Queen Kaʻahumanu’s Birthday (Observed)

March 17, 1768 – Kaʻahumanu was born in Hāna, Maui, to Nāmāhānaikaleleokalani, daughter of King Kekaulike. Her father was Keʻeaumoku, from Hawaiʻi Island. She was the third cousin of Kamehameha I. She was named Kaʻahumanu after her father’s rival, Kaheki- linuiʻahumanu because it was from him that her father was fleeing at the time. She married Kamehameha I when she was 13 and became his favorite wife. Upon his passing she became Kuhina Nui (regent) and co-ruled the islands, alongside Kamehameha II and III. Today, the Kaʻahumanu Society celebrates the birthday of its namesake on March 17, but the actual date and year of her birth is uncertain.