Kalama: torch; light; lamp

“Kalama, the woman for whom this building was named, was the daughter of Chief Nāihekukui and Chiefess ʻĪʻahuʻula. She was adopted by Chief Kanaʻina and Chiefess Kekāuluohi, the parents of William Charles Lunalilo, Hawaiʻi’s first elected king.

The name Kalama may be translated as ʻtorch,’ or ʻlight,’ or ‘lamp.’ Kalama was also called Hakaleleponi or Kapahuhaili. On February 17, 1837 Kalama married Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli or Kaleiopapa). Their son, Keaweaweʻulaokalani, had Miriam Kekāuuluohi as a guardian or kahu hānai. After this child died, Kamehameah III and Kalama adopted Alexander Liholiho, who became their heir apparent.

Queen Kalama was awarded a number of tracts of land in the Great Mahele. Among the best known were Kailua, Kāneʻohe and Hakipuʻu on windward Oʻahu.” (Mitchell, pg. 105)

Source:

Kū Kilakila ʻO Kamehameha, Donald D. Kilolani Mitchell, Kamehameha Schools, Honolulu, 1993.