Happy Birthday Ka'ahumanu and Kauikeaouli

As noted last week, today is birthday of Queen Ka'ahumanu, who was born in Hana in 1768. But today is also the day that Kauikeaouli -- better known by his royal title, Kamehameha III -- celebrated his official birthday. Kauikeaouli was born in August 1813 (though some think it was in June or July) but adopted March 17th as his official birthday because of his admiration for St. Patrick. (Oh, and Happy St. Patrick's day, too!)

On a completely different note, today is also another significant anniversary -- one year ago today the ill-fated Superferry stopped service between Maui and O'ahu. Will ferry service make a comeback? A bill was passed last month to explore the options of linking the major islands by boat. We shall see....

Celebrate Queen Ka'ahumanu's Birthday

This weekend the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center in Kahului is celebrating the birth of one of Hawaii's most revered queens -- and their namesake -- Ka'ahumanu. The queen was born on March 17, 1768, in Hana, Maui. Through her mother's lineage she was descended from the great chiefs of Maui, including Kekaulike, and on her father's side she was related (distantly) to Kamehameha I, to whom she was betrothed in 1781. She went on to be the king's favorite wife and, after Kamehameha's death, to be co-regent of the Kingdom of Hawaii with both Kamehameha II and Kamehameha III.

On Friday (March 12), opening ceremonies will be led at the mall by the 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu Society beginning at 6:00 p.m. On Saturday (March 13) there will be musical entertainment in the queen's honor:

• 11:00am: Hulu Lindsey
• 12:00pm Derick Sebastian and Joshua Kahula
• 1:00pm George Kahumoku
• 2:00pm Jason Sedang and the men and women of Kealaokala, .

  The events are sponsored by radio station, KPOA.

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