Prince Leleiohoku II of Hawai'i wearing a military uniform with royal orders of Kamehameha I and Kalākaua I (Source: Hawai'i State Archives call number PP-8-014).
Leleiohoku was the youngest brother of Prince Moses Kapaʻakea, Prince James Kaliokalani, King David Kalākaua, Queen Liliʻuokalani, Princess Anna Kaiulani, Princess Kaiminaauao, Prince Kinini Kapaʻakea, and Princess Miriam K. Likelike. At birth he became the hānai (adopted son) of Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani who named him after her late husband High Chief William Pitt Leleiohoku. Princess Ruth also named Leleiohoku II heir to her vast holding of most of the Kamehameha lands but he predeceased her. He was educated at Saint Alban's College. An accomplished musician, he founded several royal choral societies that survive today including the Kawaihaʻo Church Singing Club. He was named the Crown Prince by his brother Kalākaua in 1874, with the consent of the House of Nobles and granted the title of Prince and style of "His Royal Highness". He became a member of the Privy Council and House of Nobles[4] and ruled as Prince-regent when Kalākaua visited the United States.
On January 16, 1893 the Hawaiian Kingdom was invaded by United States marines which led to the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian government the following day.
