THROUGH HAWAII, 
421 
Hereditary rank and authority are not confined to the 
male sex, but are inherited also by the females ; and, 
according to tradition, several of the islands have been 
once or twice under the government of a queen. 
Four distinct classes or ranks in society appear to 
exist among them. The highest rank includes the king, 
queens, and all the branches of the reigning family. It 
also includes the chief counsellor or minister of the king, 
who, though inferior by birth, is by office and authority 
superior to the queens and other members of the royal 
family. 
The second rank includes the governors of the dif¬ 
ferent islands, and also the chiefs of several large 
divisions or districts of land. Many of these are the 
descendants of the ancient families of Taraiopu, Kehe- 
kiri, Teporiorani, and Taeo, who were the kings of 
Hawaii, Maui, Oahu* and Tauai, when the islands were 
visited by Captain Cook; they retained their power 
until subdued by Tamehameha. Several of them 
were either the favourite and warlike companions of 
that prince, or are descended from those who were ; 
among whom may be classed Kuakini the governor, 
Kaahumanu, Piia, Boki, Wahinepio, Kaikeova, and 
others. 
The third rank is composed of those who hold dis¬ 
tricts or villages, and pay a regular rent for the land, 
cultivating it either by their own dependants and do¬ 
mestics, or letting it out in small allotments to tenants. 
This class is by far the most numerous body of chiefs 
in the island. Among the principal may be ranked 
Kamakau at Kaavaroa, Maaro at Waiakea, Haa at 
Waipio, Auae at Wairuku, and Kahanaumaitai at 
Waititi. They are generally called Halm aina, pro- 
