During this season of giving, we take time to offer grateful acknowledgement of the oldest women’s service organization in Hawai‘i, ‘Ahahui Kaʻahumanu. Its founding in 1864 was motivated by the social concerns of Victoria Kamāmalu (1838-1866), Lydia Kamaka‘eha Dominis (1838-1917; later Queen Lili‘uokalani in 1891), and Bernice Pauahi Paki (1831-1884), who were worried about the poor health and grim social conditions facing native Hawaiians at the time. They believed an organization for Hawaiian women was needed to address these social issues and created ‘Ahahui Kaʻahumanu, or the Kaʻahumanu Society, named after Queen Kaʻahumanu (1768-1832) in honor of her work championing the rights of Hawaiian women. 

Maui resident Sarah Shim, recently initiated into the ‘Ahahui Kaʻahumanu Wailuku Chapter IV, explained, “We honor and uphold the Queen’s legacy. The organization’s original mission was nursing the sick and the elderly, aiding in proper burial for the deceased, and fundraising for charitable causes. Giving back and being a blessing to others is still the vision of our ‘Ahahui.” 

The original group disbanded after Princess Victoria’s death in 1866, but in 1905, under the leadership of Lucy Kaheiheimālie Kaopaulu Peabody, the group was rechartered. Today, ‘Ahahui Kaʻahumanu thrives with nine chapters throughout the islands and enjoys a growing membership. Women of the society are easily recognizable at community events thanks to their black muʻumuʻu dresses, yellow lei hulu, and black gloves and hat, all symbolizing Queen Kaʻahumanu.  

Member Leihuanani Bissen explained, “Our ‘Ahahui provides official representation at royal Ali‘i events and church functions, promotes the language and culture of the Hawaiian people, and supports the elderly through contributions to Lunalilo Home. We also provide involvement in adult and youth educational programs and encourage education that focuses on the health and well-being of our members and the community.” 

Shim concluded, “It’s a great honor to be invited into this Society. Paying tribute to Queen Ka‘ahumanu, I hope to do service to benefit all aspects of life in the community. The Queen was a woman ahead of her time. She changed the social and political life of Hawai‘i and has inspired me to focus on what I want to do with the rest of my life.”