Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop

Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop, born on December 19, 1831, in ʻAikupika, Honolulu, Oʻahu, Hawaii, was a revered Aliʻi (noble) of the royal family of the Kingdom of Hawaii and a prominent philanthropist. Her full Hawaiian name, Bernice Pauahi Pākī, carries significant cultural weight, with "Pauahi" being a name inherited from her aunt, Queen Pauahi, a widow of King Kamehameha II. She held the distinguished titles of Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I (KGCOK) and Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Kalākaua I (RoK), reflecting her high status and contributions to the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Pauahi's lineage was deeply rooted in Hawaiian royalty. Her father was Abner Kuhoʻoheiheipahu Pākī (c. 1808–1855), an aliʻi from Molokaʻi, whose ancestry traced back to the ruling monarchs of Maui. Her mother was Laura Kōnia (c. 1808–1857), the younger daughter of Pauli Kaʻōleiokū (1767–1818) and Kahailiopua Luahine. Pauli Kaʻōleiokū was the son of Kānekapōlei, who was a wife of Kalaniʻōpuʻu and Kamehameha I, thus connecting Pauahi directly to the Kamehameha dynasty. Although adopted at birth by Princess Kīnaʻu, who served as Kuhina Nui (regent), Pauahi was returned to her biological parents in 1838. She received her education at the Chiefs' Children's School (later known as the Royal School) from 1838 to 1846, where she was taught by Mr. and Mrs. Cooke.

In 1850, Pauahi married American businessman Charles Reed Bishop, a union that faced initial objections from her parents who had intended her to marry her hānai (adopted) brother, Prince Lot Kapuāiwa. Despite the societal expectations for a royal marriage, Pauahi chose Charles, demonstrating her independent spirit. The couple had no biological children but adopted a son, Keolaokalani Davis, who tragically died at six months old. Later, they offered to adopt William Kaiheekai Taylor, but his parents declined. Pauahi's personal life was marked by her deep affection for her husband and her commitment to her people.

Pauahi's political role was significant, though she never reigned as monarch. As an aliʻi, she was eligible to inherit the throne. In 1872, on his deathbed, King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa) offered her the crown, but she famously refused, stating, "No, no, not me; don't think of me. I don't need it." Her refusal led to the election of Lunalilo as the first elected monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom. This decision underscored her humility and her understanding of the complex political landscape, prioritizing the stability of the kingdom over personal power. Her actions demonstrated a profound sense of kuleana (responsibility) to her people, guiding her decisions throughout her life.

Her cultural contributions are immense and enduring. Pauahi was a woman of intelligence, compassion, and foresight, deeply committed to the well-being and education of her people. Her most significant contribution was the establishment of the Kamehameha Schools through her will. These schools, founded in 1887, were designed to provide education for children of Hawaiian ancestry, preserving Hawaiian culture and language while preparing future generations for leadership. The Bernice P. Bishop Museum, founded by her husband Charles Reed Bishop in 1889 as a memorial to Pauahi, further cemented her legacy in cultural preservation, housing an extensive collection of Hawaiian and Pacific artifacts. Her values of mālama (to care for), aloha (love), kuleana (responsibility), haʻahaʻa (humility), and ʻike pono (to know righteousness) continue to inspire the institutions she founded.

Pauahi died on October 16, 1884, at the age of 52, from breast cancer at Keōua Hale, Honolulu. She was interred in the Kamehameha Crypt of the Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii at Mauna ʻAla, Oʻahu. Her passing marked the end of the direct Kamehameha line, but her legacy continues to thrive through the institutions she established. Her estate, comprising approximately 9% of the total land area of the Hawaiian Kingdom, was bequeathed to fund the Kamehameha Schools, ensuring the perpetuation of her vision for Hawaiian education and cultural identity. Her life exemplified the highest ideals of an aliʻi, dedicating her vast resources and influence to the betterment of her people and the preservation of Hawaiian heritage.

Her historical significance in the context of Hawaiian sovereignty and the Kingdom is profound. By refusing the throne, she influenced the succession of the monarchy, leading to the election of Lunalilo. More importantly, her foresight in establishing the Kamehameha Schools provided a foundation for Hawaiian self-determination and cultural resilience during a period of increasing foreign influence and political upheaval. The schools became a beacon of hope, fostering a strong sense of Hawaiian identity and leadership that continues to this day. Pauahi's unwavering commitment to her people's future, even in the face of personal sacrifice, makes her a pivotal figure in Hawaiian history.