Source: G.Cooke collection, translated by Kanani Mana - Liliha Street was named for Chiefess Kuini Liliha (1802-Aug. 25, 1839), daughter of Ulumaheihei Hoapili & Kalilikauoha. A chiefess in the ancient Hawaiian tradition, she was the wife of Boki Kama`ule`ule, governor of O`ahu and granddaughter of Kahekili `Ahumanu, king of Maui and O`ahu. Boki and Liliha were members of the entourage that accompanied Kamehameha II and Queen Kamehamalu on a diplomatic tour of the United Kingdom, visiting King George III in 1824. The entire delegation contracted measles on the trip, resulting in the deaths of King Kamehameha II, Queen Kamehamalu and five chiefs. Boki and Liliha survived the measles and returned to Hawai`i with what was left of the delegation. Boki incurred large debts and the high chiefs agreed the government was not responsible for debts accummulated by Boki and Liliha. Boki attempted to cover their debts by traveling to the New Hebrides to harvest sandalwood. Before departing, he entrusted the administration of O`ahu, the legal guardianship and sole trusteeship of Kamehameha III and his properties to his wife, Liliha. This was opposed by Ka`ahumanu, the queen regent, and caused a rift between Liliha and Ka`ahumanu. Boki and his entourage of chiefs were lost at sea in 1829, leaving Liliha permanently in charge of the administration of O`ahu. She served as governor of O`ahu from 1829 to1831, after the disappearance of her husband.

Liliha became embroiled in the dispute over freedom of religion in the kingdom. Boki and Liliha were among the first chiefs to convert to the suppressed Catholic Church. This angered the queen regent, who was baptized into the Congregational church and wanted all chiefs to accept Protestantism. Ka`ahumanu influenced Kamehameha III to ban the Roman Catholic Church from the islands and forcibly deport the priests and lay brothers of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Native Hawaiians who converted to Catholicism were persecuted, beaten and imprisoned. When Ka`ahumanu realized the converts were steadfast and persevered, even in suppression, she stripped Liliha of her power. The intervention of the French government, Captain Cyrille Pierre Théodore Laplace and Kamehameha III's proclamation of the "Edict of Toleration" finally allowed native Hawaiians the right of membership in the Catholic Church. It is believed Liliha died of poison, mixed in her liquor bottle, by a relative. Beloved by the common people, there was great lamentation at the news of her death.