Benjamin Nāmākēhā

Who was Benjamin Nāmākēhā?

Bennett, Beneli, Beniki, or Benjamin Nāmākēhā-o-kalani was a Hawaiian high Chief, uncle of Queen Emma of Hawaii, and first husband of Queen Kapiolani.

He and his brother George Naea were sons of High Chief Kamaunu and High Chiefess Kukaeleiki, the daughter of Kalauawa from the royal line of Kauaian chiefs. Kukaeleiki was also cousin of Queen Keōpūolani. Nāmākēhā was also said to have been descended from Kalanawaʻa of Oahu and High Chiefess Kuaenaokalani of Maui who held the exalted kapu rank of Kekapupoʻohoʻolewaikalā. His name was the same as the high chief who rebelled against Kamehameha during the end of his military career in 1796. His brother Naea was the father of Queen Emma.

He was a member of the House of Nobles from about 1848 through 1855. By 1851 the House of Nobles consisted only of petty chiefs called Kaukaualiʻi. Nāmākēhā was inferior to the aliʻi nui. Kaukaualiʻi were only descended from famous fathers while aliʻi nui claim parentage of mother of the highest rank.

On March 8, 1852 he married the chiefess Esther Kapiʻolani, daughter of Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole of Hilo and Princess Kinoiki Kekaulike of Kauaʻi. His second wife was 35 years his junior.