Puahi

Puahi, the Mele singer of Moanalua with his dog riding behind him

Puahi also known as Puahi Kilinahe (Puahi), and Kilinahe Puahi I (abt 1846-March 9, 1910)^[1] was the first son of High Chief, Kilinahe with his first wife, Wahineole. He married Helelani and had three children, Mary Kapola, Kilinahe Puahi II and Kalikamaka.^[2] He was descended from noble chiefs.^[3]

Puahi became known as a "character" in the town of Honolulu by 1906. At the age of 60 but still considered a sensible gentleman, he would be seen riding his grey horse for errands back and forth from his comfortble home in Kaimuki, Hawaii although he was born in Moanalua and known as the Mele Singer of Moanalua. His small dog would ride astride the horse behind Puahi like a performing circus dog. He would often attend functions and luaus of Samuel Mills Damon where he would sing and chant in the old Hawaiian language as few could do.^[3]

Puahi was also a cowboy of the Kamehameha festivals and parades, receiving a special award in 1909 shortly before his death.^[4]

Family Tree

References