Kaʻahumanu was born on Maui around 1777.
Her parents were aliʻi chiefs of a lower ranking line.
She became Kamehameha's consort when she was fourteen.
George Vancouver states: "[O]ne of the finest woman we had yet seen on any of the islands".
To wed the young woman, Kamehameha had to consent to make Kaʻahumanu's children his heirs to the Kingdom although, in the end, she produced no issue.

Before his death, Kamehameha selected Kaʻahumanu to rule along with his son.
Kaʻahumanu had also adopted the boy.
She had the highest political clout in the islands.
A portrait artist remarked of her: "This Old Dame is the most proud, unbending Lady in the whole island.
As the widow of [Kamehameha], she possesses unbound authority and respect, not any of which she is inclined to lay aside on any occasion whatsoever".
She is one of the most influential leaders in Hawaii's history.
Kaʻahumanu was born on Maui around 1777. Her parents were aliʻi chiefs of a lower ranking line. She became Kamehameha's consort when she was fourteen. George Vancouver states: "[O]ne of the finest woman we had yet seen on any of the islands". To wed the young woman, Kamehameha had to consent to make Kaʻahumanu's children his heirs to the Kingdom although, in the end, she produced no issue.
Before his death, Kamehameha selected Kaʻahumanu to rule along with his son. Kaʻahumanu had also adopted the boy. She had the highest political clout in the islands. A portrait artist remarked of her: "This Old Dame is the most proud, unbending Lady in the whole island. As the widow of [Kamehameha], she possesses unbound authority and respect, not any of which she is inclined to lay aside on any occasion whatsoever". She is one of the most influential leaders in Hawaii's history.
House of Kamehameha