Charles Polikapu [Palikapu] Kaleikoa
(1/1/1870–12/15/1928)
Cover Image: Masthead of Alakai o Hawaii published on December 6, 1928 (digitized from microfilm).
There are two shots of Royal Hawaiian Band member Charles P. Kaleikoa found in the Sullivan Collection in the Library & Archives at Bishop Museum. While their records identify him simply as Polikapu Kaleikoa, he also had the English name Charles, and was either known as Polikapu or Palikapu.
Image: Profile of Royal Hawaiian Band member Polikapu Kaleikoa, aka Charles Palikapu Kaleikoa (1/1/1870–12/15/1928); Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. Photo by Louis R. Sullivan, 1920–1921. Bishop Museum Archives, SP 6416
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Image: Portrait of Royal Hawaiian Band member Polikapu Kaleikoa, aka Charles Palikapu Kaleikoa (1/1/1870–12/15/1928); Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. Photo by Louis R. Sullivan, 1920–1921. Bishop Museum Archives, SP 6417
Image sharing on social media is welcome. For all other uses please contact Archives@BishopMuseum.org.
Image: “Hoomaha o Kaleikoa mai ka Hana mai mahope o 43 Makahiki o ka Hana ana.” Alakai o Hawaii, 12/6/1928, p. 1.
KALEIKOA RETIRED AFTER WORKING FOR 43 YEARS
That Charles P. Kaleikoa was putting aside the job he worked continuously at for 43 years was seen in the English papers. Kaleikoa was perhaps the oldest in the band until the time he retired. He was the assistant conductor of the band. The years he held this position was under the three conductors: Kalani Peters, [Major] Kealakai, and [John] Amasiu, the current conductor.
Reported also was that he was given a pension of 75% of his wages, and whereas his monthly wages on the day he retired was $175, therefore he will receive a pension of $131.25 a month.
Kaleikoa was awarded the pension on December 1, 1928, but dies just two weeks later.
Image: “Ua Haalele mai o C. P. Kaleikoa” Alakai o Hawaii, 12/20/1928, p. 1 (digitized from microfilm).
C. P. KALEIKOA HAS GONE
After being sick for some time, Charles Polikapu Kaleikoa grew weary of this life and took the path of no return, at 58 years of age.
He was the band assistant for many years under Kalani Peters, Mekia Kealakai, and John Amasiu.
These past months he received a pension. He left behind his beloved, his wife, a foster son, and a sister [Maria Kaleikoa Auld, aka Malie Kaleikoa Auld, aka Marie Kaleikoa Auld].
His funeral was held this past Monday and his remains were carried to the cemetery.
He was a member of the Hale o nā Aliʻi.
KE ALAKAI joins in the grieving of the family of the one who passed on.
Image: “Hoalohaloha Kanikau no Kuu Kane i Aloha Nui ia Charles P. Kaleikoa” Alakai o Hawaii, 1/3/1929, p. 2 (digitized from microfilm).
OBITUARY FOR MY DEAR LOVED HUSBAND CHARLES P. KALEIKOA
Mr. Jonah Kumalae,
Honolulu,
Much aloha:—
[May I please have some open space of our precious newspaper to announce to the public my dearly beloved husband, CHARLES P. KALEIKOA has died, so that the family, the intimates, and the friends from one side to the other of this Archipelago may know.]
He left me, the children, and the family on this past 15th of December at 58 years with a few days left before spending a full 59 years of life on this earth, that would have been on the 1st of January 1929.
We were married on the 18th of June, 1925, therefore we spent three years, five months, and 27 days living in happiness in the pure covenant of marriage.
The two of us traveled all of the islands together, except Hawaiʻi, being that I did not accompany him on the trip by the Band to that island. The two of us traveled about going fishing in the seas of our island.
I am greatly pained when I think of our travels, as we were in agreement and happy at all times.
He was a man with an open heart, he was welcoming to family and friends. XXXXX; he was truly gracious to me and to everyone.
Alas, love for my dear husband—you left me behind to live in sorrow for you.
My dearly beloved fine husband, CHARLES P. KALEIKOA was buried on the 17th of December at the Kaʻahumanu Cemetery at Pueʻa up on School Street.
I give much thanks to family, friends, intimates, Lunalilo Court, Ka Hale o nā Aliʻi o Hawaiʻi, and the Band, his fellow workers who he was with for 43 years; for your boundless deeds of aloha in coming to see him and me as well, and your beautiful floral bouquets brought to honor his cold remains.
I also give my great appreciation to the editor of KE ALAKAI O HAWAII and the hard-working boys of that spokesman who are tolerant of us.
With grief, Mrs. Mary Kalehua [Akina] Kaleikoa.
The doctors tried bringing him back to life, but they could not.
This post is part of He Aupuni Palapala: Preserving and Digitizing the Hawaiian Language Newspapers, a partnership between Bishop Museum and Awaiaulu with assistance from Kamehameha Schools. Mahalo nui loa to Hawaii Tourism Authority for their support. Learn more about this project here.
