Church. He left a will directing the founding of a charitable trust for the benefit of his people. The foundation of a home to cater to the elderly, destitute, and infirm Hawaiians was completed in 1883, and provided care for 53 residents. A Lunalilo Home, registered as an Adult Residential Care Home, still exists in Honolulu.
Hawaiian Monarch. Born in Pohukaina, Hawaii (now part of Honolulu) to Miriam ‘Auhea Kekauluohi and Charles Kanaʻina. He was named as eligible to succeed the throne by royal decree of King Kamehameha III. He was one of the first students to enroll in the Chief’s Children’s School. He was regarded as a scholar, and appreciated poetry, literature, and music. He was also known to be compassionate and kind, and was known as 'Lokomaika‘i', meaning 'generous' or 'benevolent'. During the Constitutional Convention of 1864, he was vocal in his support of smaller government as well as and a more democratic form of government with two houses of legislature. Following the death of Kamehameha V in December 1872, no heir had been named. Lunalilo requested a plebiscite to be held “to submit the decision of my claim to the voice of the people.” He was confirmed as king by democratic election, and his coronation took place at Kawaiaha’o Church in January 1873. He amended the 1864 Constitution, and abolished property requirements for voting. He disbanded the army after a mutiny of Household troops, and withdrew a proposal to lease out Pearl Harbor when faced with public opposition. After a year on the throne, he succumbed to tuberculosis at age 43, unmarried and childless. He named no heir, desiring his people again vote for the ruler of their choice. Initially entombed in the Royal Mausoleum, in 1875 his remains were moved to a tomb near Kawaiaha’o Church. He left a will directing the founding of a charitable trust for the benefit of his people. The foundation of a home to cater to the elderly, destitute, and infirm Hawaiians was completed in 1883, and provided care for 53 residents. A Lunalilo Home, registered as an Adult Residential Care Home, still exists in Honolulu.
Bio by: Iola
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