Alexander Friedenburg Ka‘ōhiai Ka‘ōnohi, 1905-1960, was a naturopathic physician, pharmacist and botanist descended from a long line of Hawaiian healers. He was a pioneer in integrating western and traditional practices into his daily healing work.
Alexander was born April 24, 1905 to James Ka‘ōhiai Ka‘ōnohi and Minnie ‘Awa‘awa Friedenburg. His grandfathers and great-grandfathers were herbal medicine practitioners
His obituary claims he was the only licensed Hawaiian drugless physician in Hawai‘i when he opened up his new clinic, Ka‘ōnohi Naturopathic Clinic, on the corner of Castle and Kapāhulu streets in Honolulu. He specialized in Hawaiian herb treatments, drugless medicine and bloodless surgery. He had branches on Maui and Hawai‘i Island, where he saw patients and mentored younger medical and lā‘au lapa‘au practitioners.
Dr. Ka‘ōnohi graduated from the Standard and National College of Drugless Naturopathic Physicians in Chicago with doctorate degrees in naturopathy and drugless medicine, and a masters in natural medicine. He was also certified in pharmacy.
Dr. Ka‘ōnohi has been an inspiration to the Hawaiian health community for his holistic approach to healing and his commitment to mentoring others striving to serve the greater good.
Thus, Papa Ola Lōkahi has presented the Ka‘ōnohi Award to 64 individuals for their significant contributions to the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians and their families.
Learn more about Dr. Ka‘ōnohi in this 2011 video.
Hau‘oli Lā Hānau, Dr. Ka‘ōnohi!
