| Edward Abnel Keliʻiahonui | |
|---|---|
| Prince of Hawaiʻi | |
| Keliʻiahonui at school in 1886 | |
| Full name | |
| Edward Abnel Keliʻiahonui Piʻikoi | |
| House | House of Kalākaua Kingdom of Kauaʻi |
| Father | David Kahalepouli Piʻikoi |
| Mother | Victoria Kekaulike Kinoiki |
| Born | May 13, 1869 Honolulu, Oʻahu |
| Died | September 21, 1887 (aged 18) Honolulu, Oʻahu |
| Burial | Mauna Ala Royal Mausoleum |
Edward Abnel Keliʻiahonui Piʻikoi (1869–1887) was a prince of the Kingdom of Hawaii. His second name was probably based on "Abner", but sounds for "r" and "l" are used interchangeably in some dialects of the Hawaiian language.[1]
Keliʻiahonui was born May 13, 1869 as an aliʻi or Hawaiian nobleman. His genealogy centered mainly on his ancestry as an heir of his great-grandfather Kaumualiʻi, the last ruling King of Kauaʻi. He was named after his great-uncle Abner (or Abnel) Kealiʻiahonui who was sometimes called the last prince of Kauaʻi.[2] His mother was Princess Victoria Kinoiki Kekaulike was sister of Queen Kapiʻolani. His father was High Chief David Kahalepouli Piʻikoi, first cousin of King Kalākaua.[3] His brothers were David Kawānanakoa and Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole. He was sent abroad along with his two brothers to Saint Matthew's School, a private Episcopal military school in San Mateo, California. His two brothers would also attend.[4]
In 1874 the Kalākaua Dynasty ascended to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, ending the Kamehameha Dynasty. Keliʻiahonui was styled His Highness and given the title of Prince in 1883 along with his brothers. He was fifth-in-line of succession to the Hawaiian throne after Liliʻuokalani, Likelike, Kaʻiulani, and his brother David Kawānanakoa. He was elevated to fourth-in-line to the throne after Princess Likelike's death seven months before his own. The three brothers were known as the Piʻikoi Brothers or the "Three Princes". Being the middle son he was in a difficult position. A year younger than his brother David, he was physically smaller than either of his brothers. He also fought illness more frequently. His brothers were adopted sons of the king and queen. Due to his hānai to his aunt Princess Poʻomaikelani, he was not thought of as a foster son of King Kalākaua or Queen Kapiʻolani.[5]
Edward was sent home ill from school in California. He died of scarlet fever shortly after arriving home on September 21, 1887 aged 18.[6] He was buried in the Kalakaua Crypt, Royal Mausoleum called Mauna ʻAla in Nuʻuanu Valley, Oahu.