HONOLULU – Bishop Museum has received three rare books that belonged to Hilo High Chiefess Kino‘ole, donated by her great-great-grandson, Theodore B. Pitman, III of Sheffield, Massachusetts. Published in the mid-1800s, the books consist of two hymnals in the Hawaiian language, and one Hawaiian language bible, Ka Moolelo no ka Ekalesia O Iesu Kristo, with "Kino‘ole" embossed on the cover. These unique books will be on temporary display in Hawaiian Hall at a future date.

Upon the marriage of Chiefess Kino‘ole to Benjamin Pitman of Boston, Kamehameha III granted the chiefess use of the ahupua‘a, or an entire land division from the mountains to the sea of Hilo. It was said that the first lehua of Panaewa to blossom belonged exclusively to Kino‘ole. After Kino‘ole’s death at age 30, Benjamin Pitman returned to Boston with their three young children. Today, Kino‘ole Pitman's descendents can be found in both Hawai‘i and Massachusetts.

"We are honored to receive such important books. While it could not have been easy for the family to part with such a significant part of their heritage, I hope they know that these gifts will be treasured and preserved in our collection for generations to come," remarked Bishop Museum President Bill Brown. "They will stand as testament to the enduring connection and lasting bonds between Hawai‘i and Massachusetts, as exemplified between the marriage of Chiefess Kino‘ole and Benjamin Pitman."

Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop as a tribute to his wife Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. Located at 1525 Bernice Street, the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for adults; 11.95 for youth 4-12 years, special rates for kama‘aina, seniors and military; children under 4 years and Bishop Museum Association members are free. For information, call 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.