Samuel Kipi

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Samuel Kipi (1825–1879) was a Hawaiian statesman who served as the Royal Governor of the island of Hawaii from 1874 to 1879, during King Kalākaua’s reign.

Born in Hilo, Kipi began public service in 1853 as a member of the Hawaii House of Representatives, serving several terms over the years. He later held other roles, including Land Appraiser for Hawaii Island (1873) and Boundary Commissioner for the 4th Judicial Circuit (1878). In 1878 he was added to the House of Nobles, the upper chamber of the legislature.

During the 1874 royal election, Kipi supported Kalākaua over Queen Emma and was injured in the courthouse riot that followed the vote. On March 2, 1874, Kalākaua appointed him Governor of Hawaii Island, replacing Princess Keʻelikōlani. He helped welcome the royal party to Hilo on April 3, 1874 and was noted as a respected leader by both locals and foreigners.

Kipi died after a short illness on March 11, 1879, in Hilo and was buried at Homelani Memorial Park. The Honolulu press praised him for his upright character and service to the kingdom.

Princess Likelike was appointed to succeed him as Royal Governor on March 29, 1879. Kipi had married Nihoa on September 26, 1849, and they had several children, including Moses Kipi, Hattie Kipi De Fries, and Kahue Kipi. Nihoa died in 1885.