Chapter 16—Part I

Nā Mō‘ī Hawai‘i—The Hawaiian Monarchy

The Eight Rulers of the United Hawaiian Kingdom

King Kamehameha I

Kamehameha] (c.1753—1819)

King Kamehameha II

Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho] (1797—1824)

King Kamehameha III

Kauikeaouli] (1814—1854)

King Kamehameha IV

Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani] (1834—1863)

King Kamehameha V

Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha] (1830—1872)

King Lunalilo

William Charles Lunalilo] (1835—1874)

King Kalākaua

[David La‘amea Kalākaua] (1836—1891)

Queen Lili‘uokalani

[Lydia Kamaka‘eha Pākī-Dominis Lili‘uokalani]

(1838—1917)

King Kamehameha I

[Pai‘ea Kamehameha; Pai‘ea Kalaninuimehameha; Kalaninui Pai‘ea; Kalaninuimehameha; Kalaninui Pai‘ea; Kalaninuimehameha; Kalani Ali‘i Kamehameha; Pai‘ea Kalaninuimehameha; Pai‘ea Laninuimehameha] 

Biographical Sketch: King Kamehameha I (c.1753—1819)

Born: c.1753.

Died: 1819.

Father: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui]

Mother: Keku‘iapoiwa (II).

Grandparents: Kamaka‘īmoku and Ke‘eaumokunui [Kalanike‘eaumoku] (parents of Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui]).

Grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Keku‘iapoiwa (I) [Keku‘iapoiwanui] (parents of Keku‘iapoiwa (II)). 

Great grandparents: Keaweikekahiali‘iokamoku [Keawe] and Kalanikauleleiaiwinui (parents of Ke‘eaumokunui [Kalanike‘eaumoku]). 

Father of Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū with Kānekapolei.

Grandfather of Konia [Laura Konia] (daughter of Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū and Luahine).

Great grandfather of Princess Pauahi [Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop] (daughter of Abner Pākī and Konia [Laura Konia]).

Grandfather of Kalani Pauahi (daughter of Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū and Keōuawahine).

Great grandfather of Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani (daughter of Mataio Kekūanaō‘a and Kalani Pauahi).

Great great grandfather of William Pitt Kīna‘u (son of William Pitt Leleiōhoku (I) and Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani).

Husband of Queen Ka‘ahumanu (his favorite wife).

Husband of Queen Keōpūolani [Keōpūolanikauhiakama; Kalanikauika‘alaneokeōpūolani] (sacred wife).

Father of King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho), King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli), and Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena [Nāhi‘ena‘enaikekapuewela‘aikapēkapuokeakua; Nā‘ahi‘ena‘ena; Nahienaena; Harriet Keōpūolani] with Keōpūolani [Keōpūolanikauhiakama; Kalanikauika‘alaneokeōpūolani].

Father of Kīna‘u and Kamāmalu [Kamāmalunuiomano] with Kalākua.

Grandfather of Moses Kekūāiwa, Princess Victoria Kamāmalu, King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani), and King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha) (children of Mataio Kekūanaō‘a and Kīna‘u).

Great grandfather of the Crown Prince Albert [Albert Edward Kauikeaouli Leiopapa o Kamehameha] (1858—1862) (son of King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani) and Queen Emma [Emma Na‘ea Rooke; Kalanikaumakeamano; Kaleleonālani] [Kalanikaumakeamano; Kaleleonālani].

Summary of Life of King Kamehameha I:

· Born at Kapākai in Kokoiki, near ‘Upolu Point in the North Kohala area of Hawai‘i Island. Soon after being born, Kamehameha was taken by canoe to Mo‘okini Heiau for a ritual, and then to ‘Āwini Valley, where he was kept safe from any potential enemies.

An ancient Hawaiian proverb states, “E ‘aki maka o ka lauhue.” (“Nip off the bud of the poison gourd.”) These words were “...uttered by some chiefs of the court of Alapa‘i, ruler of Hawai‘i Island, who wanted Kamehameha destroyed at birth.”[i]

· Kamehameha’s childhood name was Pai‘ea.

· As a young man, Kamehameha overturned the Pōhaku Naha (Naha Stone) on Hawai‘i Island in 1775. A high priestess had predicted that whoever could move this nearly 5,000-pound stone would conquer all of the Hawaiian Islands.

· In November of 1778, the young chief Kamehameha, with Kalani‘ōpu‘u (the ruler of Hawai‘i Island) went aboard Captain Cook’s ship, the HMS Resolution, which was anchored off Maui’s east side near Hāna. Kamehameha remained on board overnight, with six other chiefs.

· On January 17, 1779, Captain Cook sailed the Resolution into Kealakekua Bay on Hawai‘i Island’s Kona coast, seeking to restock his ships and let his men recover from their journey so they could press on for further exploration. During this visit, Cook met the young chief Pai‘ea Kamehameha (for the second time), along with Hawai‘i Island high (paramount) chief Kalani‘ōpu‘u. (See 1779, Jan. 17.)

· In 1780, Hawai‘i Island ruler Kalani‘ōpu‘u met with his chiefs in Waipi‘o Valley, telling them that, that after he died: his oldest son Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli] would become the new ruler of Hawai‘i Island; his son Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula [Keōua] would get land; and Kamehameha (Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s nephew) would become chief of Kohala, on land that was Kamehameha’s by inheritance.

Kamehameha was also to be given guardianship of the family’s feathered war god, Kūkā‘ilimoku, along with the responsibility of caring for the heiau (sacred places of worship) associated with the war god.

Kalani‘ōpu‘u then captured an enemy chief of Puna named ‘Īmakakoloa [Imakaloa] for a human sacrifice ceremony to consolidate his chiefdom. ‘Īmakakoloa was taken to the Ka‘ū luakini heiau (where human sacrifices were performed) called Hālauwilua in Kamā‘oa in the ahupua‘a of Pākini.

When Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s son, Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli], initiated the sacrificial ceremony, Kamehameha boldly stepped in and finished the ritual, placing ‘Īmakakoloa on the altar. This action by Kamehameha caused controversy and led to a rift between Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli] and Kamehameha, who then returned to Kohala. (See 1780.)

· After Kalani‘ōpu‘u died in April of 1782, Kamehameha and Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula [Keōua] were both slighted by the redivision of lands of Hawai‘i Island by Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli], which took away from Kamehameha and Kona chiefs lands formerly under their rule.

Chief counselor for Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli] at this time was Keawemauhili,[ii] who was given large portions of Kona and Hilo. The redivision of lands on Hawai‘i Island by Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli] angered the Kona’s chiefs, causing them to unite with Kamehameha, who became their leader. (See 1780.)

Loyal to Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli] are chiefs of Ka‘ū, Puna, and Hilo, including Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s brother, Keawemauhili.

The following Kona chiefs become loyal to Kamehameha:

· Kalua‘apana Keaweāheulu (Kamehameha’s uncle).

· Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe (the father of Ka‘ahumanu, the future queen as wife of King Kamehameha I).

· Kekūhaupi‘o (Warrior teacher of Kamehameha).

· Kala‘imāmahu [Kala‘imamahū] (Son of Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Kamakaeheikuli; half-brother of Kamehameha).

· Kawelo‘okalani (Half-brother of Kamehameha).

· Keli‘imaika‘i [Keali‘imaka‘i; Kalanimālokuloku; Kalanimāloku; Kalanimālokulokuikepo‘okalani; Kalanimālokulokuikapo‘okalani], the brother of Kamehameha.

· Kame‘eiamoku and Kamanawa (sacred royal twins of Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike], the sons of Keawepoepoe and Kanoena (Kame‘eiamoku and Kamanawa are depicted on the State of Hawai‘i’s official coat of arms).

Chiefs aligned against Kamehameha include:

· Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli] (Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s oldest son, and heir to his rule of Hawai‘i Island).

· Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula (younger brother of Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli] and chief of Puna and Ka‘ū).

· Keawemauhili (Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula’s uncle and Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s half-brother).

I lele no ka lupe i ke pola.

It is the tail that makes the kite fly.

It is the number of followers that raises the prestige of the chief.

(Pukui: 1226—133)

· The forces of Kamehameha and Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli] confronted each other in 1782 at the Battle of Moku‘ōhai in Ke‘ei, Kona. Kamehameha led the chiefs allied with him to victory. Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli] was killed and Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula [Keōua] fled to Ka‘ū.

· Accounts differ on the sequence of events leading to the death of Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli]. One account states that an injured Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe crawled to Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli], who also had been injured, and then Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe slit the neck of Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli]with a leiomano (shark-tooth weapon).

Other accounts say Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli] was stabbed to death, or killed by stones. (See 1782 for more details about the Battle of Moku‘ōhai.)

· When Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli] died he was wearing a cloak constructed with the yellow feathers of the ‘ō‘ō (Moho species), and adorned with red triangles made from feathers of ‘i‘iwi (Vestiaria coccinea). After Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli] was killed, the cloak became the property of Kamehameha. (Note: This cloak is now in the Bishop Museum.)

· Keawemauhili was captured, but then allowed to escape, presumably because of his high rank.

· After the Battle of Moku‘ōhai, Hawai‘i Island was divided into three chiefdoms:

Keawemauhili ruled Hilo and a portion of Puna and Hāmākua;

Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula ruled Ka‘ū and part of Puna;

Kamehameha ruled Kona, Kohala and northern Hāmākua.

· Kamehameha then campaigned for nearly a decade to control the rest of Hawai‘i Island. Kamehameha’s two opponents were:

Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula (younger brother of Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli] and chief of Puna and Ka‘ū); and

Keawemauhili (Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula’s uncle and Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s half-brother).

· Kamehameha later began a military campaign to conquer the other Hawaiian Islands.

· In 1785, Kamehameha married Ka‘ahumanu, the daughter of Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe (Kamehameha’s advisor) and Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana] (sister of Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili]).

· In 1790, Kamehameha invaded Maui and fought the Battle of Kepaniwai. At the time, Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] was the most powerful ali‘i (chief) in the Islands, ruling Maui, Lāna‘i, and Moloka‘i, and in alliance with Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo], the ruler of Kaua‘i who seized O‘ahu by killing the island’s chief and sacrificing him to his own war god. Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo] also killed lesser chiefs of O‘ahu and used their skeletons to construct a house of bones.

Fearing conquest of Hawai‘i Island by Kā‘eokūlani [Kā‘eo] and Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili], Kamehameha decided to strike first, and landed his troops on Maui to fight against Kalanikūkupule, son of Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili]. When he landed on Maui, it was considered a good omen when the feathers of his war god Kūkā‘ilimoku bristled.

Fighting between the two groups of warriors began in Wailuku, and the battle proceeded up into ‘Īao Valley, where the precipitous cliffs at the head of the valley blocked escape.

Kamehameha’s forces had the advantage of superior western weapons (muskets) as well as a cannon manned by the foreigners John Young (I) [‘Olohana] and Isaac Davis [‘Aikake]. Kamehameha’s forces prevailed, and thus the island of Maui came under Kamehameha’s rule.

In Kamehameha’s victory at ‘Īao Valley, dead bodies from both sides are said to have blocked the river, giving the battle its name, the Battle of Kepaniwai (“The water dam”). Kalanikūpule, the son of Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili], fled over a narrow mountain pass along with his high chiefs, and they sailed to O‘ahu where Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] began war preparations.

· Kamehameha’s troops returned to Hawai‘i Island, but Kamehameha sailed to Moloka‘i with his chiefs and advisers. From Moloka‘i, Kamehameha sent Ha‘alo‘u, the grandmother of the future Queen Ka‘ahumanu, to O‘ahu to consult with Kapoukahi, a highly respected seer and kahuna (priest) of Kaua‘i, who was in Waikīkī at the time.

Kapoukahi answered the request from Kamehameha for an oracle, telling Kamehameha that he would be victorious over all the Hawaiian Islands only if he built a luakini heiau (where human sacrifices were performed) to his war god, Kūkā‘ilimoku. This heiau was to be built at Kawaihae on Hawai‘i Island, and named Pu‘ukoholā. (See Heiau: Hawaiian Sacred Places, Chapter 3.)

Note: Pu‘ukoholā means “Whale hill”[iii] according to Pūku‘i, but was later explained by Frazier to instead be spelled Pu‘ukohola (no macron), and meaning “built as the house of the god, a pu‘u [desire] for death and not for life. The death which was to be bound securely within this heiau was in the lagoon (kai kohola) and not in the deep sea nor on land.”[iv]

· Kamehameha was in control of Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i, but not O‘ahu. Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula [Keōua] (son of Kalani‘ōpu‘u, and chief of Puna and Ka‘ū districts) attacked Hilo and killed Kalua‘apana Keaweāheulu (Kamehameha’s uncle), and then plundered lands north of there along the Hāmākua Coast.

Kamehameha arrived to battle the invaders but the two resulting brutal confrontations did not lead to victory. Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula proceeded to form a new army after a disaster at Kīlauea Volcano killed many of his troops (see 1790), and he set about recapturing the lands of Lāna‘i, Maui, and Moloka‘i.

· In 1791, Kamehameha’s forces confronted the forces of Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] at the battle known as Kepūwaha‘ula‘ula, or War of the Red Mouthed Cannon. Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] had already recaptured Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, and Maui, and then his army attacked Kamehameha’s northern coastal lands on Hawai‘i Island from Kohala to Waipi‘o.

The forces of Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] met Kamehameha’s fleet off the northeast coast of Hawai‘i Island. Kamehameha’s counterattack began the first Hawaiian sea battle in which both sides were armed with foreign gunners and cannons.

Though the battle between the forces of Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] and Kamehameha did not lead to an outright victory for Kamehameha, the battle did force Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili] and his army to return to O‘ahu, and thwarted their intentions of attacking the site of the heiau construction at Kawaihae.

· The dedication of the heiau Pu‘ukoholā at Kawaihae took place in the summer of 1791. Kamehameha asked Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula [Keōua] (chief of Hawai‘i Island’s Puna and Ka‘ū districts) to attend the dedication, saying his presence was important if there was to be peace between the rivals.

Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula and 26 of his chiefs and friends, including the highest chiefs of Ka‘ū, arrived at Kawaihae Bay in two large canoes. Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula was in one of the canoes, and in the other canoe was the young chief Pauli Ka‘ōleiokū, the son of Kamehameha (his first child) and Kānekapōlei (who was also the mother of Keōuakuahu‘ula with Kalani‘ōpu‘u).

Greeting Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula [Keōua] and his men at Kawaihae were Kamehameha’s war canoes arranged in a great crescent shape surrounding Kawaihae Bay to prevent Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula’s escape. Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula was killed, and many of Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula’s chiefs and other members of his group were also slain.

The bodies of the killed chiefs (including Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula) were sacrificed on the altar of the luakini heiau atop the hill at Pu‘ukoholā Heiau. With the death of his rival, Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula [Keōua], Kamehameha now controlled Hawai‘i Island.

· On February 25, 1794, during his third of three annual visits to the Hawaiian Islands, British Captain George Vancouver obtained an informal treaty of cession from Kamehameha I. The two men were friends, and Kamehameha sought assurance that the Hawaiian Islands would be under British protection. Kamehameha received a gift of a British flag (a Union Jack) from Vancouver.

King Kamehameha flew his British flag for the next 22 years at various places where he lived, though it is uncertain what meaning Kamehameha attributed to the flag, since the apparent cession agreement with Vancouver was never ratified by British Parliament.

During his 1794 visit to Hawai‘i Island, Vancouver’s carpenters also helped Kamehameha in the construction of the 36-foot Britannia, the first foreign-designed ship built in the Hawaiian Islands. (See 1794, Feb. 25.)

· In 1795, after spending more than a decade preparing for war, Kamehameha was determined to defeat the forces of Kalanikūpule (ruler of O‘ahu as the heir of Kahekilinui‘ahumanu [Kahekili]). Kamehameha’s troops landed on O‘ahu’s south shore from Waikīkī to Wai’alae.

O‘ahu’s forces were gradually overpowered, and retreated up into Nu‘uanu Valley, where many were of the warriors were driven over the edge of the cliff at Nu‘uanu Pali (or jumped rather than surrender), meeting their death on the rocks hundreds of feet below.

Overall, it is estimated that as many as 10,000 warriors (from both sides) died in this encounter, which came to be known as the Battle of Nu‘uanu. The battle was Kamehameha’s final conquest, giving him control of all of the Hawaiian Islands except Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, and furthering his attempt to establish a united Hawaiian kingdom. (See 1795, April for more details about the Battle of Nu‘uanu.)

· After his military victories, King Kamehameha I established a system of government wherein each island had a governor. There was also a Council of Advisers, a Treasurer, and a Prime Minister. Taxes were levied, and could be paid with handicrafts or produce.

Kamehameha also instituted a fee for licensing trade and wharfage, and encouraged the sandalwood trade with foreign ships. He initially ruled from Kawaihae on Hawai‘i Island, then from Hilo (1796—1803), then Lahaina (1803). In 1804 the center of government was moved to Honolulu, which had the best available port. (See 1803; 1804.)

· In 1795, King Kamehameha married 17-year-old Keōpūolani [Keōpūolanikauhiakama; Kalanikauika‘alaneokeōpūolani], who became his highest-ranking wife. (See 1795.)

With King Kamehameha I, Queen Keōpūolani [Keōpūolanikauhiakama; Kalanikauika‘alaneokeōpūolani] gave birth to two future kings: Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho (King Kamehameha II), born in 1797; and Kauikeaouli (King Kamehameha III), born in 1814.

King Kamehameha and Keōpūolani [Keōpūolanikauhiakama; Kalanikauika‘alaneokeōpūolani] were also the parents of Princess, Nāhi‘ena‘ena [Nāhi‘ena‘enaikekapuewela‘aikapēkapuokeakua; Nā‘ahi‘ena‘ena; Nahienaena; Harriet Keōpūolani], born in 1815. (See 1795; 1815.)

· In April of 1796, having already conquered O‘ahu and Maui, King Kamehameha’s invasion fleet set sail for Kaua‘i. The paramount ruler (king) of Kaua‘i at this time was Kaumuali‘i. Kamehameha’s troops left O‘ahu at midnight with an estimated 800 or more canoes and more than 8,000 soldiers.

In the channel between O‘ahu and Kaua‘i, a storm thwarted Kamehameha’s invasion attempt and destroyed many of the fleet’s canoes, which were swamped in the rough seas and stormy winds. The warriors were forced to turn back, but some of the advance troops made it to Kaua‘i and were killed when they reached shore.

· Upon the death of Kalola (the grandmother of Keōpūolani [Keōpūolanikauhiakama; Kalanikauika‘alaneokeōpūolani]), Kamehameha honored her during the mourning period by getting tattooed and having his eye teeth knocked out.

· The last battle of King Kamehameha I occurred in Hilo in September of 1796, when his warriors defeated an uprising known as Nāmakaehā’s rebellion. Nāmakaehā’s forces were in control of Hilo when Kamehameha’s forces arrived, and a battle ensued at Kaipaloa in south Hilo.

Nāmakaehā was taken captive, and then offered as a sacrifice to Kamehameha’s war god Kūkā‘ilimoku at the heiau at Pi‘ihonua. King Kamehameha remained in Hilo, the capital of the kingdom, for the next six years.

· In 1797, King Kamehameha I forgave a fisherman who 12 years earlier had hit him with a paddle. The man was brought to King Kamehameha to be punished, but instead Kamehameha forgave the man, gave him land, and set him free.

King Kamehameha passed what came to be known as Kānāwai Māmalahoe, or “Law of the Splintered Paddle,” with the intent of protecting weak people from injustices imposed by those who are stronger. This was the first law meant to protect commoners. (See 1797.)

A Hawaiian saying states: “‘Aole i ‘ena‘ena ka imu i ka māmane me ka ‘ūlei, i ‘ena‘ena i ka la‘ola‘o.” (“The imu is not heated by māmane and ‘ūlei wood alone, but also by the kindling.”), which is explained to mean, “To be powerful, a ruler must have the loyalty of the common people as well as the chiefs.”[v]

· In 1801, Hualālai Volcano on Hawai‘i Island erupted above Ka‘ūpūlehu at an elevation of about 5,750 feet, and lava flowed to the ocean.

King Kamehameha I obeyed the warning of a kāula (prophet, seer) who told him that the volcano goddess Pele was angry and had to be calmed with gifts. Kamehameha threw his offerings into the flowing lava to no avail as the eruption continued. Then Kamehameha cuts his own hair and threw it into the lava. This act was symbolic of giving his own self to Pele, and the flow of lava ceased. (See 1801.)

· In 1802, King Kamehameha I and Kalākua gave birth to Kamāmalu [Kamāmalunuiomano], the future queen as wife of King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho). (See 1802.)

· In 1803, King Kamehameha I moved his capital from Hilo to Lahaina, and then in 1804 the capital was moved from Lahaina to Honolulu (see 1803; 1804).

An 1804 epidemic of ma‘i ‘ōku‘u (thought to be cholera) killed thousands of people made many more sick, including King Kamehameha and a significant number of his troops. This delayed (for the second time) Kamehameha’s attempt to conquer Kaua‘i.

The disease killed many of Kamehameha’s warriors, including chief Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe. In a renewed effort for a large-scale attack, Kamehameha began assembling an armada of sailing ships in Waikīkī, using foreigners to construct the vessels. (See 1804.)

· In 1810, Kaumuali‘i, ruler of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, met Kamehameha in Honolulu and signed a treaty ceding Kaua‘i to Kamehameha. Kaumuali‘i agreed to place Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau under Kamehameha’s control and to pledge allegiance to Kamehameha, though Kaumuali‘i was allowed to remain high chief of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau until he died. (See 1824.)

With this act, all the Hawaiian Islands were finally united under King Kamehameha, fulfilling the prophecy of the Pōhaku Naha (Naha Stone). King Kamehameha I declared the Hawaiian Islands to be one nation. (See 1810.) In 1812, King Kamehameha I returned to Hawai‘i Island to live in Kailua-Kona.

· King Kamehamea I died on May 8, 1819 at his Kailua-Kona home called Kamakahonu (“Eye of the Turtle”). His final reigning years were spent on Hawai‘i Island, where he ruled from the South Kona coast. When King Kamehameha became very sick, he refused the advice of a kahuna (priest) to offer one of his men as a human sacrifice to the gods, instead proclaiming “the men are kapu for the king.”

Before dying, King Kamehameha had given instructions to his trusted aid Ulumāheihei [Ulumāheiheihoapili; Hoapili] that his bones should be hidden in a secret place so they would never be found.

This was a customary tradition with chiefs’ bones, which were believed to contain mana (divine power) that must be kept away from enemies. With the help of another man, named Ho‘olulu, Hoapili carried out King Kamehameha’s wish. (Note: To this day the location of King Kamehameha’s bones remains unknown.) (See 1819, May 8.)

· King Kamehameha I was Hawai‘i’s most famous warrior and king, and the first to unite all of the Hawaiian Islands under one rule. His dynasty of succession lived on until 1872. King Kamehameha I was also known as the known as “Kamehameha the Great”; the “Napoleon of the Pacific”; “Kamehameha the Conqueror”; and the “Lion of the Pacific.” 

(For more information about King Kamehameha I, see Statue of King Kamehameha I, and U.S. Army Museum of Hawai‘i: Chapter 2; Heiau: Hawaiian Sacred Places; The Hawaiian Flag, Chapter 3; Chapter 11, Timeline: 1713; 1736; 1756; 1753; 1760; 1765; 1767; 1768; 1775; 1776; 1778, Nov.; 1778; 1779, Jan.17; 1780; 1782; 1784; 1785; 1790; 1791, May 20; 1791; 1791, Summer; 1794, Feb.25; 1794, Summer; 1794; 1795; 1795, Feb.; 1795, April; 1796, Sept.; 1796, Oct.31; 1797; 1798; 1801; 1802; 1803; 1804; 1805; 1806-1816; 1808; 1809, Jan.27; 1810; 1812; 1814, Mar.17; 1815; 1816; 1817; 1818, Oct.; 1819, May 8; 1824; 1829, Dec.2; 1872, June 11; 1882; 1883, Feb.12; 1966; 1969; 1972, Aug.17; and The Early Battles of Pai‘ea Kamehameha, Chapter 17.)

King Kamehameha II

Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho

 

Biographical Sketch:

Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho [King Kamehameha II] (1797—1824)

Born: 1797.

Died: July 14, 1824.

Reign: May 20, 1819—July 14, 1824.

Father: King Kamehameha I.

Mother: Queen Keōpūolani [Keōpūolanikauhiakama; Kalanikauika‘alaneokeōpūolani].

On mother’s side:

Grandparents: Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli] and Keku‘iapoiwa Liliha [Kaniu].

Great grandparents: Kalani‘ōpu‘u and Kalola (parents of Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli).

Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Kalola (parents of Keku‘iapoiwa).

Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Keku‘iapoiwa (I) [Keku‘iapoiwanui] (parents of Kalola).

On his father’s side:

Grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II).

Guardian: Kalanimoku [Kālaimoku; William (Billy) Pitt]

Foster Mother: Ka‘ahumanu.

Brother: Kauikeaouli (King Kamehameha III).

Sister: Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena [Nāhi‘ena‘enaikekapuewela‘aikapēkapuokeakua; Nā‘ahi‘ena‘ena; Nahienaena; Harriet Keōpūolani].

Wife: Queen Kamāmalu [Kamāmalunuiomano].

Summary of Life of:

Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho [King Kamehameha II]:

· When King Kamehameha I died, he established the office of Kuhina Nui (Premier, or Regent), allowing Ka‘ahumanu, his favorite wife, to become co-ruler with King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho), severely diminishing the powers of King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho).

· Within months of assuming the throne, Kamehameha II ate food in public with the dowager queens Ka‘ahumanu and Keōpūolani [Keōpūolanikauhiakama; Kalanikauika‘alaneokeōpūolani], thus breaking the kapu against men and women eating together.

Since the defiant act brought no retribution from the gods, eating together was no longer kapu, and this began a process that eroded traditional Hawaiian religious beliefs and eventually led to the complete overturning of the traditional kapu system.

· King Kamehameha II sailed to Kaua‘i on July 21, 1821, on the royal yacht Ha‘aheo o Hawai‘i (Pride of Hawai‘i) to meet with Kaumuali‘i.

At Waimea, Kaua‘i on July 22, 1821, Kaumuali‘i pledged his allegiance to King Kamehameha II (Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho) and accepted his sovereignty. Then the king completed a 42-day tour of Kaua‘i.

On September 16, King Kamehameha II invited Kaumuali‘i to come aboard his ship, Pride of Hawai‘i, which was anchored in Waimea Bay. King Kamehameha II then set sail for O‘ahu, taking Kaumuali‘i as a prisoner.

· King Kamehameha II left for England on Nov. 27, 1823, on the whale ship L’aigle, leaving Kuhina Nui (Premier) Ka‘ahumanu in charge of the government of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

· King Kamehameha II died of measles in London, England on July 14, 1824, just six days after the death of his wife, Queen Kamāmalu [Kamāmalunuiomano], who passed away on July 8, 1824.

(For more information about King Kamehameha II, see Chapter 11, Timeline: 1768; 1778; 1780; 1795; 1797; 1800; 1802; 1819, May 8; 1819, May 20; 1821, July 21; 1823, Sep. 16; 1823, Nov. 27; 1824.)

King Kamehameha III

Kauikeaouli

 

Biographical Sketch:

Kauikeaouli [King Kamehameha III](1814—1854)

Born: March 17, 1814.

Died: Dec. 15, 1854.

Reign: June 6, 1825—Dec. 15, 1854.

Father: King Kamehameha I.

Mother: Queen Keōpūolani [Keōpūolanikauhiakama; Kalanikauika‘alaneokeōpūolani].

On mother’s side:

Grandparents: Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli [Kīwala‘ō Kauikeouli] and Keku‘iapoiwa Liliha [Kaniu].

Great grandparents: Kalani‘ōpu‘u and Kalola (parents of Kīwala‘ō Kauikeaouli).

Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Kalola (parents of Keku‘iapoiwa Liliha [Kaniu]).

Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Keku‘iapoiwa (I) [Keku‘iapoiwanui] (parents of Kalola).

On father’s side:

Grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II).

Brother: Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho (King Kamehameha II).

Sister: Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena [Nāhi‘ena‘enaikekapuewela‘aikapēkapuokeakua; Nā‘ahi‘ena‘ena; Nahienaena; Harriet Keōpūolani].

Guardian: Kaikio‘ewa.

Wife: Hakaleleponi Kapakuhaili Kalama.

Summary of Life of Kauikeaouli [King Kamehameha III]:

· Kauikeaouli means “Place in the blue firmament.”[vi] Another name of Kauikeaouli was Kalei-o-Papa, which means “The beloved child of Papa [the wife of Wākea].”[vii]

· On June 6, 1825, Kauikeaouli succeeded his brother Kalaninui ‘Iolani Liholiho (King Kamehameha II) on the throne to become King Kamehameha III, and reigned for the next 30 years.

· In 1832, Kīna‘u became Kuhina Nui (Premier, sharing power with King Kamehameha III) succeeding Ka‘ahumanu. Kīna‘u continued Ka‘ahumanu’s policy of supporting missionary teachings and associated laws.

This was not supported by King Kamehameha III, who was prevented from recovering certain properties due to the laws. King Kamehameha III reconciled with Kīna‘u in 1835 and proclaimed a code of laws in line with Kīna‘u’s beliefs.

· On Dec. 18, 1837, with the urging of Protestant missionaries, King Kamehameha III issued an ordinance rejecting the Catholic religion. On June 17, 1839, he revoked his earlier stance banning the practice and teaching of Catholicism in the Hawaiian Islands by issuing a statement of toleration regarding religious differences.

· King Kamehameha III married Kalama, the adopted daughter of Charles Kana‘ina, on February 14, 1837.

Missionary Hiram Bingham (1789—1869) performed the service; a statement attributed to King Kamehameha III is “No‘u o luna, no‘u o lalo, no‘u o uka, no‘u o kai, no‘u na wahi a pau.” (“Above, below, the upland, the lowland are mine; everywhere is mine,”) which was said “...to encourage his lover Kalama to come to him. She need not fear the wrath of Ka‘ahumanu for he, Kamehameha, was the master everywhere.”

· Cyrille Pierre Theodore Laplace arrived in the Islands on the French Navy frigate Artemise on July 9, 1839, and threatened war unless King Kamehameha III agreed to a treaty with five demands relating to allowing Catholic worship in the Hawaiian Islands.

Laplace also insisted on $20,000 in reparations, which was raised from local merchants and paid. Laplace made additional demands that alarmed officials of Great Britain and the United States, eventually leading to official recognition of Hawaiian independence by all three countries: France, Great Britain, and the United States.

· In 1840, King Kamehameha III formed a constitutional government based on the political structures used by the Americans and the British.

The new constitution (Hawai‘i’s first, drafted in the Hawaiian language in 1839 and signed by the king in 1840), provided for: a Supreme Court; an Executive; a Legislative body of 15 hereditary nobles and seven representatives; and the election of representatives (including the King and a Supreme Court) by the people.

The new constitution, a departure from the traditional monarchial form of government, also guaranteed freedom of religious worship.

· On February 10, 1843, Lord George Paulet of Britain arrived in the Islands on the frigate Carysfort and used the threat of military might to demand a formal “provisional cession” of the Hawaiian Islands to Britain. King Kamehameha III acquiesced and the British flag was raised in Honolulu. (See 1843, Feb. 10.)

Appeals to London and Washington resulted in the arrival of Admiral Richard Thomas on July 26, 1843 on the H.M.S. flagship Dublin. Thomas rescinded the provisional cession and restored the powers of King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli). On July 31, the British flag was lowered and the Hawaiian flag was raised. (See 1843, July 31.)

Later that day, King Kamehameha III gave a speech at a Kawaiaha‘o Church service, and is said to have spoken the words which later became Hawai‘i’s official state motto: “Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘āina o ka pono” (“The life of the land is perpetuated [preserved] in righteousness”). The date of July 31 was later proclaimed Restoration Day.

· In 1845, Hale Ali‘i was constructed for King Kamehameha III in midtown Honolulu, and later became the site of ‘Iolani Palace.

· King Kamehameha III instituted a new system of private property ownership, ending the king’s total control over the land. This change was known as the Great Māhele (mahele means “division”), and took place from January 27, 1848 to March 7, 1848.

The new law divided most of the land in the Hawaiian Islands between King Kamehameha III and his chiefs (ali‘i), with smaller plots offered to commoners (maka‘āinana), who received only an estimated 30,000 acres (12,140 ha) out of a total of about 4.5 million acres (1.82 million ha).

Two years later, in 1850, foreigners were allowed to purchase land, and soon held virtually all privately owned land. (See 1848, Jan. 27.)

· In 1852, King Kamehameha III adopted a new constitution, which was designed by and favored American interests. The constitution provided for a Legislature of two houses, nobles appointed by the King, and representatives appointed by the people.

· Lived in a house known as Kahaleuluhe (“The fern house”), which was located on the current site of St. Andrew’s Cathedral and Priory, and named Pā-o-Pelekane (“Enclosure of Britain”) when the land was given to the Church of England.[viii]

· After reigning for 30 years, King Kamehameha III died on December 15, 1854, childless, at the age of 41.

(For more information about King Kamehameha III, see 1765; 1778; 1795; 1800; 1814, March 17; 1815; 1817; 1823, Sept. 16; 1824; 1825, June 6; 1837, Dec. 18; 1837, Feb. 14; 1839, June 17; 1839, July 9; 1840; 1843, Feb. 10; 1843, July 31; 1845; 1848, Jan. 27; 1851; 1852; 1854, Dec. 15; 1877; 1879, Dec. 31.)

King Kamehameha IV

Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani

 

Biographical Sketch:

Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani [King Kamehameha IV] (1834—1863).

Born: Feb. 9, 1834.

Died: Nov. 30, 1863.

Reign: Dec. 15, 1854—Nov. 30, 1863.

Father: Mataio Kekūanaō‘a.

Mother: Kīna‘u.

Brothers: David Kamehameha (died young); King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha); and Moses Kekūāiwa (Governor of O‘ahu).

Sister: Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu.

On his mother’s side:

Grandparents: King Kamehameha I and Kalākua.

Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II) (parents of King Kamehameha I).

Great grandparents: Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe and Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana] (parents of Kalākua).

Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Ha‘alo‘u (parents of Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana])

Summary of Life of:

Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani [King Kamehameha IV]:

· As a child, Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani attended the Royal School (known as Chiefs’ Children’s School until 1846) and traveled to Europe and the United States with a delegation whose aim was to improve foreign relations.

· When King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli) died on Dec. 15, 1854, Prince Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani, the 21-year-old grandson of King Kamehameha I and hānai son of King Kamehameha III, came to the throne as King Kamehameha IV.

· With the help of American businessmen living in the Islands, King Kamehameha IV began setting up plantation agriculture as the main force of the economy of the Hawaiian Islands. The sugar industry began importing many contract laborers from Japan, China, and the Portuguese Azores.

· King Kamehameha IV married Emma Na‘ea Rooke (the great-granddaughter of the brother of King Kamehameha I) on June 19, 1856 at Kawaiaha‘o Church. They give birth to Prince Albert [Albert Edward Kauikeaouli Leiopapa o Kamehameha] on May 20, 1858. The young prince, a godchild of England’s Queen Victoria, died in 1862 at the age of four.

· Concerned about the devastating effects of foreign diseases on Hawaiians, King Kamehameha IV signed a law, on April 25, 1859, establishing a hospital in Honolulu, and with Queen Emma [Emma Na‘ea Rooke; Kalanikaumakeamano; Kaleleonālani] raised funds for Queen’s Hospital (later built on the site). King Kamehameha IV also established the Anglican Church in the Hawaiian Islands.

· Died on Nov. 30, 1863 at the age of 29, without appointing a successor. He was succeeded by his brother, Prince Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha, who became King Kamehameha V.

· With Queen Emma [Emma Na‘ea Rooke; Kalanikaumakeamano; Kaleleonālani] raised the initial $30,000 to begin construction of St. Andrew’s Cathedral, which opened in Honolulu in 1867 at Beretania and Queen Emma Streets (Queen Emma Square). The building’s style is Gothic. Prefabricated sandstone blocks were imported to build the Honolulu cathedral.

The king and queen took interest in building an Anglican church in Honolulu after they visited England’s Queen Victoria in 1861 and were impressed by the Church of England. St. Andrew’s Cathedral was named after the day called St. Andrew’s Feast, which falls on the same day of the year that King Kamehameha IV died in 1863.

In 1867 the French Gothic nave was completed, using stone from England. During this time, Episcopalians in the Hawaiian Islands went by the title Hawaiian Reformed Catholic Church. (See Chapter 11, Part 3: Timeline of Honolulu’s Historic Buildings: 1867.)

· King Kamehameha V named ‘Iolani Palace in midtown Honolulu, after his brother, Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani (King Kamehameha IV). ‘Iolani was one of King Kamehameha IV’s Hawaiian names, and means “Hawk of heaven,” or “Royal hawk.”

(For more information about King Kamehameha IV, see 1843, Feb. 10; 1854, Dec. 15; 1856, June 19; 1858, May 20; 1862; 1863, Nov. 30; 1879, Dec. 31.)

King Kamehameha V

Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha

 

Biographical Sketch:

Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha [King Kamehameha V](1830—1872)

Born: Dec. 11, 1830.

Died: Dec. 11, 1872.

Reign: Nov. 30, 1863—Dec. 11, 1872.

Father: Mataio Kekūanaō‘a.

Mother: Kīna‘u.

Brothers: David Kamehameha (died young); King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani); Moses Kekūāiwa (Governor of O‘ahu).

Sister: Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu.

On mother’s side:

Grandparents: King Kamehameha I and Kalākua.

Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Keku‘iapoiwa (II) (parents of King Kamehameha I).

Great grandparents: Ke‘eaumoku Pāpa‘iaheahe and Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana] (parents of Kalākua).

Great great grandparents: Kekaulikenuiahumanu [Kekaulike] and Ha‘alo‘u (parents of Nāmāhānaikaleleonalani [Nāmāhana]).

Summary of Life of

Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha [King Kamehameha V]:

· As a child, Prince Lot attended Royal School (known as Chiefs’ Children’s School until 1846) and traveled to Europe and the United States with a delegation whose aim was to improve foreign relations.

· During the reign of King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani), King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha) was Hawai‘i’s Minister of the Interior (six years) and Minister of Finance (one year).

· Succeeded his brother, King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani) when he died on November 30, 1863 without appointing a successor. This was approved by the Kuhina Nui (Premier), Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu, and the Privy Council.

Prince Lot proclaimed himself king without opposition, angering American interests and businessmen when he refused to take an oath to uphold the Constitution of 1852 (which was designed by and favored American interests).

· Preferring a strong monarchy, King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha) proclaimed a new constitution on August 20, 1864, modifying the existing constitution to give greater power to the king but less control to the Privy Council and Legislative assembly, limiting their powers of voting. King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha) also ended the influence of the Kuhina Nui (Premier).

· Visited British Columbia and California.

· Most native Hawaiians supported King Kamehameha V’s return to monarchical leadership, and the Hawaiian Islands lived under this constitution for 23 years (until King Kalākaua [David La‘amea Kalākaua] signed the “Bayonet Constitution” in 1887).

· King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha) died on December 11, 1872, childless, at the age of 43, without appointing a successor to the throne (his sister Princess Victoria Kamāmalu had been named the successor, but she passed away in 1866).

This ended the rule of the Kamehameha line because King Kamehameha V’s cousin, Princess Pauahi [Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop] (1831—1884) (the great granddaughter of King Kamehameha I) refused to take the throne. William Charles Lunalilo succeeded King Kamehameha V on the throne.

· King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha) did not leave a will, thus the crown lands did not pass to the next monarch. This eventually caused financial difficulties for the royal treasury.

(For more information about King Kamehameha V, see 1843, Feb. 10; 1863, Nov. 30; 1864, Aug. 20; 1872, Dec. 11.)

King Lunalilo

William Charles Lunalilo

 

Biographical Sketch:

William Charles Lunalilo [King Lunalilo](1835—1874)

Born: January 31, 1835.

Died: February 3, 1874.

Reign: January 8, 1873—February 3, 1874.

Father: Charles Kana‘ina.

Mother: Kekāuluohi [Miriam ‘Auhea].

Grandparents: Kala‘imāmahu [Kala‘imamahū] and Kalākua (parents of Kekāuluohi (Miriam ‘Auhea)).

Great grandparents: Keōuakupuapāikalaninui [Keōuanui] and Kamakaeheikuli (parents of Kala‘imāmahu [Kala‘imamahū])

Summary of Life of William Charles Lunalilo [King Lunalilo]:

· Prince Lunalilo was educated at the Royal School (known as Chiefs’ Children’s School until 1846).

· He was engaged to Princess Victoria Ka‘ahumanu Kamāmalu, though apparently King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani) opposed the union.

· King Lunalilo was elected by a vote of the Legislature after King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha) died without naming a successor. King Lunalilo immediately began to amend the Constitution of 1864, including ending the property qualification for voting.

· On September 7, 1873, the Household Troops rebelled until they were convinced to lay down their arms by a letter from King Lunalilo. The army was then disbanded.

· Known as the Citizen King, the People’s King, and Ke Ali‘i Lokomaika‘i (“The Kind-Hearted Chief”).

· King Lunalilo suffered from tuberculosis, and was given to heavy drinking, resulting in poor health.

· Chose not to be buried in the Royal Mausoleum in Nu‘uanu, O‘ahu at Mauna‘ala (“Fragrant mountain”[ix]) with other royalty. King Lunalilo was instead buried just inside the main entrance to Kawaiaha‘o Church, where his grave still remains.

· King Lunalilo died just over one year after being elected, and thus had the shortest reign of any of the Hawaiian monarchs.

· The terms of King Lunalilo’s will created the Lunalilo Home for sick and poor Hawaiians (particularly older Hawaiians).

(For more information about King Lunalilo, see 1776; 1802; 1830, Dec. 11; 1833; 1838; 1874, Feb. 3.)

King Kalākaua

David La‘amea Kalākaua

 

Biographical Sketch:

David La‘amea Kalākaua

[King Kalākaua] [Kaheiheimālie] (1836—1891)

Born: November 16, 1836.

Died: January 20, 1891.

Reigned: Feb. 13, 1874—Jan. 20, 1891.

Father: Caesar Kapa‘akea.

Mother: Keohokālole.

Sisters: Queen Lili‘uokalani [Lydia Kamaka‘eha Pākī-Dominis Lili‘uokalani]; Miriam Kapili Likelike.

Brother: William Pitt Kalaho‘olewa Leleiōhoku [Prince Leleiōhoku; Leleiōhoku (II)].

Wife: Kapi‘olani (married in 1863).

On father’s side: (note the intermarriage relations-highlighted in bold)

Grandparents: Kamanawa (II) and Kamokuiki.

Great grandparents: Alapa‘iwahine and Kepo‘okalani (parents of Kamanawa (II)).

Great great grandparents: Kame‘eiamoku and Kamakaeheikuli (parents of Kepo‘okalani).

On mother’s side:

Grandparents: ‘Aikanaka and Kama‘e.

Great grandparents: Kepo‘okalani and Keohohiwa (parents of ‘Aikanaka).

Great great grandparents: Kame‘eiamoku and Kamekaeheikuli (parents of Kepo‘okalani).

King Kalākaua’s (and Queen Lili‘uokalani’s) father was the grandson of Kepo‘okalani (with Alapa‘iwahine), and his mother was the granddaughter of Kepo‘okalani (with Keohohiwa).

“Nona ka ‘ūmi‘i lauwili i ka pāka‘awili.”

“His is the tie that is twisted and entangled into

one that holds fast.”

“His ancestors have intermarried and re-intermarried to preserve the bloodline of his family. He is therefore of a very

high and kapu rank.”

(Pukui: 2342-254)[x]

Summary of Life of King Kalākaua:

· David La‘amea Kalākaua was educated at Royal School (known as Chiefs’ Children’s School until 1846).

· King Kalākaua was elected on February 12, 1874 by a Legislative vote of 39 to 6. After the results were announced, the courthouse was attacked and ransacked, and legislators were beaten by supporters of Queen Emma [Emma Na‘ea Rooke; Kalanikaumakeamano; Kaleleonālani].

The violence left many injured and one dead. American and British warships provided armed marines to restore order. King Kalākaua took an oath of allegiance to the 1864 Constitution of King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha).

· On November 17, 1874, King Kalākaua and a royal party left for San Francisco on the steamer Benicia. Their mission was a goodwill tour of the United States. The royal party returned on February 15, 1875 on the U.S.S. Pensacola. Around this time King Kalākaua fought constitutional battles with the kingdom’s governmental Legislature, which had resident American businessmen as members. Eventually King Kalākaua lost some authority.

· In 1875, King Kalākaua negotiated the Reciprocity Treaty, allowing Hawaiian products to be sold in the United States without customs or duties. The treaty was signed in Washington D.C. on January 30, 1875, and ratified by the United States Senate on August 15, 1876.

On September 17, 1876, the United States Congress passed a motion to give effect to the treaty, thus allowing Hawaiian sugar into the United States duty free. The subsequent rapid expansion of the sugar industry provided an economic boost for the Hawaiian Islands, and opened the door to annexation. In 1887, King Kalākaua signed a lease of Pearl Harbor to the United States for eight years.

· On December 31, 1879, King Kalākaua laid the cornerstone for ‘Iolani Palace in midtown Honolulu. On February 12, 1883, he held an official coronation on the grounds of the newly completed ‘Iolani Palace, which served as his home with Queen Kapi‘olani, and later was the home of Queen Lili‘uokalani [Lydia Kamaka‘eha Pākī-Dominis Lili‘uokalani].

The coronation marked the beginning of King Kalākaua’s support of traditional Hawaiian practices, including the revival of hula, which was again performed publicly (it had been banned by the missionaries).(See Hula and Mele, Chapter 3).

· King Kalākaua later came to be known as the “Merrie Monarch” for his reintroduction of hula and other ancient customs. King Kalākaua also wrote the words to Hawai‘i’s state song, Hawai‘i Pono‘ī.

· In 1881, King Kalākaua left on a journey around the world. During the trip he called on 11 heads of state, including the leaders of the United States, Japan and Great Britain. King Kalākaua became the first ruler of any country to sail around the world.

· In 1885, King Kalākaua signed a treaty with Japan permitting the large-scale immigration of laborers, resulting in approximately 70,000 Japanese coming to the Islands. Between 1878 and 1887, many Portuguese workers also came to the Hawaiian Islands from the islands of Madeira and the Azores.

· In 1887, the Bayonet Constitution was instigated by the Hawaiian League, a political organization of American merchants whose membership included Sanford Ballard Dole. When King Kalākaua’s government sold its opium monopoly to a Chinese interest, the American’s tried to restrict King Kalākaua’s power. Holding a mass meeting, the League demanded that King Kalākaua dismiss his Cabinet and sign a new constitution.

· Ultimately, King Kalākaua signed a new constitution, which was later given the nickname “The Bayonet Constitution,” implying the document was signed at gunpoint. [Note: Accounts vary on the actual threats that were wielded against King Kalākaua to force him to attach his signature to the new constitution. (See 1871.)

· The effects of the new “Bayonet Constitution” included drastic changes that curtailed the king’s power, ending 23 years of rule under the previous constitution of King Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa Kamehameha).

One result of the new constitution was that a vote of the Legislature became necessary to replace Cabinet members. The document allowed nobles to be elected by those who owned large amounts of land, and this significantly reduced the power of Asians and native Hawaiians.

· The “Bayonet Constitution” also allowed the Legislature to override the king’s veto, and extended voting rights to all Europeans and Americans who would take an oath to support the new constitution.

· In 1890, King Kalākaua left on a trip to the United States, appointing his sister, Princess Lili‘uokalani, as sole Regent in his absence. King Kalākaua died in San Francisco on January 20, 1891, and Queen Lili‘uokalani [Lydia Kamaka‘eha Pākī-Dominis Lili‘uokalani] succeeded him on the throne on January 29, 1891.

(For more information about King Kalākaua, see 1831; 1834; 1864, Aug. 20; 1872, June 11; 1874, Feb. 12; 1874, Feb. 14; 1874, Nov. 17; 1875, Feb. 15; 1875, Oct. 16; 1875; 1877, April 11; 1879, Dec. 31; 1881; 1883, Feb. 12; 1885; 1887; 1888, Jan. 14; 1890; 1891.)

Queen Lili‘uokalani

 

Biographical Sketch: Queen Lili‘uokalani

Full Name: Lydia Lili‘u Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamaka‘eha Pākī-Dominis Lili‘uokalani.

Born: September 2, 1838.

Died: Nov. 11, 1917.

Reigned: January 29, 1891—January 17, 1893.

Father: Caesar Kapa‘akea.

Mother: Keohokālole.

Sister: Miriam Kapili Likelike.

Brothers: King Kalākaua [David La‘amea Kalākaua]; William Pitt Leleiōhoku (II).

Husband: John Owen Dominis.

On father’s side:

Grandparents: Kamanawa (II) and Kamokuiki (parents of Caesar Kapa‘akea).

Great grandparents: Alapa‘iwahine and Kepo‘okalani (parents of Kamanawa (II)).

Great great grandparents: Kamakaeheikuli and Kame‘eiamoku (parents of Kepo‘okalani).

On mother’s side:

Grandparents: ‘Aikanaka and Kama‘e (parents of Keohokālole).

Great grandparents: Kepo‘okalani and Keohohiwa (parents of ‘Aikanaka).

Great great grandparents: Kame‘eiamoku and Kamekaeheikuli (parents of Kepo‘okalani)

Summary of Life of Queen Lili‘uokalani:

· Attended Chiefs’ Childrens’ School beginning at age four. The Chiefs’ Children’s School was renamed Royal School in 1846. All five future rulers of the Hawaiian Kingdom attended the school, from King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho ‘Iolani) to Queen Lili‘uokalani, and also educated at Royal School were Princess Pauahi [Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop] and the future Queen Emma [Emma Na‘ea Rooke; Kalanikaumakeamano; Kaleleonālani].

From age ten she was taught by various private tutors, and became accomplished pianist and also played ‘ukulele, organ, zither, and guitar. She could sight read music at early age, and was said to have perfect pitch. A singer, musician, and songwriter, she utilized a blend of Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian themes and techniques.

· Married John Owen Dominis (1832—1891) in 1862.

· On February 14, 1874, King Kalākaua [David La‘amea Kalākaua] declared that, when he was no longer king, his successor would be his younger brother William Pitt Kalaho‘olewa Leleiōhoku [Prince Leleiōhoku; Leleiōhoku (II)]. Two new princesses were also designated—Princess Kamaka‘eha Dominis (the future Queen Lili‘uokalani) and Princess Likelike.

· After William Pitt Kalaho‘olewa Leleiōhoku [Prince Leleiōhoku; Leleiōhoku (II)] died of pneumonia on April 9, 1877, King Kalākaua declared Princess Kamaka‘eha Dominis heir apparent to the throne as Princess Lili‘uokalani on April 11, 1877.

· Wrote Aloha ‘Oe in 1878:

Aloha ‘Oe

Proudly sweeps the rain clouded by the cliffs

As onward it glides through the trees

It seems to be following the liko

The ‘āhihi lehua of the vale

(Chorus)

Farewell to thee, farewell to thee

Thou charming one who dwells among the bowers

One fond embrace before I now depart

Until we meet again.

· On January 14, 1888, the Hawaiian League attempted to get Princess Lili‘uokalani Kamaka‘eha Dominis, to take the throne from King Kalākaua. She refused out of loyalty to King Kalākaua.

· In 1890, King Kalākaua took a trip to the United States, appointing Princess Lili‘uokalani as sole Regent in his absence.

· On January 20, 1891, King Kalākaua (1836—1891) died in San Francisco, California. His sister came to the throne as Queen Lili‘uokalani on January 29, 1891. The Cabinet Ministers waited for Queen Lili‘uokalani at ‘Iolani Palace to have her swear allegiance to the Bayonet Constitution (see 1887), which had taken away much of King Kalākaua’s power.

From 1891 to 1893, Queen Lili‘uokalani attempted to reassert royal power. She was opposed by resident pro-business, pro-annexation Americans, and this conflict led to a series of events in the middle of January 1893, during which time the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown.

In January of 1893, an insurrection against Queen Lili‘uokalani was led by a small group of United States sugar planters and businessmen backed by 162 U.S. marines from the U.S.S. Boston. They deposed the queen, abrogated the monarchy, and declared a Provisional Government (with the goal of annexation of the Hawaiian Islands by the United States).

Hawai‘i’s previous 98 years of rule, under eight different monarchs, was effectively ended.

Below are more specific details about the events involving Queen Lili‘uokalani leading up to and during the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.

Queen Lili‘uokalani and the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy:

· On January 14, 1893, Queen Lili‘uokalani informed her Cabinet members that she planned to proclaim a new constitution at the request of a majority of the Hawaiian people. She instructed her Cabinet Ministers to go to ‘Iolani Palace to sign the new constitution (which they had helped prepare), after the prorogation (closing) of the Legislature at Ali‘iōlani Hale.

· When the Cabinet Ministers refused to sign the new constitution, Queen Lili‘uokalani decided to defer any action, and gave a speech from the lānai of ‘Iolani Palace, telling the many people outside (who were gathered there in anticipation of a new constitution being announced) to go home peacefully because she would not be able to declare a new constitution. A group of annexation supporters then held a meeting and formed the Committee of Public Safety.

· The Committee of Public Safety declared Queen Lili‘uokalani’s actions treasonous, and made plans for a Provisional Government with the goal of eventually annexing the Hawaiian Islands to the United States.

· On January 15, 1893, in consultation with United States Minister to Hawai‘i John Leavitt Stevens, the Committee of Public Safety was assured that Stevens would land troops from the U.S.S. Boston if any danger was posed to American lives or property.

The Committee of Public Safety called a meeting for the following day for all supporters of annexation. Supporters of Queen Lili‘uokalani also called for a meeting on the same day.

· On January 16, 1893, Queen Lili‘uokalani declared in an official proclamation that changes to the constitution would only be made with the consent of the Legislature. The two mass meetings were held, one by supporters of annexation and the other by supporters of Queen Lili‘uokalani.

· U.S. Minister to Hawai‘i, John L. Stevens, ordered the troops from the U.S.S. Boston ashore in Honolulu, saying the action was necessary to protect American lives and property. Stevens claimed the Americans were in danger and had no protection.

· Troops from the U.S.S. Boston came ashore at 5 p.m. on January 16, 1893. Marching down King Street past Ali‘iōlani Hale and ‘Iolani Palace, the troops stationed themselves at Arion Hall, across from ‘Iolani Palace. Meanwhile, the Committee of Public Safety met to further their plans for a Provisional Government.

· On January 17, 1893, Queen Lili‘uokalani requested assistance from the U.S. Minister to Hawai‘i, John Leavitt Stevens, but Stevens refused. The Honolulu Rifles, an armed volunteer group, assembled in Ali‘iōlani Hale in opposition to the loyalist guard across the street at ‘Iolani Palace.

· At 2:30 p.m., January 17, on the rear veranda of Ali‘iōlani Hale, a Provisional Government was proclaimed, and was recognized by John L. Stevens as Hawai‘i’s lawful government.

At 6 p.m. that same day, Queen Lili‘uokalani yielded not to the Provisional Government but to the United States government, “...until such time as the Government of the United States shall, upon facts being presented to it, undo the action of its representatives and reinstate me in the authority which I claim as the Constitutional Sovereign of the Hawaiian Islands.”[xi]

· Queen Lili‘uokalani later stated that she resigned her throne to avoid bloodshed, fearing the bombing of ‘Iolani Palace and loss of lives. The Committee of Public Safety met at 8 p.m., January 17, to finalize the Provisional Government’s officers and Cabinet. Sanford Ballard Dole was asked to be President of the Provisional Government.

· That same evening (January 17, 1893), about 100 armed men gathered around Ali‘iōlani Hale in support of the annexationists. Guards were posted around Ali‘iōlani Hale, the new headquarters of the Provisional Government, and drills were held on King Street in front of ‘Iolani Palace.

Martial Law was declared, and troops from the U.S.S. Boston remained nearby. At this point the Hawaiian monarchy was essentially overthrown.

Queen Lili‘uokalani: After the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy:

· On October 18, 1893, the Blount Report (see 1893, Mar. 9) was given to President Cleveland, and blamed the overthrow of the monarchy on United States Minister to Hawai‘i, John L. Stevens. The report suggested restoring the Hawaiian government. Cleveland denounced the overthrow as lawless, and achieved under “false pretexts.”

By November 4, 1893, orders were given by President Cleveland to restore the power of Queen Lili‘uokalani. President Cleveland also sent word that he regretted the “unauthorized intervention” that had taken away Queen Lili‘uokalani’s sovereignty.

The Provisional Government refused to restore Queen Lili‘uokalani to the throne, saying that only armed conflict would force them to give up power. Though President Cleveland did not support annexation, he was reluctant to order the use of force against the group of Americans and their (mostly American) supporters.

· On January 6, 1895, a small group of royalists, mostly native Hawaiians in support Queen Lili‘uokalani, attempted a counter-revolution to overthrow the Republic and restore Queen Lili‘uokalani to the throne. The uprising apparently took place without the participation of Queen Lili‘uokalani, who denied any involvement.

Hundreds of men were arrested, including Robert W. Wilcox, who was condemned to death. Wilcox’s sentence was lessened, and within a few months he was pardoned.

· On January 7, 1895, Martial Law was declared and a military commission was appointed to court-martial Queen Lili‘uokalani and others. On January 16, Lili‘uokalani was imprisoned in ‘Iolani Palace.

· On January 24, 1895, she signed a formal abdication, that called for the recognition of the Republic of Hawai‘i as the lawful government. Queen Lili‘uokalani later claimed that this abdication was invalid due to coercion, and had been agreed to only to spare the lives of her supporters.

· On February 1, 1893, the U.S. Minister to Hawai‘i, John Leavitt Stevens recognized the new Provisional Government and raised the United States flag over the Hawaiian Islands. Troops from the U.S.S. Boston took over as official guards of Ali‘iōlani Hale, the headquarters of the Provisional Government.

· On February 5, 1895, Queen Lili‘uokalani was arraigned before the military commission for treason, a charge that was later changed to misprision of treason, which involves knowing of treason (the attempted counter-revolution) but not disclosing it.

· On February 27, 1895, Queen Lili‘uokalani was found guilty of misprision of treason and sentenced to a fine of $5,000 and imprisonment with hard labor for five years. Though Queen Lili‘uokalani was not forced to do hard labor, she was imprisoned in ‘Iolani Palace for seven months.

· Queen Lili‘uokalani was released from confinement on September 6, 1895, and then confined to Washington Place until February 6, 1896, and then island-restricted until October 6, 1896. Her freedom was restricted for 21 months in all, from Jan. 16, 1895 until October 6 1896.

· One of the things Queen Lili‘uokalani wrote while imprisoned in ‘Iolani Palace was “The Queen’s Prayer”:

The Queen’s Prayer

‘O kou aloha nō

Aia I ka lani,

A ‘o kou oiā‘i‘o,

He hemolele ho‘i

Ko‘u noho mihi‘ana

A pa‘ahao ‘ia

O‘oe ku‘u lama,

Kou nani, ko‘u ko‘o.

Mai nānā ‘ino‘ino

Nā hewa o kānaka,

Akā, e huikala

A ma‘ema‘e nō.

No laila e ka Haku,

Ma lalo o kou ‘ēheu

Kō makou maluhia

A mau loa aku nō.

Translation:

Your loving mercy

Is as high as Heaven

And your truth

So perfect

I live in sorrow

Imprisoned

You are my light

Your glory, my support

Behold not with malevolence

The sins of man

But forgive

And cleanse

And so, o Lord

Protect us beneath your wings

And let peace be our portion

Now and forever more.[xii]

· In 1897, Queen Lili‘uokalani visited Washington D.C. and petitioned President McKinley to restore the rights of the Hawaiian people. At this time there were an estimated 9,500 voters of Hawaiian birth and nationality, with a total population in the Hawaiian Islands of more than 109,000 people. Queen Lili‘uokalani’s petition was not acted upon.

The Provisional Government also sent a petition to Washington D.C., and that petition (unlike Queen Lili‘uokalani’s petition) was acted upon. At this time, the revolutionists of the missionary party consisted of about 637 voters.

President McKinley sent the annexation treaty to the Senate on June 16, 1897. Queen Lili‘uokalani submitted a formal protest, but it was ineffective.

The United States Senate later claimed that President McKinley’s act of sending the bill to the United States Senate amounted to a recognition of Hawai‘i’s Provisional Government. While acknowledging that the native monarchy was overthrown, they claimed that McKinley’s recognition of the Provisional Government meant the facts would not be reviewed further by the United States.

· In November of 1899, the deposed Queen Lili‘uokalani, Hawai‘i’s last monarch, left the Hawaiian Islands on a boat to San Francisco, and from there traveled to Washington D.C. Her goal was to appeal (again) for the rights of the Hawaiian people and for a settlement on crown lands.

· Between 1900 and 1909, the deposed Queen Lili‘uokalani made five more trips to the United States to appeal for a settlement of the disputed crown lands and fair treatment for the Hawaiian people.

· Queen Lili‘uokalani established a Deed of Trust in 1909 directing that all of her assets be used “for the benefit of orphan and other destitute children in the Hawaiian Islands, the preference to be given to Hawaiian children of pure or part aboriginal blood.”

· On November 11, 1917, Queen Lili‘uokalani suffered a stroke in Honolulu and passed away at the age of 79.

· The Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust, through the Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center, continues to provide social services to orphans and other needy children and their families in the State of Hawai‘i.

(For more information about Queen Lili‘uokalani, see ‘Iolani Palace; Washington Place; and Statue of Queen Lili‘uokalani sections in Chapter 2; also see Timeline: 1845; 1847; 1851; 1862; 1872, June 11; 1874, Feb. 14; 1877, Apr. 11; 1879, Dec. 31; 1884; 1888, Jan. 14; 1889, July 30; 1890; 1891; 1893, Jan.; 1893, Jan. 14; 1893, Jan. 15; 1893, Jan. 16; 1893, Jan. 17; 1893, Oct. 18; 1895, Jan. 6; 1897; 1898, Aug. 2; 1899, Nov.; 1900-1909; 1917, Nov. 11; 1921; 1950, Nov. 27-Dec. 9; 1993, Jan. 13-18.)