Regal Portrait of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole

This historical photograph features Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, a significant figure in Hawaiian history who played a crucial role in the early 20th century. Born on March 26, 1871, he was the son of the last reigning monarch of Hawaii, which positioned him at a unique intersection of Hawaiian royalty and political development during a turbulent time. After the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, Kalanianaʻole dedicated much of his life to advocating for the rights of Native Hawaiians. He was elected as Hawaii’s delegate to the U.S. Congress in 1903 and served for nearly two decades.

Prince Kūhiō is perhaps best known for his efforts in establishing the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, which aimed to provide homesteads to Native Hawaiian families. His legacy is intertwined with the fight for Hawaiian sovereignty and cultural preservation, making him a vital character in the narrative of American expansion and Hawaiian identity. This portrait serves as a reminder of his contributions and the complexities of Hawaii’s past, highlighting the blend of monarchy, colonialism, and cultural resilience in the archipelagos history.