HONOLULU (KHON2) - In the ahupuaʻa of Honolulu, which lies in the moku of Kona here on Oʻahu, stands a short street given the name that could mean “peacock.” Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You We are speaking of Pīkake Pl. The word pīkake can translate as “peacock” which is said to have been introduced to Hawaiʻi as early as 1860, possibly earlier. Despite the initial introduction of peafowls likely to have included Niʻihau, stories share they were brought to Oʻahu when King Kamehameha V gifted a flock of pīkake to a rancher in Mākaha Valley where wild populations remain. Pīkake became a favorite of Princess Victoria Kaʻiulani Cleghorn, Hawaiʻi’s last direct heir to the throne. On her ʻĀinahau estate in Waikīkī, Princess Kaʻiulani had a tribe of pīkake which were noted to have eaten from her hands. Aside from her pet peacocks, the Arabian Jasmine flower was also a favorite of Princess Kaʻiulani.  Sustaining Hawaiʻi’s Native Ecosystem with Bishop Museum | Aloha Authentic Episode 411 It’s said that because of her fondness for them both, the word pīkake was then used to refer to the jasmine flower as well. But it was the peacocks that showcased their fondness for the princess all the way to the very end. While attending a wedding at Parker Ranch on the island of Hawaiʻi, Princess Kaʻiulani went horseback riding. But eventually, the famous icy cold Kīpuʻupuʻu rains of Waimea began to fall drenching the young royal during her stroll. Unfortunately, Princess Kaʻiulani became ill and returned to Oʻahu where her health struggled for a couple of months. In the early morning hours of March 6, 1899, at the precious age of 23, Princess Kaʻiulani’s life succumbed to inflammatory rheumatism. At the time of her passing, it is said that her peacocks cried out loudly sharing the sorrow news of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last hope. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Did you know?  Now you do!