Captain Alexander Adams was born in 1780 in Angus, Scotland.  He served in the British Royal Navy and it is believed he came to Hawai’i in 1809.  Captain Adams then served in the Navy of the Kingdom of Hawai'i.   Kamehameha I and his wife Ka'ahumanu were appreciative of Captain Adams service and gifted him with lands in Hawai'i, including lands in Niu Valley.

“Many were the self-sacrificing services rendered Kamehameha and Ka'ahumanu by Captain Adams, and they both loved him for his loyal devotion.  In appreciation they gave him the whole of the land of Niu, O'ahu, and included also in this gift their favorite resort subsequently called Kalauha'iha'i, the place where Ka'ahumanu first proclaimed her renunciation of ancient rites and customs, to adopt modern civilization and customs.  That was why the place was so named, meaning a scattering or dropping off of leaves; plucking withered leaves, a renunciation of the ancient customs to adopt the new.”

Thos. G. Thrum

Hawaiian Almanac and Annual for 1921

Captain Alexander Adams died in 1871

and is buried in Nuʻuanu Cemetery

Kamehameha I

Kalauhaʻihaʻi in the 1980s

Kaʻahumanu

To read more from the Hawaiian Almanac and Annual for 1921 by Thrum

click on the Almanac Image:

To read more about Captain Alexander Adams  

click on the Hawaiian Flag:

Kalauhaʻihaʻi

Historical Information and Reference