David Malo

David Malo (1795-1853) was a Hawaiian scholar, educator, politician, and minister. Born in Keauhou, Malo was raised during the period of unification under Kamehameha I. As a young man, he served as oral historian and court genealogist of chef Kuakini and married A’alailoa, an older widow. In 1823, Malo became a student of Reverend William Richards on the island of Maui, learning to write in Hawaiian and English, as well as converting to Christianity. Following the deaths of his first and second wives, Malo married Lepeka, who took the name Rebecca and gave birth to a daughter, Emma, in 1846. In his official role, he composed laments—most notably, a grief chant on the death of Queen Ka’ahumanu—genealogies, and letters in the Hawaiian language. In addition, Malo worked to translate the Gospel of Matthew and formed the first Hawaiian Historical Society alongside Samuel Kamakau in 1841. That same year, he was elected to serve as a representative from Maui in the Legislature of the Hawaiian Kingdom.