05/23/2026
On May 23, 1842, Lydia Pākī, later known as Liliʻuokalani, entered the Chiefs Children’s School at age 4.
In 1837, Kamehameha III and the Chiefs petitioned the Protestant Mission for a teacher. Amos Starr Cooke and his wife, Juliette Montague Cooke, were asked to establish a boarding school for the children of Hawaiʻis highest-ranking families. The school opened in June 1839.
Among the royals attending during the decade the school was open were Lot Kamehameha (Kamehameha V), Alexander Liholiho (Kamehameha IV), William Charles Lunalilo, Bernice Pauahi P**i (Mrs. Charles R. Bishop), Emma Rooke (Queen Emma), David Kalākaua, and others.
Liliʻuokalani later wrote in her autobiography, “…known as the Royal School, because its pupils were exclusively persons whose claims to the throne were acknowledged.” She also recalled that although family life was made agreeable and students were taught in English with care, there were times when the children were said to be hungry.
By 1848, enrollment had dropped, the Cookes had resigned and the school became part of the Kingdom’s public school system.
Liliʻuokalani continued her education at a day school run by Rev. Beckwith.
please date the photo of the haumana on the steps
