Aloha & Welcome
Mahalo for taking the time to learn more about our Hawaiian culture.
I have found many books and web pages filled with conflicting information. If you come across anything that your not sure of and would like to bring to my attention please don't hesitate in reaching out to me. I appreciate your help and assistance. This book was built with the hopes to share. This mean I share with you and you share with me.
Much of what you read come from numerous resources available today. Lessons and stories learned and shared from my background in Hawaiian Studies, lessons and stories shared by my ohana (family), na kupuna (elders) and na kumu (teacher). The numerous books and web sites, as well from talking story with people who understand and help to perpetuate our Hawaiian culture. Mahalo!
These pages continually change and evolve through the support of the many comments, questions and inspiration from the people I meet along this journey we call "LIFE".
Enjoy!
Mahalo nui loa,
Michaela Lehuanani Larson
Please send photos and comments
Mahalo for taking the time to learn more about our Hawaiian culture.
I have found many books and web pages filled with conflicting information. If you come across anything that your not sure of and would like to bring to my attention please don't hesitate in reaching out to me. I appreciate your help and assistance. This book was built with the hopes to share. This mean I share with you and you share with me.
Much of what you read come from numerous resources available today. Lessons and stories learned and shared from my background in Hawaiian Studies, lessons and stories shared by my ohana (family), na kupuna (elders) and na kumu (teacher). The numerous books and web sites, as well from talking story with people who understand and help to perpetuate our Hawaiian culture. Mahalo!
These pages continually change and evolve through the support of the many comments, questions and inspiration from the people I meet along this journey we call "LIFE".
Enjoy!
Mahalo nui loa,
Michaela Lehuanani Larson
Please send photos and comments
Dedication
To my kupuna (elders/grandparents), who for years have freely shared their stories. They teach respect, responsibility, and aloha, love. Stories spoken with deep meanings and intense expressions. When I would ask "why I never heard this story before" my Tutu would say “no sense share, nobody listens, they no care”, to me this is sad. Mahalo Tutu for sharing your many stories with me. I will try my best not to let your stories be forgotten or lost. Kumu (teachers) who lovingly share their knowledge selflessly. Teachers who share the importance of knowledge. To achieve our dreams and our goals. Teachers who inspire and motivate. Mahalo for giving freely beyond the classroom. Mahalo nui loa, Akua! |
Your journey begins here...
These pages are not complete and not in this order.
In progress... Mahalo!
- Dedication 4
- Acknowledgment 7
- Introduction 10
- Ekahi - One 12
- Kailua - “Two Seas” 12
- Home of Hawaiian Royalty 12
- Your journey begins here! 13
- Ahu’ena Heiau “temple of the burning altar”. 13
- Kamakahonu Bay - Eye of the Turtle 16
- Kailua Pier 17
- Kaiakeakua - Sea of the Gods 18
- Mokuaikaua Church - “land eaten by man" 19
- Hulihe'e Palace 21
- Kona Inn 22
- Hale Halawai 23
- Legend or My Story on this page. 24
- Kauakaiakaola, Luakini Heiau - Sacrificial Temple 25
- Holualoa Bay 26
- Kamoa Point - Keolonahihi - Sports Complex 27
- Keolonahihi - Sports Complex 28
- La'aloa - Magic Sands 29
- Kahalu'u 30
- Saint Peters Church - The Little Blue Church 31
- Ku’e Manu - Dedicated to Surfing 32
- Pa'okamenehune 33
- Hapai Ali'i & Ke'eku Heiau 34
- Keauhou Bay - Tide or Current of Constant Change 36
- Kamehameha the Third - Kauikeaouli 36
- PICTURE HERE 36
- Pu'u O Hau - Red Hill and the Face of Pele 46
- The legend of Ohio, Lehua and Madam Pele
- Kealakehua Bay 49
- PICTURE HERE 49
- Captain Cook 51
- PICTURE HERE 51
- Turmoil 52
- More visitors 53
Acknowledgment Maggie Brown, owner and operator of Body Glove Cruises Hawaii. Maggie is Hanai (with affection) Aunty to many young people coming to Kona looking for a new adventure. These travelers quickly realizing that they need to find work to support their adventure. They find their way to the Body Glove Office and Ms. Maggie and her son Michael. Of course this is a relationship that supports each other, we need each other. My hope is that these pages will provide a deeper appreciation for our islands, it's history and the people who call Hawaii their home. Me Ke Aloha Pumehana, Michaela Lehuanani Ikaika Larson |

Introduction
Hawaii My Home
Each Island has its own feel, its own personality and charm.
Maui is fun and cheerful!
Oahu has a strength of power that draws people who are driven and enjoy modern amenities. Don’t get me wrong Oahu too has it’s sacred places and spirit. I’m giving you a my observation and feeling.
Kauai is definitely the honeymooners island, not just because it rains all the time which keeps lovers indoors. Kauai is beautiful. An understanding that this island has a deep sense of place.
Moloka’i is roots. A connection to “mana”, the source, energy. When you go to Molokai you have stepped back lifetimes to a place that forces you to believe, God exists. You feel the presence of power.
Lanai the little one. Lanai is country, the whole island. Rest and relax is what you do when you go to Lanai. Rest and relax. You can't get away from the craziness. Just let it be.
Hawaii Island the Big Island is young and powerful. Hawaii Is for the adventurist filled with natural beauty and energy. You will find peace and a sense of place.
Word translations - These word translations are commonly used to understand the essence of our thoughts and words. This will help you while reading this material.
Mana: Supernatural or divine power, mana, miraculous power; a powerful nation, authority; to give mana to, to make powerful; to have mana, power, authority; authorization, privilege; miraculous, divinely powerful, spiritual; possessed of mana, power.
Kahuna: Priest, sorcerer, magician, wizard, minister, expert in any profession (whether male or female); in the 1845 laws doctors, surgeons, and dentists were called kahuna.
hā: To breathe, exhale; to breathe upon, as kava after praying and before prognosticating; breath, life. Hā ke akua i ka lewa, god breathed into the open space.
uka: Inland, upland, towards the mountain, shoreward (if at sea); shore, uplands (often preceded by the particles i, ma.
kai: Sea, sea water; area near the sea, seaside, lowlands; tide, current in the sea; insipid, brackish, tasteless. I kai, towards the sea.
Makai: on the seaside, toward the sea, in the direction of the sea. O kai, of the lowland, of the sea, seaward. up the mountain, mountain, in the direction of the mountain.
Mauka: up the mountain, mountain, in the direction of the mountain.
Kupuna: Grandparent, ancestor, relative or close friend of the grandparent's generation, grandaunt, granduncle.
Kumu: Teacher, tutor, manual, primer, model, pattern. Kumu alakaʻi, guide, model, example. Kaʻu kumu, my teacher. Kumuhoʻohālike, pattern, example, model. Kumu hula, hula teacher. Kumu kuʻi, boxing teacher. Kumu kula, school teacher. Kumu leo mele, song book. Kumu mua, first primer. Beginning, source, origin; starting point of plaiting. hoʻo.kumu To make a beginning, originate, create, commence, establish, inaugurate, initiate, institute, found, start.
Kahuna: Priest, sorcerer, magician, wizard, minister, expert in any profession (whether male or female); in the 1845 laws doctors, surgeons, and dentists were called kahuna.
hā: To breathe, exhale; to breathe upon, as kava after praying and before prognosticating; breath, life. Hā ke akua i ka lewa, god breathed into the open space.
uka: Inland, upland, towards the mountain, shoreward (if at sea); shore, uplands (often preceded by the particles i, ma.
kai: Sea, sea water; area near the sea, seaside, lowlands; tide, current in the sea; insipid, brackish, tasteless. I kai, towards the sea.
Makai: on the seaside, toward the sea, in the direction of the sea. O kai, of the lowland, of the sea, seaward. up the mountain, mountain, in the direction of the mountain.
Mauka: up the mountain, mountain, in the direction of the mountain.
Kupuna: Grandparent, ancestor, relative or close friend of the grandparent's generation, grandaunt, granduncle.
Kumu: Teacher, tutor, manual, primer, model, pattern. Kumu alakaʻi, guide, model, example. Kaʻu kumu, my teacher. Kumuhoʻohālike, pattern, example, model. Kumu hula, hula teacher. Kumu kuʻi, boxing teacher. Kumu kula, school teacher. Kumu leo mele, song book. Kumu mua, first primer. Beginning, source, origin; starting point of plaiting. hoʻo.kumu To make a beginning, originate, create, commence, establish, inaugurate, initiate, institute, found, start.
Mauka to Makai
From the Mountain to the Sea
Kailua-Kona
Over 200 years ago Kailua Kona was the center of political power throughout Hawai'i. This is the place where Kamehameha the Great chose Kailua-Kona to spend his golden years.
Ahuena Heiau
Ahu’ena Heiau “temple of the burning alter” on May 8, 1819 Kamehameha the Great passes away.
Three momentous events occurred here in Kailua-Kona, at Ahuena Heiau which established the temple as one of the most historically significant sites in all of Hawaii:
1. In the early morning hours of May 8, 1819 King Kamehameha the Great dies at Ahuena Heiau.
2. A few months following the death of Kamehameha, Liholiho one of the Kings many sons, becomes King Kamehameha the Second. This was a time of many changes, a time of political and religious turmoil. Queen Ka’ahumanu said to be the favorite Queen of Kamehameha, and the young Kings mother Queen Keapuokalani, convinces the young King to sit with them and have a meal which at this time was kapu, forbidden. This was one of the many acts following the passing of Kamehameha which broke the ancient kapu system. The kapu was a highly defined regime of laws that provided the framework of the traditional Hawaiian government and life of the people. Life in Hawaii was never the same. Political and religious turmoil broke out which divided the people.
3. On April 4, 1820, the first Christian missionaries from New England arrive in Kailua-Kona. They were granted permission to come ashore on a rock cropping which they said resembled Plymouth Rock. The missionaries dubbed the rock cropping the “Plymouth Rock of Hawaii”. The Queen regent Ka’ahumanu embraces the missionaries and becomes a Christian follower and an advocate to their cause to Christianize the Hawaiian people. This was the beginning of the end of a great nation.
Ahuena Heiau was designated a National Historic Landmark, December 29, 1962 and the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places, July 17, 1993
The Ahu'ena Heiau (recently restored) is the religious temple that served Kamehameha the Great when he returned to the Big Island in 1812. The center of political power in the Hawaiian kingdom during Kamehameha's golden years, his biggest advisors gathered at the heiau each night.
Not until the mid-1970s, over 150 years after these historical events unfolded, was an accurate restoration project under taken. A community-based committee Ahu'ena Heiau Inc., formed in 1993 to permanently guide the restoration and maintenance of this national treasure.
1. In the early morning hours of May 8, 1819 King Kamehameha the Great dies at Ahuena Heiau.
2. A few months following the death of Kamehameha, Liholiho one of the Kings many sons, becomes King Kamehameha the Second. This was a time of many changes, a time of political and religious turmoil. Queen Ka’ahumanu said to be the favorite Queen of Kamehameha, and the young Kings mother Queen Keapuokalani, convinces the young King to sit with them and have a meal which at this time was kapu, forbidden. This was one of the many acts following the passing of Kamehameha which broke the ancient kapu system. The kapu was a highly defined regime of laws that provided the framework of the traditional Hawaiian government and life of the people. Life in Hawaii was never the same. Political and religious turmoil broke out which divided the people.
3. On April 4, 1820, the first Christian missionaries from New England arrive in Kailua-Kona. They were granted permission to come ashore on a rock cropping which they said resembled Plymouth Rock. The missionaries dubbed the rock cropping the “Plymouth Rock of Hawaii”. The Queen regent Ka’ahumanu embraces the missionaries and becomes a Christian follower and an advocate to their cause to Christianize the Hawaiian people. This was the beginning of the end of a great nation.
Ahuena Heiau was designated a National Historic Landmark, December 29, 1962 and the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places, July 17, 1993
The Ahu'ena Heiau (recently restored) is the religious temple that served Kamehameha the Great when he returned to the Big Island in 1812. The center of political power in the Hawaiian kingdom during Kamehameha's golden years, his biggest advisors gathered at the heiau each night.
Not until the mid-1970s, over 150 years after these historical events unfolded, was an accurate restoration project under taken. A community-based committee Ahu'ena Heiau Inc., formed in 1993 to permanently guide the restoration and maintenance of this national treasure.
Kamakahonu Bay - Eye of the Turtle
Kamakahonu Bay Eye of the turtle, for a turtle shaped rock located near the bay.
Kamakahonu Bay
Kamakahonu (eye of the turtle) in the ahupua'a of Lanihau at Kailua, Kona on the island of Hawaii. Kamakahonu has been called one of the most historical sites in all of Hawaii. It was here that Kamehameha the great spent his last years and here where he died. It was here that a feast was held to mark the overthrow of the kapu system and Hawaii was changed forever.
Kamakahonu (eye of the turtle) in the ahupua'a of Lanihau at Kailua, Kona on the island of Hawaii. Kamakahonu has been called one of the most historical sites in all of Hawaii. It was here that Kamehameha the great spent his last years and here where he died. It was here that a feast was held to mark the overthrow of the kapu system and Hawaii was changed forever.
Kailua Pier
Kailua Pier first American congregational missionaries arrive from New England in 1820 and were granted permission to come ashore, Asa Thurston and Hiram Bingham set foot on a landing area which resembled Plymouth Rock; they dubbed it the Plymouth Rock of Hawaii.
Kaiakeakua - Home to the Ironman Triathlon
Kai’a’ke a’kua Beach – Sea of the Gods Ironman World Triathlon.
From 1880 to 1956, Kaiakeakua Beach was used to load cattle onto ships headed to Honolulu. Using specially trained horses, skilled cowboys would lasso a cow on the beach, pull it out into the water to have the horse swim it to a whaleboat. The men on the whaleboat would lash the cow to it and row it to an anchored ship. Prior to 1900, Kaiakeakua Beach extended to Hulihe'e Palace.
The small sandy corner of the pier is famous for being the start line of the Ironman World Triathlon. When it gets closer to race day, you can find triathletes in training along the swim course throughout the day. The depth of the water gradually slopes down to about fifty feet. Occasionally you can spot dolphins and rays while swimming the course. The buoys line the course at 1500 meters, one-quarter, one-half, three-quarter, one mile and 1.2 miles.
The small sandy corner of the pier is famous for being the start line of the Ironman World Triathlon. When it gets closer to race day, you can find triathletes in training along the swim course throughout the day. The depth of the water gradually slopes down to about fifty feet. Occasionally you can spot dolphins and rays while swimming the course. The buoys line the course at 1500 meters, one-quarter, one-half, three-quarter, one mile and 1.2 miles.
Mokuaikaua Church
First Missionary's Arrive
The congregation was first founded in 1820 by Asa and Lucy Goodale Thurston, from the first ship of American Christian Missionaries, the brig Thaddeus. They were given permission to teach Christianity by King Kamehameha II, and the Queen Regent Kaʻahumanu. After the royal court relocated to Honolulu, they briefly moved there. In October 1823, they learned that the people of Kailua-Kona had developed an interest in the new ways and had erected a small wooden church. The first structure on the site was made from Ohiʻa wood and a thatched roof, on land obtained from Royal Governor Kuakini across the street from his Huliheʻe Palace. The name moku ʻaikaua literally means "district acquired by war" in the Hawaiian language, probably after the upland forest area where the wood was obtained. After several fires, the present stone structure was constructed, partially from stones recycled from a nearby Heiau (ancient temple of the Hawaiian religion), from about 1835 to 1837. The interior is decorated with Koa wood.
Hulihe'e Palace
Hulihe'e Palace
Hulihe’e Palace built in 1838 by Governor John Adams Kuakini as his primary residence.
The Hulihe’e Palace was built by John Adams Kuakini, Governor of the island of Hawaiʻi during the Kingdom of Hawaii until his death in 1844. The palace was has handed down to his family until it was later sold to King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiʻolani. Kalākaua renamed the palace Hikulani Hale, which means “House of the Seventh ruler,” referring to himself, the seventh monarch of the monarchy that began with King Kamehameha I. In 1885, King Kalākaua had the palace plastered over the outside to give the building a more refined appearance. After Kalākaua's death it passed to Kapiʻolani who left Huliheʻe Palace to her two nephews, Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Piʻikoi and Prince David Kawānanakoa. In 1927 the Daughters of Hawaiʻi, a group dedicated to preserving the cultural legacy of the Hawaiian Islands, restored Huliheʻe Palace and turned it into a museum. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places listings on the island of Hawaii in 1973.
Kona Inn
Kona Inn built in 1928 and was such a popular place to visit because it was the first place to provide indoor plumbing, a big deal back in the day. A bi-weekly cargo ship would bring passengers to Kailua-Kona to stay at the Kona Inn. Kona Inn stopped housing guests in 1976. Today the Kona Inn is a boutique shopping mall.
Hale Halewai
Hale Halawai First District courthouse, and jailhouse. Today Hale Halawai is a community center. Popular for our traditional Hawaiian luau, Hawaiian celebrations.
Kauakaiakaola, Luakini Heiau
Sacrificial Temple
A priest named Pa’ao, a tall fare skinned man who came from a distant land strategically planned and implemented the Kapu system which included human sacrafice. (picture comming soon)
Holualoa Bay & Kamo'a Point
Kamoa Point and Keolonahihi
Queen Keakealani-wahine 1640 - 1695, was the 20th Aliʻi Aimoku of Hawaii from 1665 - 1695. She was the sovereign queen or chieftess of The Big Island. She was born the daughter of Queen Keaka-mahana, 19th Alii Aimoku of Hawaii, by her husband and cousin, Alii Iwikau-i-kaua, of Oahu. She succeeded on the death of her mother, 1665. She married first her first cousin, Alii Kanaloa-i-Kaiwilena Kapulehu, son of Alii 'Umi-nui-kukailani, by his wife, Alii Kalani-o-Umi, daughter of Kaikilani, 17th Alii Aimoku of Hawaii. She married second her half-brother, Alii Kane-i-Kauaiwilani, son of her father, Alii Iwikauikaua, of Oahu, by his second wife, Kauakahi Kua'ana'au-a-kane. She married third Kapa'akauikealakea. She had a son Keawe-i-Kekahiali'iokamoku by Kanaloa-i-Kaiwilena Kapulehu, who would succeed her as the 21st Alii Aimoku of Hawaii. She died ca. 1695, having had issue, two sons and two daughters.
Keolonahihi - Sports Complex
Oral traditions suggest that the Hōlualoa Royal Center was constructed as early as A.D. 1300 by the Chiefess Keolonahihi and her husband Aka. Keolonahihi, either the daughter or niece of Pa'ao, constructed the complex at Kamoa. These sites included the women's features (Keolonahihi Heiau, Hale Pe`a, and Palama), the sports heiau (Kanekaheilani), and the grandstand at Kamoa Point to view the surfing and canoeing events in Hōlualoa Bay. (Pa`ao brought the Ku religion, along with a highly stratified social system, to Hawai'i from Kahiki, circa A.D. 1300.) Much of the site's history relates to the occupation of the Royal Center by Chiefess Keakamahana and her daughter, Chiefess Keakealaniwahine, in the 17th Century. These two women were the highest‐ ranking ali`i of their dynastic line and generation. The residence of Keakamahana and Keakealaniwahine is believed to be the large walled enclosure on the mauka side of Ali`i Drive. Kamehameha lived with his mother Kekuiapoiwa II and his guardians, Keaka and Luluka, at Pu'u in Hōlualoa during the rule of Kalani`ōpu`u. At Hōlualoa, Kamehameha learned to excel in board and canoe surfing (circa 1760s to early 1770s.) Later, Kalani`ōpu`u took Kamehameha to Ka`u and there is no evidence that Kamehameha maintained a residence at Hōlualoa during his reign. Instead, Kamehameha used Keolonahihi for religious purposes; after his rise to power, he stored his war god, Kukailimoku, at Hale O Kaili in the Hōlualoa Royal Center.
La'aloa - Magic Sands
La'a loa means "very sacred" also known as "Magic Sands" or "White Sands Beach", the official name is "Laʻaloa Beach County Park". During calm weather, it is one of the only fine white sandy beaches in the Kailua-Kona area. It is also sometimes called "Disappearing Sands", since the sand is washed out in a storm several times a year.
Haukalua
Haukalua was used as a leaping point for the spirits to find the underworld. Several Archaeological sites are in the area. The ruins of haukalua Heiau (an Ancient Hawaiian temple) are on a point just south of the beach, at the parking lot which was added in 2000. The stone structure was cleared and restored, and a small ceremonial platform (lele) constructed by descendants of the people who lived in this area for hundreds of years..
Kahalu'u
One of the best places to learn to surf and snorkel.
Saint Peters Church - The Little Blue Church
St. Peters Church sits on old Kahuna’s temple.
Ku'e Manu - Dedicated to Surfing

Ku'emanu Heiau, Big IslandLocated on the Big Island's western shore, about 5 miles (8 km) south of Kailua-Kona, Ku'emanu Heiau is believed to have been devoted to surfing. It was used to pray for good surfing conditions and to observe surfers offshore. It stands opposite of an excellent surfing break, which is popular up until today.
Its stone platform is about 100 feet long and 50 feet wide. On top of the foundation sits an upper stone terrace. There is a stone water pool on one side of it which could have been used for bathing or rinsing off saltwater after coming out of the ocean.
Its stone platform is about 100 feet long and 50 feet wide. On top of the foundation sits an upper stone terrace. There is a stone water pool on one side of it which could have been used for bathing or rinsing off saltwater after coming out of the ocean.
Pa'okamenehune
(photo and story comming soon)
Hapai Ali'i & Ke'eku Heiau
These two heiau have been reconstructed by Kamehameha Schools in 2007. Hapaiali'i Heiau is believed to date back to the 1400s (carbon dating indicates that it was built between 1411 and 1465). During the restoration process, archaeologists discovered that Hapaiali'i Heiau served as a solar calendar. One can accurately mark the passing of the seasons when standing behind the center stone on the heiau top platform and aligning it with various other points on the heiau. On the winter solstice the sun sets directly over the southwest corner of the platform-like structure. And at the summer solstice, it sets over the northwest corner of the structure. The platform measures 150 feet by 100 feet, and during high tide, it is surrounded by water. Historians believe it took thousands of commoners about a decade to maneuver the rocks into place and build the platform. When Hapaiali'i was reconstructed in 2007, with the help of modern machinery, it took just four month to recreate the heiau. A plaque in front of Hapaiali'i Heiau reads: Literally translated means "elevated chiefs." It was also said that the ali'i women would hanau or give birth at this heiau to instill the great mana or spiritual power within their child.
At the adjacent Ke'eku Heiau, it is believed that it is the place where invading Chief Kamalalawalu of Maui was sacrificed after being defeated by Chief Lonoikamakahiki in the 16th century. It is said that this heiau was built by a Ma'a, a kahuna (priest) of Maui, who left for Kaua'i later.
A heiau, or temple, is a pre-christian place of worship. Its age has been recorded as prehistoric.
HE WAHI MO‘OLELO – A COLLECTION OF TRADITIONS AND HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS FROM THE KAHALU‘U-KEAUHOU VICINITY IN KONA, HAWAI‘I (prepared by Kepä Maly, Cultural Historian and Resource Specialist 1 )
The following collection of land records and historical accounts describing the lands of Kahalu‘u and Keauhou, in the District of Kona, on the Island of Hawai‘i (Figure 1), was originally compiled by Kepä Maly of Kumu Pono Associates LLC in 2004. The narratives include selected traditions of Kahalu‘u and Keauhou; historical notes collected from elder kama‘äina; documentation from the Mähele ‘Äina (Land Division) of 1848-1850; conveyances of Royal Patent Grants; and proceedings of the Boundary Commission. This study seeks to provide participants in programs planning for the preservation and interpretation of resources in the Kahalu‘u-Keauhou vicinity with an overview of cultural resources, and traditional and customary practices associated with the land. Selected Mo‘olelo (Native Traditions) for the Lands of the Kahalu‘u-Keauhou Vicinity Perhaps the earliest datable traditions, describing chiefly residence and development of heiau (ceremonial structures) for the Kahalu‘u-Keauhou vicinity, are those associated with ‘Umi-a-Lïloa, dating from ca. 1525. It is recorded that ‘Umi-a-Lïloa dwelt in the distant uplands of Keauhou (near the 5,500 foot elevation), at the heiau site called Ahu-a-‘Umi (cf. Wilkes (1840), 1970; and Kanuha in Remy, 1865 (Maly, translator). The heiau, Pä-o-‘Umi, reportedly a heiau ho‘oüluulu ‘ai (a temple dedicated to the abundance of agricultural crops), was also built by ‘Umi-a-Lïloa, above Kahalu‘u Village (Stokes and Dye 1991:80, 81). Following the time of ‘Umi-a-Lïloa, we find early historians referencing several places and events within the lands of Kahalu‘u and Keauhou. The accounts are generally associated with various ali‘i, and provide glimpses of life between the 17th and 19th centuries. In the early 17th century, following his years of battles and travel, ‘Umi-a-Lïloa’s grandson, Lono-i-ka-makahiki, dwelt at Kahalu‘u (Fornander 1917:IV-II:356). Tradition credits Lono-i-ka-makahiki with building, or dedicating, of several heiau or ceremonial sites within the larger Kahalu‘u area, among them are Mäkole‘ä, two sites with the name Ke‘ekü, Kapuanoni, Keahiolo (on the boundary of Kahalu‘u and Keauhou 1st), and ‘Öhi‘amukumuku (cf. Fornander 1969, Stokes and Dye 1991, and Reinecke ms. 1930). Also in the time of Lono-i-kamakahiki, Kahalu‘u was noted for their groves of coconut trees (Kamakau 1961:56). Subsequent to c. 1730s, the chiefs Alapa‘i, Kalani‘öpu‘u, and Kamehameha I, are all associated with residency and activities in this region of Kona, with specific references to Kahalu‘u and Keauhou. Alapa‘i dwelt in the Kailua area of Kona (c. 1738) during a portion of his reign (Kamakau 1961:67). During his reign, an agricultural heiau, named Ke‘ekü, situated in the uplands of Kahalu‘u, is said to have been built (Stokes and Dye 1991:83). When discussing the heiau of ‘Öhi‘amukumuku, Stokes reported that the temple was built by either Lono-i-ka-makahiki or Alapa‘i. In 1776, Kalani‘öpu‘u is said to have restored the heiau of ‘Öhi‘amukumuku for his war god Kä‘ili, as he prepared for his battles against the forces of Maui (Kamakau 1961:85).
In his discussion on events during the later part of the reign of Kalani‘öpu‘u (c. 1776), Fornander recorded: While thus preparing material resources [for battle with Kahekili], Kalaniopuu was not forgetful of his duties to the god whom he acknowledged and whose aid he besought. This god was Kaili—pronounced fully “Ku-kaili-moku”—who from the days of Liloa, and probably before, appears to have been the special war-god of the Hawaii Mois. To ensure the favor of this god, he repaired and put in good order the Heiaus called “Ohiamukumuku” at Kahaluu, and “Keikipuipui” at Kailua, in the Kona district, and the high priest Holoae was commanded to maintain religious services and exert all his knowledge and power to accomplish the defeat and death of the Maui sovereign (Fornander 1969-II:151-152). Kalani‘öpu‘u is also credited with building the heiau of Kapuanoni, presumably during this time (Stokes and Dye 1991:71). Kamakau also reported that when Kalani‘öpu‘u was nearly 80 years old (c.1780) he was dwelling at Keauhou, so he could enjoy the surf of Kahalu‘u and Hölualoa (Kamakau 1961:105). In his discussion on the residency of Kalani‘öpu‘u in the Kahalu‘u-Keauhou area, Fornander offered the following comments: ...Kalaniopuu dwelt sometime in the Kona district, about Kahaluu and Keauhou, diverting himself with Hula performances, in which it is said that he frequently took an active part, notwithstanding his advanced age. Scarcity of food, after a while, obliged Kalaniopuu to remove his court into the Kohala district, where his headquarters were fixed at Kapaau (Fornander 1969-II:200).
At the adjacent Ke'eku Heiau, it is believed that it is the place where invading Chief Kamalalawalu of Maui was sacrificed after being defeated by Chief Lonoikamakahiki in the 16th century. It is said that this heiau was built by a Ma'a, a kahuna (priest) of Maui, who left for Kaua'i later.
A heiau, or temple, is a pre-christian place of worship. Its age has been recorded as prehistoric.
HE WAHI MO‘OLELO – A COLLECTION OF TRADITIONS AND HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS FROM THE KAHALU‘U-KEAUHOU VICINITY IN KONA, HAWAI‘I (prepared by Kepä Maly, Cultural Historian and Resource Specialist 1 )
The following collection of land records and historical accounts describing the lands of Kahalu‘u and Keauhou, in the District of Kona, on the Island of Hawai‘i (Figure 1), was originally compiled by Kepä Maly of Kumu Pono Associates LLC in 2004. The narratives include selected traditions of Kahalu‘u and Keauhou; historical notes collected from elder kama‘äina; documentation from the Mähele ‘Äina (Land Division) of 1848-1850; conveyances of Royal Patent Grants; and proceedings of the Boundary Commission. This study seeks to provide participants in programs planning for the preservation and interpretation of resources in the Kahalu‘u-Keauhou vicinity with an overview of cultural resources, and traditional and customary practices associated with the land. Selected Mo‘olelo (Native Traditions) for the Lands of the Kahalu‘u-Keauhou Vicinity Perhaps the earliest datable traditions, describing chiefly residence and development of heiau (ceremonial structures) for the Kahalu‘u-Keauhou vicinity, are those associated with ‘Umi-a-Lïloa, dating from ca. 1525. It is recorded that ‘Umi-a-Lïloa dwelt in the distant uplands of Keauhou (near the 5,500 foot elevation), at the heiau site called Ahu-a-‘Umi (cf. Wilkes (1840), 1970; and Kanuha in Remy, 1865 (Maly, translator). The heiau, Pä-o-‘Umi, reportedly a heiau ho‘oüluulu ‘ai (a temple dedicated to the abundance of agricultural crops), was also built by ‘Umi-a-Lïloa, above Kahalu‘u Village (Stokes and Dye 1991:80, 81). Following the time of ‘Umi-a-Lïloa, we find early historians referencing several places and events within the lands of Kahalu‘u and Keauhou. The accounts are generally associated with various ali‘i, and provide glimpses of life between the 17th and 19th centuries. In the early 17th century, following his years of battles and travel, ‘Umi-a-Lïloa’s grandson, Lono-i-ka-makahiki, dwelt at Kahalu‘u (Fornander 1917:IV-II:356). Tradition credits Lono-i-ka-makahiki with building, or dedicating, of several heiau or ceremonial sites within the larger Kahalu‘u area, among them are Mäkole‘ä, two sites with the name Ke‘ekü, Kapuanoni, Keahiolo (on the boundary of Kahalu‘u and Keauhou 1st), and ‘Öhi‘amukumuku (cf. Fornander 1969, Stokes and Dye 1991, and Reinecke ms. 1930). Also in the time of Lono-i-kamakahiki, Kahalu‘u was noted for their groves of coconut trees (Kamakau 1961:56). Subsequent to c. 1730s, the chiefs Alapa‘i, Kalani‘öpu‘u, and Kamehameha I, are all associated with residency and activities in this region of Kona, with specific references to Kahalu‘u and Keauhou. Alapa‘i dwelt in the Kailua area of Kona (c. 1738) during a portion of his reign (Kamakau 1961:67). During his reign, an agricultural heiau, named Ke‘ekü, situated in the uplands of Kahalu‘u, is said to have been built (Stokes and Dye 1991:83). When discussing the heiau of ‘Öhi‘amukumuku, Stokes reported that the temple was built by either Lono-i-ka-makahiki or Alapa‘i. In 1776, Kalani‘öpu‘u is said to have restored the heiau of ‘Öhi‘amukumuku for his war god Kä‘ili, as he prepared for his battles against the forces of Maui (Kamakau 1961:85).
In his discussion on events during the later part of the reign of Kalani‘öpu‘u (c. 1776), Fornander recorded: While thus preparing material resources [for battle with Kahekili], Kalaniopuu was not forgetful of his duties to the god whom he acknowledged and whose aid he besought. This god was Kaili—pronounced fully “Ku-kaili-moku”—who from the days of Liloa, and probably before, appears to have been the special war-god of the Hawaii Mois. To ensure the favor of this god, he repaired and put in good order the Heiaus called “Ohiamukumuku” at Kahaluu, and “Keikipuipui” at Kailua, in the Kona district, and the high priest Holoae was commanded to maintain religious services and exert all his knowledge and power to accomplish the defeat and death of the Maui sovereign (Fornander 1969-II:151-152). Kalani‘öpu‘u is also credited with building the heiau of Kapuanoni, presumably during this time (Stokes and Dye 1991:71). Kamakau also reported that when Kalani‘öpu‘u was nearly 80 years old (c.1780) he was dwelling at Keauhou, so he could enjoy the surf of Kahalu‘u and Hölualoa (Kamakau 1961:105). In his discussion on the residency of Kalani‘öpu‘u in the Kahalu‘u-Keauhou area, Fornander offered the following comments: ...Kalaniopuu dwelt sometime in the Kona district, about Kahaluu and Keauhou, diverting himself with Hula performances, in which it is said that he frequently took an active part, notwithstanding his advanced age. Scarcity of food, after a while, obliged Kalaniopuu to remove his court into the Kohala district, where his headquarters were fixed at Kapaau (Fornander 1969-II:200).
Keauhou
Ka Holua O Kaneaka - The Royal Slide
The primary archaeological feature of Keauhou was its monumental Hōlua Slide, a stone ramp nearly one mile in length that culminated at He`eia Bay. This is the largest and best‐preserved hōlua course, used in the extremely dangerous toboggan‐like activity. The remains are about 1290 feet long of the original that was over 4000 feet long. When in use, it was covered in dirt and wet grass to make it slippery. Contestants reached treacherous speeds on their narrow sleds by adding thatching and mats to make the hōlua slippery. When the waves were large, crowds would gather on a stone platform at He`eia Bay to watch as hōlua contestants raced against surfers to a shoreline finish.
The starting point is a narrow platform paved level, succeeded by a slightly declined crosswise platform 36‐feet long by 29‐feet wide and is followed by a series of steep descents that gave high speed to the holua sleds. Practically the whole slide is constructed of fairly large `a`a rocks, filled in with rocks of medium and small‐sized `a`a. On completion of their slides the chiefs would have their close attendants (kahu) transport them and their surfboards by canoe to a point about a mile offshore and a little to the north, from where they would ride in He`eia on the great waves of the noted surf of Kaulu.
The starting point is a narrow platform paved level, succeeded by a slightly declined crosswise platform 36‐feet long by 29‐feet wide and is followed by a series of steep descents that gave high speed to the holua sleds. Practically the whole slide is constructed of fairly large `a`a rocks, filled in with rocks of medium and small‐sized `a`a. On completion of their slides the chiefs would have their close attendants (kahu) transport them and their surfboards by canoe to a point about a mile offshore and a little to the north, from where they would ride in He`eia on the great waves of the noted surf of Kaulu.
Kamehameha the Third - Kauikeaouli
Kauikeaouli was born at Keauhou, Kona, on e island of Hawaiʻi. Many people believe that Kauikeaouli means "Placed in the Dark Clouds." Although the exact date of his birth is not known, some historians believe it was August 11, 1814. Kauikeaouli chose St. Patrickʻs Day, March 17, as his birth date after he learned about Saint Patrick from an Irish friend. His father was Kamehameha, Hawaiʻiʻs first monarch. His mother was Keōpūolani, one of the highest ranking aliʻi in Hawaiʻi.
"A Kingdom of Learning"
"Chiefs and people, give ear to my remarks! My kingdom shall be a kingdom of learning." These words, spoken by Kauikeaouli, showed he believed that education was very important. He believed education would prepare his people for the changes taking place in Hawaiʻi.
The Chiefsʻ Childrenʻs School
In 1839 Kauikeaouli opened the Chiefsʻ Childrenʻs School in Honolulu. He felt that future rulers must be prepared to rule a kingdom which now included both Hawaiians and foreigners. The Chiefsʻ Childrenʻs School was a very special school. In 1846 its name was changed to the Royal School. Only sixteen Hawaiian children of the highest chiefly rank attended the Royal School. Five of them later became rulers of the kingdom.
Public Education
Recognizing the growing importance of education, the government took over direction and support of the schools. The Constitution of 1840 provided for free public education and required all children to attend school. By 1850 English was the language used in business, government and foreign relations. Many Hawaiians wanted to have their children learn English, hoping this would prepare them for a better future. Toward the end of Kauikeaouliʻs reign there were 423 schools in Hawaiʻi with an enrollment of over twelve thousand students. This greatly pleased Kamehameha III. His kingdom had indeed become a "kingdom of learning."
A Constitutional Government
The Declaration of Rights-1839
One of the first changes made by Kamehameha III took place in government. Kamehameha III was convinced that all people should have certain rights. In 1839 he put these rights in writing in a document called The Declaration of Rights.
The Constitution of 1840
The next year an even more important event happened. Kamehameha III granted his people laws which, for the first time, explained in writing how the government would be run. These special laws became the Constitution of 1840, the first written constitution ever granted to the people of Hawaiʻi.
Takeover of the Kingdom
In 1843, three years after the signing of the constitution, the kingdom suffered a serious blow. With his shipʻs cannons pointing at Honolulu, British Captain Lord George Paulet seized control of the Hawaiian kingdom. He claimed this action was necessary to protect the rights of British residents in the islands. On February 25, 1843, the Hawaiian flag was lowered and the British flag hoisted in its place. He saw the fear, anger and confusion among his people. However, to avoid any loss of life, he had to give in to Paulet. Kauikeaouli assured his people that the kingdom would be restored once the British government learned about the forceful takeover.
Restoration of the Kingdom
Five months later, on July 31, 1843, the kingʻs hope for the return of the Hawaiian monarchy came true. With the help of British Admiral Richard Thomas, the Hawaiian flag was once again raised over the islands. The kingdom was restored! Kamehameha III spoke the words that became the motto of the state of Hawaiʻi: "Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono." This has most commonly been translated as: "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness." The celebration continued for ten days. For years following that first celebration, Kauikeaouli made Restoration Day, July 31, the most important holiday of the year.
Recognition of Independence
Kauikeaouli wanted his kingdom to have a more secure and respected place in the world. He wrote letters to the president of the United States, the queen of Great Britain and the king of France. Kamehameha III wanted the leaders of these countries to recognize the independence of the Hawaiian kingdom. The letters were to be delivered in person to an official of each nation. Three representatives from the kingʻs government were chosen to undertake this mission. They left the islands in 1842. Upon their arrival in each country they presented the letters to officials of the country. They then held discussions on the need for formal recognition of the Hawaiian kingdom. They also asked for treaties equally favorable to each of the nations involved. In 1844 agreements were reached. The United States, Great Britain and France recognized the Hawaiian kingdom as an independent nation. Hawaiʻi was a member of the "family of nations." From then on treaties with other countries could be developed on a more equal basis.
The Hawaiian Belief
The idea of owning the ʻāina (land) was hard for Hawaiians to grasp. In Hawaiian culture no individual owned land-it belonged to the akua (gods). The mōʻī (king) and his aliʻi nui (high chiefs) controlled the land while the konohiki (lesser chiefs) managed it. The makaʻāinana lived on the land. In return they gave the aliʻi nui their service and a portion of what they produced.
The Land Commission
Although Kauikeaouli and his chiefs tried to keep Hawaiian land from being sold to foreigners, it was not to be. Foreigners continued to complain and demand changes. In 1845, acting upon the advice of a few trusted foreigners, the king created a "Land Commission." The Land Commission was a five-member committee appointed to study the land claims of both Hawaiians and foreigners. Their decisions would be final. What happened during the next five years would change the land system in Hawaiʻi forever.
The Māhele
On January 27, 1848, the Māhele, or division of lands, began. With the Māhele the foreign concept of "land ownership" was established in Hawaiʻi.
The Kuleaiia Act of 1850
As for the makaʻāinana, the Kuleana Act of August 1850 made it possible for them to own land in fee simple. Kuleana is the Hawaiian word for responsibility. Therefore kuleana also became the term for land that people had lived on and cultivated.
The Constitution of 1852
By 1852 Kamehameha III realized that the Constitution of 1840 was out of date. The responsibilities of the government had greatly increased so a new constitution was written to meet those responsibilities.
The Constitution of 1852 was more liberal, or generous, than the Constitution of 1840. It gave greater power to the people in running the government. By his actions, Kamehameha III gave up much of the monarchʻs power. Never again would a Hawaiian ruler have the power his father, Kamehameha I, once had. The Constitutions of 1840 and 1852 changed the structure of Hawaiian government forever.
Threats to Hawaiʻiʻs Peace and Security
In 1844 the United States, Great Britain and France had recognized the Hawaiian kingdom as an independent nation. Unfortunately, this recognition did not bring the peace and security Kamehameha III had hoped for. Several events at this time caused the king and his people to feel uneasy and uncertain about the future.
Declining Hawaiian Population
Adding to Kauikeaouliʻs worries was the declining health and population of his people. When Captain Cook arrived in the islands, in 1778, there were about three hundred thousand Hawaiians. In 1825, the year Kauikeaouli became king, there were only half as many, or about one hundred fifty thousand Hawaiians. Tens of thousands had died from diseases brought by foreigners. To make matters worse, a smallpox epidemic broke out on Oʻahu in 1853- Smallpox is a highly contagious disease. Kamehameha III was alarmed at how fast his people were dying! Even though he tried to quarantine, or separate, the sick from the healthy, twenty-five hundred Hawaiians died in the epidemic. By 1854 there were only seventy thousand Hawaiians left in the kingdom. Meanwhile the foreign population in Hawaiʻi continued to grow.
Death of Kamehameha III
King Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli Kaleiopapa Kuakamanolani Mahinalani Kalaninuiwaiakua Keaweaweʻulaokalani, died on December 16, 1854. He had been in poor health for more than a year. Kauikeaouli was only forty years old. The Hawaiian people were deeply saddened.
"A Kingdom of Learning"
"Chiefs and people, give ear to my remarks! My kingdom shall be a kingdom of learning." These words, spoken by Kauikeaouli, showed he believed that education was very important. He believed education would prepare his people for the changes taking place in Hawaiʻi.
The Chiefsʻ Childrenʻs School
In 1839 Kauikeaouli opened the Chiefsʻ Childrenʻs School in Honolulu. He felt that future rulers must be prepared to rule a kingdom which now included both Hawaiians and foreigners. The Chiefsʻ Childrenʻs School was a very special school. In 1846 its name was changed to the Royal School. Only sixteen Hawaiian children of the highest chiefly rank attended the Royal School. Five of them later became rulers of the kingdom.
Public Education
Recognizing the growing importance of education, the government took over direction and support of the schools. The Constitution of 1840 provided for free public education and required all children to attend school. By 1850 English was the language used in business, government and foreign relations. Many Hawaiians wanted to have their children learn English, hoping this would prepare them for a better future. Toward the end of Kauikeaouliʻs reign there were 423 schools in Hawaiʻi with an enrollment of over twelve thousand students. This greatly pleased Kamehameha III. His kingdom had indeed become a "kingdom of learning."
A Constitutional Government
The Declaration of Rights-1839
One of the first changes made by Kamehameha III took place in government. Kamehameha III was convinced that all people should have certain rights. In 1839 he put these rights in writing in a document called The Declaration of Rights.
The Constitution of 1840
The next year an even more important event happened. Kamehameha III granted his people laws which, for the first time, explained in writing how the government would be run. These special laws became the Constitution of 1840, the first written constitution ever granted to the people of Hawaiʻi.
Takeover of the Kingdom
In 1843, three years after the signing of the constitution, the kingdom suffered a serious blow. With his shipʻs cannons pointing at Honolulu, British Captain Lord George Paulet seized control of the Hawaiian kingdom. He claimed this action was necessary to protect the rights of British residents in the islands. On February 25, 1843, the Hawaiian flag was lowered and the British flag hoisted in its place. He saw the fear, anger and confusion among his people. However, to avoid any loss of life, he had to give in to Paulet. Kauikeaouli assured his people that the kingdom would be restored once the British government learned about the forceful takeover.
Restoration of the Kingdom
Five months later, on July 31, 1843, the kingʻs hope for the return of the Hawaiian monarchy came true. With the help of British Admiral Richard Thomas, the Hawaiian flag was once again raised over the islands. The kingdom was restored! Kamehameha III spoke the words that became the motto of the state of Hawaiʻi: "Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono." This has most commonly been translated as: "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness." The celebration continued for ten days. For years following that first celebration, Kauikeaouli made Restoration Day, July 31, the most important holiday of the year.
Recognition of Independence
Kauikeaouli wanted his kingdom to have a more secure and respected place in the world. He wrote letters to the president of the United States, the queen of Great Britain and the king of France. Kamehameha III wanted the leaders of these countries to recognize the independence of the Hawaiian kingdom. The letters were to be delivered in person to an official of each nation. Three representatives from the kingʻs government were chosen to undertake this mission. They left the islands in 1842. Upon their arrival in each country they presented the letters to officials of the country. They then held discussions on the need for formal recognition of the Hawaiian kingdom. They also asked for treaties equally favorable to each of the nations involved. In 1844 agreements were reached. The United States, Great Britain and France recognized the Hawaiian kingdom as an independent nation. Hawaiʻi was a member of the "family of nations." From then on treaties with other countries could be developed on a more equal basis.
The Hawaiian Belief
The idea of owning the ʻāina (land) was hard for Hawaiians to grasp. In Hawaiian culture no individual owned land-it belonged to the akua (gods). The mōʻī (king) and his aliʻi nui (high chiefs) controlled the land while the konohiki (lesser chiefs) managed it. The makaʻāinana lived on the land. In return they gave the aliʻi nui their service and a portion of what they produced.
The Land Commission
Although Kauikeaouli and his chiefs tried to keep Hawaiian land from being sold to foreigners, it was not to be. Foreigners continued to complain and demand changes. In 1845, acting upon the advice of a few trusted foreigners, the king created a "Land Commission." The Land Commission was a five-member committee appointed to study the land claims of both Hawaiians and foreigners. Their decisions would be final. What happened during the next five years would change the land system in Hawaiʻi forever.
The Māhele
On January 27, 1848, the Māhele, or division of lands, began. With the Māhele the foreign concept of "land ownership" was established in Hawaiʻi.
The Kuleaiia Act of 1850
As for the makaʻāinana, the Kuleana Act of August 1850 made it possible for them to own land in fee simple. Kuleana is the Hawaiian word for responsibility. Therefore kuleana also became the term for land that people had lived on and cultivated.
The Constitution of 1852
By 1852 Kamehameha III realized that the Constitution of 1840 was out of date. The responsibilities of the government had greatly increased so a new constitution was written to meet those responsibilities.
The Constitution of 1852 was more liberal, or generous, than the Constitution of 1840. It gave greater power to the people in running the government. By his actions, Kamehameha III gave up much of the monarchʻs power. Never again would a Hawaiian ruler have the power his father, Kamehameha I, once had. The Constitutions of 1840 and 1852 changed the structure of Hawaiian government forever.
Threats to Hawaiʻiʻs Peace and Security
In 1844 the United States, Great Britain and France had recognized the Hawaiian kingdom as an independent nation. Unfortunately, this recognition did not bring the peace and security Kamehameha III had hoped for. Several events at this time caused the king and his people to feel uneasy and uncertain about the future.
Declining Hawaiian Population
Adding to Kauikeaouliʻs worries was the declining health and population of his people. When Captain Cook arrived in the islands, in 1778, there were about three hundred thousand Hawaiians. In 1825, the year Kauikeaouli became king, there were only half as many, or about one hundred fifty thousand Hawaiians. Tens of thousands had died from diseases brought by foreigners. To make matters worse, a smallpox epidemic broke out on Oʻahu in 1853- Smallpox is a highly contagious disease. Kamehameha III was alarmed at how fast his people were dying! Even though he tried to quarantine, or separate, the sick from the healthy, twenty-five hundred Hawaiians died in the epidemic. By 1854 there were only seventy thousand Hawaiians left in the kingdom. Meanwhile the foreign population in Hawaiʻi continued to grow.
Death of Kamehameha III
King Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli Kaleiopapa Kuakamanolani Mahinalani Kalaninuiwaiakua Keaweaweʻulaokalani, died on December 16, 1854. He had been in poor health for more than a year. Kauikeaouli was only forty years old. The Hawaiian people were deeply saddened.
Kuamo'o Bay and the Battlefield of Lekeleke
Battlefield of Lekeleke
Lekeleke Burial Ground, also known as the Kuamo'o Burials, is a historic battlefield and burial site located on Kuamo'o Bay in the North Kona District on the Big Island of Hawaii. Over 300 warriors were killed on the site during the epic Battle of Kuamo'o. The area is listed on the Hawaii register of historic places, as well as in the National Register of Historic Places. Kuamo'o is historically significant because it is the site of the bloody battle between two powerful cousins, Kekuaokalani and Liholiho (Kamehameha II) in 1819. Kekuaokalani and his wife, Manono, gallantly led the fight to preserve traditional ways, but were ultimately defeated by the forces of Liholiho who were seeking to end the ancient Hawaiian religious system called the KapuWestern rifles were used by both factions which contributed to the high death toll. Today, terraced graves on this lava field serve as memorials to the hundreds of warriors who fell during the battle. Ti leaves, wrapped around lava stones, are offered on the graves by native Hawaiians.
A plaque on a boulder explains the circumstances of the battle and how over 300 were killed. Following the death of Kamehameha I in 1819, King Kamehameha II (Liholiho) declared an end to the kapu system. Forty years had passed since the death of Captain Cook at Kealakekua Bay, during which time it became increasingly apparent to the chiefly classes that the kapu system was breaking down; social behavior was changing rapidly and western actions clearly were immune to the ancient Hawaiian kapu (taboos). Kamehameha II sent word to the island districts, and to the other islands, that the numerous heiau and their images of the gods be destroyed. Kekuaokalani (Kamehameha II’s cousin) and his wife Manono opposed the abolition of the kapu system and assumed the responsibility of leading those who opposed its abolition. Kekuaokalani demanded that Kamehameha II withdraw his edict on abolition of the kapu system. Kamehameha II refused. The two powerful cousins engaged at the final Hawaiian battle of Kuamo`o, the king's better‐armed forces, led by Kalanimoku, defeated the last defenders of the Hawaiian gods, of their temples and priesthoods.
A plaque on a boulder explains the circumstances of the battle and how over 300 were killed. Following the death of Kamehameha I in 1819, King Kamehameha II (Liholiho) declared an end to the kapu system. Forty years had passed since the death of Captain Cook at Kealakekua Bay, during which time it became increasingly apparent to the chiefly classes that the kapu system was breaking down; social behavior was changing rapidly and western actions clearly were immune to the ancient Hawaiian kapu (taboos). Kamehameha II sent word to the island districts, and to the other islands, that the numerous heiau and their images of the gods be destroyed. Kekuaokalani (Kamehameha II’s cousin) and his wife Manono opposed the abolition of the kapu system and assumed the responsibility of leading those who opposed its abolition. Kekuaokalani demanded that Kamehameha II withdraw his edict on abolition of the kapu system. Kamehameha II refused. The two powerful cousins engaged at the final Hawaiian battle of Kuamo`o, the king's better‐armed forces, led by Kalanimoku, defeated the last defenders of the Hawaiian gods, of their temples and priesthoods.
This changed the course of their civilization and ended the kapu system (and the ancient organized religion), effectively weakened belief in the power of the gods and the inevitability of divine punishment for those who opposed them, and made way for the transformation to Christianity and westernization. Here, at Lekeleke Burial Grounds, lay the remains of more than 300 warriors. Gaze upslope and see the terraced burials that mark this moment in history. The Journal of William Ellis (1823): Scene of Battle with Supporters of Idolatry After traveling about two miles over this barren waste, we reached where, in the autumn of 1819, the decisive battle was fought between the forces of Rihoriho (Liholiho), the present king, and his cousin, Kekuaokalani, in which the latter was slain, his followers completely overthrown, and the cruel system of idolatry, which he took up arms to support, effectually destroyed. The natives pointed out to us the place where the king’s troops, led on by Karaimoku (Kalanimoku), were first attacked by the idolatrous party. We saw several small heaps of stones, which our guide informed us were the graves of those who, during the conflict, had fallen there. We were then shewn the spot on which the king’s troops formed a line from the seashore towards the mountains, and drove the opposing party before them to a rising ground, where a stone fence, about breast high, enabled the enemy to defend themselves for some time, but from which they were at length driven by a party of Karaimoku’s (Kalanimoku) warriors.
Pu'u O' Hau and the Face of Pele
PU’U O’HAU Two cinder cones
the divide between North & South Kona.
This is Pele when she is mad! What makes Pele gets when people take lava rocks away from our island. Stones with letters and testimonies of horrible episodes are sent back to the islands daily by visitors who choose to test wrath of Pele. Don't do it.. but, if you do and strange things start to happen, don't send it back to me, send it directly to the Volcano National Park, they know what to do.
Legend of Pele the Fire Goddess and Ohia the Strong Handsome Man
A strong and handsome man named Ohia rejected the advances of Pele the fire goddess. She becomes enraged and in her fury Pele transforms Ohia into a hard wooded tree and separating him from his one and true love Lehua. Lehua was so heartbroken cries at the side of Ohia who is now a strong hard wooded tree. Lehua cry’s and cry’s by his side. The Gods look down and feel Lehua’s suffering and decide to transform her into a blossom and attaches her to Ohia so that they will be together for all time. So today when someone picks the flowers of the Lehua they separating her from the Ohia and it begins to rain. For this is a reminder of the strong and undivided love of Ohia and Lehua.
The school children always say, Kumu (teacher) you have to say, “The End”
The school children always say, Kumu (teacher) you have to say, “The End”

The story teller plays an extremely important role in the Hawaiian culture.
Transferring historical events, Hawaiian traditions and values. Keeping everyone connected.
Makahiki
The Makahiki festival celebration was to give respect and honor to Lono the God of farming, fertility and peace. Makahiki marked a temporary stop to activities of war, hard labor and fighting. Beginning in late October or early November when the Pleiades constellation was first observed rising above the horizon at sunset, the Makahiki period continued for a little over three and a half months, through the time of rough seas, high winds, storms and heavy rains.
Makahiki to offer gifts of the land, a time to cease farming labors and a time to feast and enjoy competitive games. Hawaiians gave ritualized thanks for the abundance of the earth and called upon the gods to provide rain and prosperity in the future.
Lono, the god of fertility and rain, was identified with southerly storms. He is sometimes referred to as the elder brother of Pa`ao, the influential priest who also arrived from the south and who instituted new rituals and beliefs in the Hawaiian religion. Lono took many forms, or kino lau. He could be seen in the black rain clouds of kona storms, in flashing eyes that resembled lightning, or in kukui, a plant associated with the pig-god Kamapua`a. Kamapua`a and Pele were both close relatives of Lono. Pele was sometimes called Lono's niece, sharing his southern origins and favoring the rainy seasons and southern coasts for her eruptions.
The highest chief of the island acted as host to Lono during Makahiki, performing ceremonies to mark the beginning and end of the festival. The chief collected gifts and offerings – food, animals, kapa, cordage, feathers and other items – on behalf of Lono and redistributed them later amongst lesser chiefs and their followers. The chief declared the kapu on produce and the land which was observed as the Lono figure - a staff topped by a small carved figure and a crossbar supporting a white sheet of kapa – was carried around the island perimeter in a clockwise direction. Lono's retinue stopped at the boundary of each ahupua`a where a stone altar, or ahu, included the carved wooden pig - the pua`a - and where gifts of the district had been collected. The slow circuit of the island took several days.
Once all the tribute to Lono and the chief was collected, communities gathered to celebrate with feasts and games. Chiefs and commoners competed, as well as those trained as athletes. Boxing was a favorite spectator sport. Both men and women participated in the competitions; some contests were sham battles that resulted in death. Other games included `ulu maika (a type of bowling), foot races, marksmanship with pahe`e or short javelins, puhenehene, a guessing game with pebbles that often involved sexual wagers, wrestling and hula dancing. Hula – under guidance of the goddess Laka, sister to Pele – offered many chants and dances composed specifically for Makahiki. They honored Lono, the chief, Kane (the god most closely associated with taro), and were meant to invoke rain and fertility.
In addition to the games and circuit of the Lono figure, the chief observed further religious ceremonies. Makahiki rituals were the most festive of the Hawaiian religion and included dramatic pageants and other acted-out scenes. The pageant of Kahoali`i honored a mythical hero sometimes associated with the dark underworld where the sun goes at dusk. The pageant of Maoloha, or the net of Makali`i, featured a net of food symbolizing the Pleiades and a future period of prosperity. Once the proper rituals and ceremonies were performed, the chief lifted the kapu on fishing, farming and war and a basket of food was ritually set adrift on the sea, lashed to the outrigger of a wooden canoe. Normal life resumed and the farming cycle began again.
Makahiki to offer gifts of the land, a time to cease farming labors and a time to feast and enjoy competitive games. Hawaiians gave ritualized thanks for the abundance of the earth and called upon the gods to provide rain and prosperity in the future.
Lono, the god of fertility and rain, was identified with southerly storms. He is sometimes referred to as the elder brother of Pa`ao, the influential priest who also arrived from the south and who instituted new rituals and beliefs in the Hawaiian religion. Lono took many forms, or kino lau. He could be seen in the black rain clouds of kona storms, in flashing eyes that resembled lightning, or in kukui, a plant associated with the pig-god Kamapua`a. Kamapua`a and Pele were both close relatives of Lono. Pele was sometimes called Lono's niece, sharing his southern origins and favoring the rainy seasons and southern coasts for her eruptions.
The highest chief of the island acted as host to Lono during Makahiki, performing ceremonies to mark the beginning and end of the festival. The chief collected gifts and offerings – food, animals, kapa, cordage, feathers and other items – on behalf of Lono and redistributed them later amongst lesser chiefs and their followers. The chief declared the kapu on produce and the land which was observed as the Lono figure - a staff topped by a small carved figure and a crossbar supporting a white sheet of kapa – was carried around the island perimeter in a clockwise direction. Lono's retinue stopped at the boundary of each ahupua`a where a stone altar, or ahu, included the carved wooden pig - the pua`a - and where gifts of the district had been collected. The slow circuit of the island took several days.
Once all the tribute to Lono and the chief was collected, communities gathered to celebrate with feasts and games. Chiefs and commoners competed, as well as those trained as athletes. Boxing was a favorite spectator sport. Both men and women participated in the competitions; some contests were sham battles that resulted in death. Other games included `ulu maika (a type of bowling), foot races, marksmanship with pahe`e or short javelins, puhenehene, a guessing game with pebbles that often involved sexual wagers, wrestling and hula dancing. Hula – under guidance of the goddess Laka, sister to Pele – offered many chants and dances composed specifically for Makahiki. They honored Lono, the chief, Kane (the god most closely associated with taro), and were meant to invoke rain and fertility.
In addition to the games and circuit of the Lono figure, the chief observed further religious ceremonies. Makahiki rituals were the most festive of the Hawaiian religion and included dramatic pageants and other acted-out scenes. The pageant of Kahoali`i honored a mythical hero sometimes associated with the dark underworld where the sun goes at dusk. The pageant of Maoloha, or the net of Makali`i, featured a net of food symbolizing the Pleiades and a future period of prosperity. Once the proper rituals and ceremonies were performed, the chief lifted the kapu on fishing, farming and war and a basket of food was ritually set adrift on the sea, lashed to the outrigger of a wooden canoe. Normal life resumed and the farming cycle began again.
Kealakehua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument
Kealakekua Bay is located on the Kona coast of the island of Hawaiʻi about 12 miles (19 km) south of Kailua-Kona. Settled over a thousand years ago, the surrounding area contains many archeological and historical sites such as religious temples (heiaus) and also includes the spot where the first documented European to reach the Hawaiian islands, Captain James Cook, died. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places listings on the island of Hawaii in 1973 as the Kealakekua Bay Historical District. The bay is a marine life conservation district in 1969.
Ancient history
Settlement on Kealakekua Bay has a long history. Hikiau Heiau was a luakini temple of Ancient Hawaii at the south end of the bay, associated with funeral rites. The large platform of volcanic rock was originally over 16 feet (4.9 m) high, 250 feet (76 m) long, and 100 feet (30 m) wide. The sheer cliff face called Pali Kapu O Keōuaoverlooking the bay was the burial place of Hawaiian royalty. The name means "forbidden cliffs of Keōua " in honor of Keōua Nui. He was sometimes known as the "father of kings" since many rulers were his descendants.
The village of Kaʻawaloa was at the north end of the bay in ancient times, where the Puhina O Lono Heiau was built, along with some royal residences. The name of the village means "the distant Kava", from the medicinal plant used in religious rituals. The name of the bay comes from ke ala ke kua in the Hawaiian Language which means "the god's pathway." This area was the focus of extensive Makahiki celebrations in honor of the god Lono. Another name for the area north of the bay was hale ki'i, due to the large number of wood carvings, better known today as "tiki".
Captain Cook and The King Of the Entire Island, Kalaniʻōpuʻu
Cook had entered the bay during Makahiki. This was a traditionally peaceful time of year, so he and his men were welcomed and given food. Cook and his crew stayed for several weeks, returning to sea shortly after the end of the festival. After suffering damage during a storm, the ships returned two weeks later, on February 14. This time relations were not as smooth.
After one of the crew members accused the Hawaiian men of Ka'awaloa of stealing one of the Resolution's small boats, Cook attempted to take the King Kalaniʻōpuʻu as hostage until the boat was returned.
Turmoil
When Kalaniʻōpuʻu died in 1782, his oldest son Kiwalaʻo officially inherited the kingdom, but his nephew Kamehameha I became guardian of the god Kūkaʻilimoku. A younger son, Keōua Kuahuʻula, was not happy about this and provoked Kamehameha. The forces met just south of the bay at the battle of Mokuʻōhai. Kamehameha won control of the west and north sides of the island, but Keōua escaped. It would take over a decade to consolidate his control.
In 1786, merchant ships of the King George's Sound Company under command of the maritime fur traders Nathaniel Portlock and Captain George Dixon anchored in the harbor, but avoided coming ashore. They had been on Cook's voyage when he was killed by natives. In December 1788, the Iphigenia under William Douglas arrived with Chief Kaʻiana, who had already traveled to China.
The first American ship was probably the Lady Washington around this time under Captain John Kendrick. Two sailors, Parson Howel and James Boyd, left the ship (in 1790 or when it returned in 1793) and lived on the island.
In March 1790, the American ship Eleanora arrived at Kealakekua Bay and sent a British sailor ashore named John Young, to determine whether the sister ship, the schooner Fair American, had arrived for its planned rendezvous. Young was detained by Kamehameha's men to prevent the Eleanora's Captain Simon Metcalfe from hearing the news of the destruction of the Fair American, and the death of Metcalfe's son, after the massacre at Olowalu. Young and Isaac Davis, the lone survivor of the Fair American, slowly adjusted to the island lifestyle. They instructed Hawaiians in the use of the captured cannon and muskets, becoming respected advisers to Kamehameha. In 1791 Spanish explorer Manuel Quimper visited on the ship Princess Royal.
More visitors
Priests traveling across the bay for first contact rituals, by John Webber
Main article: Vancouver Expedition George Vancouver arrived in March 1792 to winter in the islands with a small fleet of British ships. He had been a young midshipman on Cook's fatal voyage 13 years earlier and commanded the party that attempted to recover Cook's remains. He avoided anchoring in Kealakekua Bay, but met some men in canoes who were interested in trading. The common request was for firearms, which Vancouver resisted. One included chief Kaʻiana, who would later turn against Kamehameha. Vancouver suspected Kaʻiana intended to seize his ships, so left him behind and headed up the coast. There he was surprised to encounter a Hawaiian who in broken English introduced himself as "Jack", and told of traveling to America on a fur-trading ship. Through him, Vancouver met Keʻeaumoku Pāpaʻiahiahi, who gave him a favorable impression of Kamehameha (his son-in-law). He spent the rest of the winter in Oʻahu. Vancouver returned in February 1793; this time he picked up Keʻeaumoku and anchored in Kealakekua Bay. When Kamehameha came to greet the ship, he brought John Young, now fluent in the Hawaiian language, as an interpreter. This greatly helped to develop a trusted trading relationship. The Hawaiians presented a war game, which was often part of the Makahiki celebration. Impressed by the warriors' abilities, Vancouver fired off some fireworks at night to demonstrate his military technology.
Vancouver presented some cattle which he had picked up in California. Kamehameha placed a Kapu. a ten year law that forbid anyone from hurting or killing the cattle so they would multiple.
Ships in the bay (sketch by Rufus Anderson)Vancouver left in March 1793 after visiting the other islands to continue his expedition, and returned again January 13, 1794. He still hoped to broker a truce between Kamehameha and the other islands. His first step was to reconcile Kamehameha with Queen Kaʻahumanu. He dropped off more cattle and sheep from California, and discovered a cow left the year before had delivered a calf. The cattle became feral and eventually became pests. They were not controlled until the "Hawaiian Cowboys," known as the Paniolo, were recruited.
The ship's carpenters instructed the Hawaiians and the British advisers how to build a 36-foot (11 m) European-style ship, which they named the Britania. On February 25, 1794, Vancouver gathered leaders from around the island onto his ship and negotiated a treaty. Although this treaty was sometimes described as "ceding" Hawaii to Great Britain, the treaty was never ratified by British Parliament.
Decline
For the next few years, Kamehameha was engaged in his war campaigns, and then spent his last years at Kamakahonu to the north. By this time other harbors such as Lahaina and Honolulu became popular with visiting ships. By 1804, the heiau was falling into disuse. In 1814, a British ship HMS Forrester arrived in the midsts of a mutiny. Otto von Kotzebue arrived i 1816 on a mission from the Russian Empire.
When Kamehameha I died in 1819, his oldest son Liholiho officially inherited the kingdom, calling himself Kamehameha II. His nephew Keaoua Kekuaokalani inherited the important military and religious post of guardian of Kūkaʻilimoku. However, true power was held by Kamehameha's widow Queen kaʻahumanu. She had been convinced by Vancouver and other visitors that the European customs should be adopted. In the ʻAi Noa she declared an end to the old Kapu system.
Kekuaokalani was outraged by this threat to the old traditions, which still were respected by most common people. He gathered religious supporters at Kaʻawaloa, threatening to take the kingdom by force, as happened 37 years earlier. After a failed attempt to negotiate peace, he marched his army north to meet Kalanimoku's troops who were gathered at Kamakahonu. They met in the Battle of Kuamoʻo. Both sides had muskets, but Kalanimoku had cannon mounted on double-hulled canoes. He devastated the fighters for the old religion, who still lie buried in the lava rock.
The former village of Kaʻawaloa is now overgrown with Kiawe trees. The wood Kiʻi carvings were burned, and the temples fell into disrepair. A small Christian church was built in 1824 in Kaʻawaloa by the Hawaiian missionaries, and the narrow trail widened to a donkey cart road in the late 1820s, but the population declined and shifted to other areas.
In 1825, Admiral Lord Byron (cousin of the famous poet) on the ship HMS Blonde erected a monument to Cook and took away many of the old, sacred artifacts. The last royalty known to live here was high chief Naihe, known as the "national orator," and his wife Chiefess Kapiʻolani, early converts to Christianity. In 1829, she was saddened to see that the destruction of the temples included desecrating the bones of her ancestors at the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau. She removed the remains of the old chiefs and hid them in the Pali Kapu O Keōua cliffs before ordering this last temple to be destroyed. The bones were later moved to the Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii in 1858, under direction of King Kamehameha IV.
In 1839 a massive stone church was built just south of the bay. It fell into ruin, and a smaller building called Kahikolu Church was built in 1852. This also fell into ruin, but has been rebuilt. In 1894 a wharf was constructed at the village at the south of the bay, now called Napoʻopoʻo. A steamer landed in the early 20th century when Kona coffee became a popular crop in the upland areas.
A large white stone monument was built on the north shore of the bay in 1874 on the order of Princess Likelike and was deeded to the United Kingdom in 1877. The chain around the monument is supported by four cannon from the ship HMS Fantome; they were placed with their breaches embedded in the rock in 1876. It marks the approximate location of Cook's death.
About 180 acres around the bay was designated a State Historic Park in 1967, and it was added as a Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The 315 acres of the bay itself were declared a Marine Life Conservation District in 1969.
Ancient history
Settlement on Kealakekua Bay has a long history. Hikiau Heiau was a luakini temple of Ancient Hawaii at the south end of the bay, associated with funeral rites. The large platform of volcanic rock was originally over 16 feet (4.9 m) high, 250 feet (76 m) long, and 100 feet (30 m) wide. The sheer cliff face called Pali Kapu O Keōuaoverlooking the bay was the burial place of Hawaiian royalty. The name means "forbidden cliffs of Keōua " in honor of Keōua Nui. He was sometimes known as the "father of kings" since many rulers were his descendants.
The village of Kaʻawaloa was at the north end of the bay in ancient times, where the Puhina O Lono Heiau was built, along with some royal residences. The name of the village means "the distant Kava", from the medicinal plant used in religious rituals. The name of the bay comes from ke ala ke kua in the Hawaiian Language which means "the god's pathway." This area was the focus of extensive Makahiki celebrations in honor of the god Lono. Another name for the area north of the bay was hale ki'i, due to the large number of wood carvings, better known today as "tiki".
Captain Cook and The King Of the Entire Island, Kalaniʻōpuʻu
Cook had entered the bay during Makahiki. This was a traditionally peaceful time of year, so he and his men were welcomed and given food. Cook and his crew stayed for several weeks, returning to sea shortly after the end of the festival. After suffering damage during a storm, the ships returned two weeks later, on February 14. This time relations were not as smooth.
After one of the crew members accused the Hawaiian men of Ka'awaloa of stealing one of the Resolution's small boats, Cook attempted to take the King Kalaniʻōpuʻu as hostage until the boat was returned.
Turmoil
When Kalaniʻōpuʻu died in 1782, his oldest son Kiwalaʻo officially inherited the kingdom, but his nephew Kamehameha I became guardian of the god Kūkaʻilimoku. A younger son, Keōua Kuahuʻula, was not happy about this and provoked Kamehameha. The forces met just south of the bay at the battle of Mokuʻōhai. Kamehameha won control of the west and north sides of the island, but Keōua escaped. It would take over a decade to consolidate his control.
In 1786, merchant ships of the King George's Sound Company under command of the maritime fur traders Nathaniel Portlock and Captain George Dixon anchored in the harbor, but avoided coming ashore. They had been on Cook's voyage when he was killed by natives. In December 1788, the Iphigenia under William Douglas arrived with Chief Kaʻiana, who had already traveled to China.
The first American ship was probably the Lady Washington around this time under Captain John Kendrick. Two sailors, Parson Howel and James Boyd, left the ship (in 1790 or when it returned in 1793) and lived on the island.
In March 1790, the American ship Eleanora arrived at Kealakekua Bay and sent a British sailor ashore named John Young, to determine whether the sister ship, the schooner Fair American, had arrived for its planned rendezvous. Young was detained by Kamehameha's men to prevent the Eleanora's Captain Simon Metcalfe from hearing the news of the destruction of the Fair American, and the death of Metcalfe's son, after the massacre at Olowalu. Young and Isaac Davis, the lone survivor of the Fair American, slowly adjusted to the island lifestyle. They instructed Hawaiians in the use of the captured cannon and muskets, becoming respected advisers to Kamehameha. In 1791 Spanish explorer Manuel Quimper visited on the ship Princess Royal.
More visitors
Priests traveling across the bay for first contact rituals, by John Webber
Main article: Vancouver Expedition George Vancouver arrived in March 1792 to winter in the islands with a small fleet of British ships. He had been a young midshipman on Cook's fatal voyage 13 years earlier and commanded the party that attempted to recover Cook's remains. He avoided anchoring in Kealakekua Bay, but met some men in canoes who were interested in trading. The common request was for firearms, which Vancouver resisted. One included chief Kaʻiana, who would later turn against Kamehameha. Vancouver suspected Kaʻiana intended to seize his ships, so left him behind and headed up the coast. There he was surprised to encounter a Hawaiian who in broken English introduced himself as "Jack", and told of traveling to America on a fur-trading ship. Through him, Vancouver met Keʻeaumoku Pāpaʻiahiahi, who gave him a favorable impression of Kamehameha (his son-in-law). He spent the rest of the winter in Oʻahu. Vancouver returned in February 1793; this time he picked up Keʻeaumoku and anchored in Kealakekua Bay. When Kamehameha came to greet the ship, he brought John Young, now fluent in the Hawaiian language, as an interpreter. This greatly helped to develop a trusted trading relationship. The Hawaiians presented a war game, which was often part of the Makahiki celebration. Impressed by the warriors' abilities, Vancouver fired off some fireworks at night to demonstrate his military technology.
Vancouver presented some cattle which he had picked up in California. Kamehameha placed a Kapu. a ten year law that forbid anyone from hurting or killing the cattle so they would multiple.
Ships in the bay (sketch by Rufus Anderson)Vancouver left in March 1793 after visiting the other islands to continue his expedition, and returned again January 13, 1794. He still hoped to broker a truce between Kamehameha and the other islands. His first step was to reconcile Kamehameha with Queen Kaʻahumanu. He dropped off more cattle and sheep from California, and discovered a cow left the year before had delivered a calf. The cattle became feral and eventually became pests. They were not controlled until the "Hawaiian Cowboys," known as the Paniolo, were recruited.
The ship's carpenters instructed the Hawaiians and the British advisers how to build a 36-foot (11 m) European-style ship, which they named the Britania. On February 25, 1794, Vancouver gathered leaders from around the island onto his ship and negotiated a treaty. Although this treaty was sometimes described as "ceding" Hawaii to Great Britain, the treaty was never ratified by British Parliament.
Decline
For the next few years, Kamehameha was engaged in his war campaigns, and then spent his last years at Kamakahonu to the north. By this time other harbors such as Lahaina and Honolulu became popular with visiting ships. By 1804, the heiau was falling into disuse. In 1814, a British ship HMS Forrester arrived in the midsts of a mutiny. Otto von Kotzebue arrived i 1816 on a mission from the Russian Empire.
When Kamehameha I died in 1819, his oldest son Liholiho officially inherited the kingdom, calling himself Kamehameha II. His nephew Keaoua Kekuaokalani inherited the important military and religious post of guardian of Kūkaʻilimoku. However, true power was held by Kamehameha's widow Queen kaʻahumanu. She had been convinced by Vancouver and other visitors that the European customs should be adopted. In the ʻAi Noa she declared an end to the old Kapu system.
Kekuaokalani was outraged by this threat to the old traditions, which still were respected by most common people. He gathered religious supporters at Kaʻawaloa, threatening to take the kingdom by force, as happened 37 years earlier. After a failed attempt to negotiate peace, he marched his army north to meet Kalanimoku's troops who were gathered at Kamakahonu. They met in the Battle of Kuamoʻo. Both sides had muskets, but Kalanimoku had cannon mounted on double-hulled canoes. He devastated the fighters for the old religion, who still lie buried in the lava rock.
The former village of Kaʻawaloa is now overgrown with Kiawe trees. The wood Kiʻi carvings were burned, and the temples fell into disrepair. A small Christian church was built in 1824 in Kaʻawaloa by the Hawaiian missionaries, and the narrow trail widened to a donkey cart road in the late 1820s, but the population declined and shifted to other areas.
In 1825, Admiral Lord Byron (cousin of the famous poet) on the ship HMS Blonde erected a monument to Cook and took away many of the old, sacred artifacts. The last royalty known to live here was high chief Naihe, known as the "national orator," and his wife Chiefess Kapiʻolani, early converts to Christianity. In 1829, she was saddened to see that the destruction of the temples included desecrating the bones of her ancestors at the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau. She removed the remains of the old chiefs and hid them in the Pali Kapu O Keōua cliffs before ordering this last temple to be destroyed. The bones were later moved to the Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii in 1858, under direction of King Kamehameha IV.
In 1839 a massive stone church was built just south of the bay. It fell into ruin, and a smaller building called Kahikolu Church was built in 1852. This also fell into ruin, but has been rebuilt. In 1894 a wharf was constructed at the village at the south of the bay, now called Napoʻopoʻo. A steamer landed in the early 20th century when Kona coffee became a popular crop in the upland areas.
A large white stone monument was built on the north shore of the bay in 1874 on the order of Princess Likelike and was deeded to the United Kingdom in 1877. The chain around the monument is supported by four cannon from the ship HMS Fantome; they were placed with their breaches embedded in the rock in 1876. It marks the approximate location of Cook's death.
About 180 acres around the bay was designated a State Historic Park in 1967, and it was added as a Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The 315 acres of the bay itself were declared a Marine Life Conservation District in 1969.
Pali Kapu O Keoua
600 foot high cliff. Volcanic fault line & vertical sea cliff created by landslides and wave action. This cliff was formed by a submarine volcanic eruption in 1877. Earthquakes in 1950 & 51 resulted in landslides that deposited rock into the bay. Also considered to be on of the largest burial site in Hawaii.
Captain Cook Monument
Captain Cook and The King Of the Entire Island, Kalaniʻōpuʻu
Captain Cook and his crews on the Resolution and Discovery sighted Kealakekua Bay on the morning of January 17, 1779. He estimated several thousand people lived in the two villages.
Cook had entered the bay during Makahiki. This was a three month festival to honor Lono the god of peace, fertility and agriculture. This was a peaceful time of year, so he and his men were welcomed and given food. Cook and his crew stayed for several weeks, returning to sea shortly after the end of the festival. After suffering damage during a storm, the ships returned two weeks later, on February 14. This time relations were not as smooth. The Makahiki season had just ended. Why was Lono returning?
After his a crew member claimed that one of the small boats from the Resolution was stollen by a local native Hawaiian, Cook goes ashore and attempts to take hostage the Hawaiian King Kalaniʻōpuʻu, the king of the entire island. Before they reach the shore a young chef runs up to the King and tells him that they where crossing the bay when the ship fires on them and kills the Kings nephew. Cook quickly retreats to the shore where another skirmish ensued during which the ship starts to fire on everyone and thus Cook, his men and over 25 native men where all killed.
Captain Cook and his crews on the Resolution and Discovery sighted Kealakekua Bay on the morning of January 17, 1779. He estimated several thousand people lived in the two villages.
Cook had entered the bay during Makahiki. This was a three month festival to honor Lono the god of peace, fertility and agriculture. This was a peaceful time of year, so he and his men were welcomed and given food. Cook and his crew stayed for several weeks, returning to sea shortly after the end of the festival. After suffering damage during a storm, the ships returned two weeks later, on February 14. This time relations were not as smooth. The Makahiki season had just ended. Why was Lono returning?
After his a crew member claimed that one of the small boats from the Resolution was stollen by a local native Hawaiian, Cook goes ashore and attempts to take hostage the Hawaiian King Kalaniʻōpuʻu, the king of the entire island. Before they reach the shore a young chef runs up to the King and tells him that they where crossing the bay when the ship fires on them and kills the Kings nephew. Cook quickly retreats to the shore where another skirmish ensued during which the ship starts to fire on everyone and thus Cook, his men and over 25 native men where all killed.
The Cook Monument was built by order of Princess Likelike in 1874. The chain came from the ship HMS Fantome in 1876. Deeded to the United Kingdom in 1877. Every five years seafarers from Britain come care for the monument.
The Inscription on the monument reads...
The Inscription on the monument reads...
In Memory of the great circumnavigator Captain James Cook, who discovered these islands on the 18TH of JANUARY A.D. 1778 and fell near this spot on the 14TH of FEBRUARY, AD 1779, this monument was erected in NOVEMBER AD 1874
by some of his fellow countrymen.
by some of his fellow countrymen.
Short Stories
The following short stories are expanded or detailed events from the Hawai`I Timeline and are arranged chronologically.
Contact to Mahele (1778-1848)
The Mahele to the Overthrow (1848-1893)
Annexation to World War II (1893-1941)
World War II to Statehood (1941-1958)
Statehood to Today (1959-present)
The following short stories are expanded or detailed events from the Hawai`I Timeline and are arranged chronologically.
Contact to Mahele (1778-1848)
- Captain Cook arrives in Hawai`i, 1778
- Captain Cook killed, 1779
- La Perouse in Hawaiian waters, 1786
- Olowalu Massacre, 1790
- Battle of Kepaniwai, 1790
- Kamehameha dedicates Pu`ukohola heiau, 1791
- Captain Vancouver in Hawai`i, 1793
- Kamehameha unites the Hawaiian Islands, 1795
- Russians in Hawai`i, 1804
- Sandalwood trade, 1810
- Breaking of the kapu, 1819
- Battle at Kuamo`o, 1819
- Protestant missionaries arrive, 1820
- Liholiho and Kamamalu die in London, 1824
- Kamehameha III rules, 1825
- Hawaiian standardized as a written language, 1826
- First paniolo arrive, 1830
- Ka`ahumanu dies, 1832
- The French in Hawai`i, 1837
- Constitution of 1840, 1840
- Lord Paulet temporarily claims Hawai`i for Britain, 1843
- Whaling industry, 1846
The Mahele to the Overthrow (1848-1893)
- The Mahele, 1848
- Alexander Liholiho and Lot Kamehameha travel abroad, 1849
- Honolulu Fire Department Established, 1850
- Whalers riot in Honolulu, 1852
- Constitution of 1852, 1852
- Chinese laborers in Hawai`i, 1852
- Alexander Liholiho ascends the throne, 1854
- First Kaho`olawe leases granted, 1858
- Queen's Hospital opens in temporary quarters, 1859
- Prince Albert dies, 1862
- Lot ascends the throne, 1863
- Constitution of 1864, 1864
- Japanese laborers arrive, 1868
- Hurricane hits Maui, 1871
- Lunalilo elected king, 1873
- Father Damien arrives at Kalaupapa, 1873
- Kalakaua elected king, 1874
- Claus Spreckels arrives in Hawai`i, 1876
- Portuguese workers arrive, 1878
- Cornerstone laid for `Iolani Palace, 1879
- Kalakaua's coronation, 1883
- Bernice Pauahi dies, 1884
- Queen Emma dies, 1885
- Chinatown fire of 1886, 1886
- Bayonet Constitution, 1887
- Lili`uokalani succeeds Kalakaua, 1891
Annexation to World War II (1893-1941)
- Monarchy overthrown, 1893
- Counterrevolution to reinstate Queen Lili`uokalani, 1895
- Ka`iulani dies, 1899
- Chinatown fire of 1900, 1900
- Korean laborers arrive, 1903
- Filipino laborers arrive, 1906
- James Dole establishes the Hawaiian Pineapple Company, 1907
- Jack London sails to Hawai`i, 1907
- Hawai`i Volcano Observatory founded, 1911
- Duke Kahanamoku wins gold medal at Stockholm Olympics, 1912
- Hawai`i National Park established, 1916
- Kaho`olawe leased to Angus MacPhee, 1918
- Work on Pearl Harbor begins, 1918
- Hawaiian Homes Commission Act passed, 1922
- Honolulu Academy of Arts opens, 1927
- SS Malolo arrives; Royal Hawaiian Hotel opens, 1927
- Natatorium War Memorial opens, 1927
- First Lei Day celebration, 1929
- Massie case, 1931
- Big Five, 1933
- Mauna Loa eruption threatens Hilo, 1935
- First commercial aloha shirt produced, 1936
- Soichi Sakamoto founds Three-Year Swim Club, 1937
World War II to Statehood (1941-1958)
- Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, 1941
- 442nd Regimental Combat Team activated, 1943
- Martial law ends, 1944
- Tsunami hits Hilo, 1946
- ILWU strikes against shipping, 1949
- Sir Peter Buck dies, 1951
Statehood to Today (1959-present)
- Hawai`i becomes a state, 1959
- Haleakala National Park and Pu`uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park esta, 1961
- John Burns elected governor, 1962
- Don Ho debuts, 1962
- Sammy Amalu hoax revealed, 1962
- William S. Richardson named Chief Justice, 1966
- Henry Kaiser dies, 1967
- Kamehameha I and Father Damien honored in Statuary Hall, 1969
- First Merrie Monarch hula competition, 1970
- Polynesian Voyaging Society established, 1973
- Protesters occupy Kaho`olawe, 1976
- Hokule`a sails to Tahiti, 1976
- Hawaii Police Department, 1976
- Pu`u `O`o eruption begins, 1983
- Voyage of Rediscovery begins, 1985
- Apology Bill, 1993
- Hawaiian sovereignty movement, 1993
- H-3 opens, 1997
- 1898 Hui Aloha `Aina petition published, 1998
- Hokule`a sails to Rapa Nui, 1999
- Endeavour replica visits Hawai`i, 1999
- Polar Bears visit the USS Honolulu while on a mission to the Arctic Circle., 2003
What Was Happening - America and Hawaii Timeline
US Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom
Battle of Wounded Knee - December 29, 1890, South Dakota, occurs in the last major battle between United States troops and Indians. Hundreds of Indian men, women, and children are slain, along with twenty-nine soldiers. Image below: Return of Casey's scouts from the battle of Wounded Knee, 1890-1891.
January 1, 1892 - Ellis Island, in New York Harbor, opens as the main east coast immigration center, and would remain the initial debarkation point for European immigrants into the United States until its closure in 1954. More than 12 million immigrants would be processed on the island during those years. Ellis Island replaced Castle Garden, in Manhattan, as the New York immigration center.
November 8, 1892 - Grover Cleveland is President
January 14-17, 1893 - The United States Marines, under the direction of U.S. government minister John L. Stevens, but no authority from the U.S. Congress, intervene in the affairs of the independent Kingdom of Hawaii, which culminated in the overthrow of the government of Hawaiian Queen Liliuokalani. Monarchy overthrown - 1893
A group of American businessmen, frustrated by Queen Lili'uokalani's persistence in adopting a new constitution, organized a "Committee of Safety" and staged a coup January 17, 1893. Pressured by United States Minister Stevens and the presence of American marines, Lili'uokalani acquiesced, hoping the United States President would right the situation. Though President Cleveland and his special commissioner James Blount supported the return of the Queen's sovereignty, the Provisional Government refused to step down. They quickly proclaimed themselves the Republic of Hawai'i and by 1898 they'd received status as a U.S. Territory.
May 5, 1893 - The New York Stock Exchange collapses, starting the financial panic of 1893. It would lead to a four year period of depression.
Monarchy overthrown - 1893
A group of American businessmen, frustrated by Queen Lili'uokalani's persistence in adopting a new constitution, organized a "Committee of Safety" and staged a coup January 17, 1893. Pressured by United States Minister Stevens and the presence of American marines, Lili'uokalani acquiesced, hoping the United States President would right the situation. Though President Cleveland and his special commissioner James Blount supported the return of the Queen's sovereignty, the Provisional Government refused to step down. They quickly proclaimed themselves the Republic of Hawai'i and by 1898 they'd received status as a U.S. Territory.
November 3, 1896 - William McKinley is President - Republican William McKinley claims victory in the presidential election with a majority of Electoral College voters, 271 selected him over Democratic and People's Party candidate William J. Bryan with 176.
July 17, 1897 - The Klondike Gold Rush begins with the arrival of the first prospectors in Seattle. The Gold Rush would be chronicled beginning eight days later when Jack London sails to the Klondike and writes his tales.
February 15, 1898 - The rallying cry, "Remember the Maine" is struck when the United States battleship Maine explodes and sinks under unknown causes in Havana Harbor, Cuba, killing two hundred and sixteen seamen. The sentiment becomes a rallying point during the coming Spanish-American War.
April 22, 1898 - The blockade of Cuba begins when the United States Navy aids independence forces within Cuba. Several days later, the U.S.A. declares war on Spain, backdating its declaration to April 20. On May 1, 1898, the United States Navy destroyed the Spanish fleet in the Philippines. On June 20, the U.S. would take Guam.
May 12, 1898 - San Juan, Puerto Rico is bombed by the American navy under the command of Rear Admiral William T. Sampson. Puerto Rico is overtaken by the United States between July 25 with its landing at Guanica Bay and August 12. These acts during the Spanish-American War would ultimately result in Spain deciding in December to cede lands, including Puerto Rico, to the United States.
July 7, 1898 - The United States annexes the independent republic of Hawaii.
December 10, 1898 - The Peace Treaty ending the Spanish-American War is signed in Paris. The Spanish government agrees to grant independence to Cuba and cede Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States.
November 6, 1900 - President William McKinley wins his second term as president, this time with Theodore Roosevelt in the second spot on the ticket, again defeating William J. Bryan by an Electoral Margin of 292 to 155.
September 6, 1901 - President William H. McKinley is shot at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York while shaking hands with fair visitors, following his speech at the event on President's Day the day before. Anarchist Leon Czolgosz is arrested for the crime. On September 14, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt is inaugurated as President upon the death of William McKinley from gunshot wounds sustained the week earlier.
November 8, 1904 - Theodore Roosevelt wins his first election for President after serving three years in the office due to the death of William McKinley. He defeats Democratic candidate Alton B. Parker, 336 to 140 in the Electoral College vote.
March 4, 1905 - President Theodore Roosevelt is inaugurated for his second term.
November 3, 1908 - William Howard Taft is elected President, 321 to 162 Electoral Votes, over Democratic candidate William Jennings Bryan, who had twice before been defeated for the office by William McKinley in 1896 and 1900.
January 3, 1959 - Alaska is admitted to the United States as the 49th state.
August 21, 1959- Hawaii is admitted to the United States as the 50th state.
America's Timeline
1770-1779 - The American Revolution
1780-1789 - The Nascent Democracy
1790-1799 - America Builds
1800's
1800-1809 - Exploration
1810-1819 - The War of 1812
1820-1829 - A Decade of Compromise & Doctrine
1830-1839 - Conquering the West
1840-1849 - The Mexican War
1850-1859 - Expansion & the Looming Divide
1860-1869 - The Civil War
1870-1879 - The Nation's Centennial Decade
1880-1889 - America Invents
1890-1899 - The Age of Immigration
1900's
1900-1909 - The World Begins to Fly
1910-1919 - World War I
1920-1929 - Prosperity and Its Demise
1930-1939 - The Great Depression
1940-1949 - World War II
1950-1959 - Two Cars in Every Garage
1960-1969 - Civil Rights and Turmoil
1780-1789 - The Nascent Democracy
1790-1799 - America Builds
1800's
1800-1809 - Exploration
1810-1819 - The War of 1812
1820-1829 - A Decade of Compromise & Doctrine
1830-1839 - Conquering the West
1840-1849 - The Mexican War
1850-1859 - Expansion & the Looming Divide
1860-1869 - The Civil War
1870-1879 - The Nation's Centennial Decade
1880-1889 - America Invents
1890-1899 - The Age of Immigration
1900's
1900-1909 - The World Begins to Fly
1910-1919 - World War I
1920-1929 - Prosperity and Its Demise
1930-1939 - The Great Depression
1940-1949 - World War II
1950-1959 - Two Cars in Every Garage
1960-1969 - Civil Rights and Turmoil
|
TIMELINE
- Captain Cook arrives in Hawai`i, 1778
- Captain Cook killed, 1779
- La Perouse in Hawaiian waters, 1786
- Olowalu Massacre, 1790
- Battle of Kepaniwai, 1790
- Kamehameha dedicates Pu`ukohola heiau, 1791
- Captain Vancouver in Hawai`i, 1793
- Kamehameha unites the Hawaiian Islands, 1795
- Russians in Hawai`i, 1804
- Sandalwood trade, 1810
- Breaking of the kapu, 1819
- Battle at Kuamo`o, 1819
- Protestant missionaries arrive, 1820
- Liholiho and Kamamalu die in London, 1824
- Kamehameha III rules, 1825
- Hawaiian standardized as a written language, 1826
- First paniolo arrive, 1830
- Ka`ahumanu dies, 1832
- The French in Hawai`i, 1837
- Constitution of 1840, 1840
- Lord Paulet temporarily claims Hawai`i for Britain, 1843
- Whaling industry, 1846
- The Mahele, 1848
- Alexander Liholiho and Lot Kamehameha travel abroad, 1849
- Honolulu Fire Department Established, 1850
- Whalers riot in Honolulu, 1852
- Constitution of 1852, 1852
- Chinese laborers in Hawai`i, 1852
- Alexander Liholiho ascends the throne, 1854
- First Kaho`olawe leases granted, 1858
- Queen's Hospital opens in temporary quarters, 1859
- Prince Albert dies, 1862
- Lot ascends the throne, 1863
- Constitution of 1864, 1864
- Japanese laborers arrive, 1868
- Hurricane hits Maui, 1871
- Lunalilo elected king, 1873
- Father Damien arrives at Kalaupapa, 1873
- Kalakaua elected king, 1874
- Claus Spreckels arrives in Hawai`i, 1876
- Portuguese workers arrive, 1878
- Cornerstone laid for `Iolani Palace, 1879
- Kalakaua's coronation, 1883
- Bernice Pauahi dies, 1884
- Queen Emma dies, 1885
- Chinatown fire of 1886, 1886
- Bayonet Constitution, 1887
- Lili`uokalani succeeds Kalakaua, 1891
- Monarchy overthrown, 1893
- Counterrevolution to reinstate Queen Lili`uokalani, 1895
- Ka`iulani dies, 1899
- Chinatown fire of 1900, 1900
- Korean laborers arrive, 1903
- Filipino laborers arrive, 1906
- James Dole establishes the Hawaiian Pineapple Company, 1907
- Jack London sails to Hawai`i, 1907
- Hawai`i Volcano Observatory founded, 1911
- Duke Kahanamoku wins gold medal at Stockholm Olympics, 1912
- Hawai`i National Park established, 1916
- Kaho`olawe leased to Angus MacPhee, 1918
- Work on Pearl Harbor begins, 1918
- Hawaiian Homes Commission Act passed, 1922
- Honolulu Academy of Arts opens, 1927
- SS Malolo arrives; Royal Hawaiian Hotel opens, 1927
- Natatorium War Memorial opens, 1927
- First Lei Day celebration, 1929
- Massie case, 1931
- Big Five, 1933
- Mauna Loa eruption threatens Hilo, 1935
- First commercial aloha shirt produced, 1936
- Soichi Sakamoto founds Three-Year Swim Club, 1937
- Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, 1941
- 442nd Regimental Combat Team activated, 1943
- Martial law ends, 1944
- Tsunami hits Hilo, 1946
- ILWU strikes against shipping, 1949
- Sir Peter Buck dies, 1951
- Hawai`i becomes a state, 1959
- Haleakala National Park and Pu`uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park esta, 1961
- John Burns elected governor, 1962
- Don Ho debuts, 1962
- Sammy Amalu hoax revealed, 1962
- William S. Richardson named Chief Justice, 1966
- Henry Kaiser dies, 1967
- Kamehameha I and Father Damien honored in Statuary Hall, 1969
- First Merrie Monarch hula competition, 1970
- Polynesian Voyaging Society established, 1973
- Protesters occupy Kaho`olawe, 1976
- Hokule`a sails to Tahiti, 1976
- Hawaii Police Department, 1976
- Pu`u `O`o eruption begins, 1983
- Voyage of Rediscovery begins, 1985
- Apology Bill, 1993
- Hawaiian sovereignty movement, 1993
- H-3 opens, 1997
- 1898 Hui Aloha `Aina petition published, 1998
- Hokule`a sails to Rapa Nui, 1999
- Endeavour replica visits Hawai`i, 1999
- Polar Bears visit the USS Honolulu while on a mission to the Arctic Circle., 2003
http://olelooftheday.tumblr.com/post/84537323591/ahiahi#disqus_thread
Here is the Body Glove Script which I shared with you.
KAILUA - TWO SEAS 200 years ago Kailua-Kona was the center of political power during Kamehameha the greats golden years. Ahu’ena Heiau “temple of the burning alter”. May 8, 1819 Kamehameha passed .
Kailua Pier first American congregational missionaries arrive from New England in 1820 and were granted permission to come ashore, Asa Thurston and Hiram Bingham set foot on a landing area, which resembled Plymouth Rock; they dubbed it the Plymouth Rock of Hawaii.
Kamakahonu Bay translated means eye of the turtle, for a turtle shaped rock located near the bay.
Kai’a’ke a’kua Beach – Sea of the Gods Ironman World Triathlon.
Mokuaikaua Congregational Church Governor John Adams Kuakini commissioned the building of the great sea wall, and the current Moku’aikaua Church. The present structure was dedicated in early 1837. The name Mokuaikaua comes from the forest the trees came from. No metal, only stone, wood, & crushed coral as mortar.
Hulihe’e Palace built in 1838 by Governor John Adams Kuakini as his primary residence. Daughters of Hawaii began caring for the palace in 1927 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Kona Inn (1928). Bi-weekly cargo ship. Stopped housing guests in 1976
Hale Halawai First District Courthouse, and jailhouse.
KAUAKAIAKAOLA A priest named Pa’ao, a tall fare skinned man who came from a distant land strategically planned and implemented the Kapu.
KAMOA POINT -The Hawaiian Islands is the most remote island chain on earth. Largest endemic species and endangered species list. Queen Keakealaniwahine, 17th century Keolonahihi - sports complex King Kamehameha the Great - prophesy of Kamehameha. Born around 1758 United the Island in 1795, The Lonely One - Law of the Splintered Paddle. 1794 receives cattle - Capt. George Vancouver. 1830’s Kamehameha 3rd hired Mexican Vaqueros. Ranching became a huge industry on the Big Island.
LA’ALOA – “VERY SACRED” “Magic, Disappearing”
Hua Kalua Heiau: was used as a leaping point for the spirits to find the underworld. Tell about the religious structure of Hawaii and introduce my background.
KAHALU’U St. Peters Church. Kue Manu Heiau. Sits on old Kahuna’s
Pa’o Ka Menehune home and is right next to Kue Manu Heiau.
Ke’e ku Heiau Battle between Kamalalawalu and Lonaikamakahiki - 16th century.
Hapai Ali’i Heiau “elevated chiefs.” Hapai Ali’i Heiau was also used as astrological observation
KEAUHOU - Ka Holua O Kaneaka - The Royal Holua - Son of King Kamehameha and Queen Keōpūolani Constitution (1840) - Great Mahele 1848, the great land division, allowing land ownership for everyone.
Hawaii State motto: “Ua mau I ka ea o ka ‘aina i ka pono (The life of the land is perpetuated by righteousness).” Kauikeaoli was the longest Reigning King of his time, ruling for almost 30 years until his death in 1854.
KUAMO’O BAY – Lekeleke Battle Field Kekuaokalani, the rebel army. Hawaii, National Register of Historic places - 1974. Kuamo’o translated “backbone”
PU’U O’HAU divide between North & South Kona. Nawa’awa’a – polish canoes. Legend of the Burning Village
PELE’S FACE - Pele legend Science tells us how a civilization evolved but the legends provide understanding and feeling.
Creation Chant – Wakea & Papa - Hina – Maui (Great Kite) – Naughty Elepaio – Kamapua – Pele Trilogy – The Naupaka – Two Girls Roasting Breadfruit – Ka’apulehu (Tutu Pele)
Long Ago Hawaii was a place with no name, a place with no people ….
MAKAHIKI was celebrated when the rising of Plaides a star clusters; this was the sign of the beginning of the Makahiki Season. A three and a half month period of time. God of agriculture, rains and fertility. The Lono tiki was taken around the Island in a clockwise rotation collecting offerings. Once a year.
Captain James Cook sails into Kealakeua Bay in the middle of the Makahiki Festivals, Coming into the bay in the same direction as the Lono Tiki and the sails of the ship resembling the tiki itself. Cook was taken to sacred temples and given some of our most ancient artifacts. After almost a months stay…
KEALAKEKUA PATH WAY OF THE GODS
Pali Kapu O Keōua - 600 foot high cliff. Volcanic fault line & vertical sea cliff created by landslides and wave action. A submarine volcanic eruption in 1877. Earthquakes in 1950 & 51 resulted in landslides that deposited rock into the bay. Largest Muslim (Pacific) Cannon Markings are from Capt. George Vancouver.
Capt. Cook Monument Built by order of Princess Likelike in 1874. The chain came from the ship HMS Fantome in 1876. Deeded to the United Kingdom in 1877. Every five years seafarers from Brittan come care for the monument.
The Inscription on the Monument
In Memory of the great circumnavigator Capt. James Cook, who discovered these islands on the 18TH of JANUARY 1778 and fell near this spot on the 14TH of FEBRUARY, AD 1779, this monument was erected by some of his fellow countrymen in NOVEMBER AD 1874
Kailua Pier first American congregational missionaries arrive from New England in 1820 and were granted permission to come ashore, Asa Thurston and Hiram Bingham set foot on a landing area, which resembled Plymouth Rock; they dubbed it the Plymouth Rock of Hawaii.
Kamakahonu Bay translated means eye of the turtle, for a turtle shaped rock located near the bay.
Kai’a’ke a’kua Beach – Sea of the Gods Ironman World Triathlon.
Mokuaikaua Congregational Church Governor John Adams Kuakini commissioned the building of the great sea wall, and the current Moku’aikaua Church. The present structure was dedicated in early 1837. The name Mokuaikaua comes from the forest the trees came from. No metal, only stone, wood, & crushed coral as mortar.
Hulihe’e Palace built in 1838 by Governor John Adams Kuakini as his primary residence. Daughters of Hawaii began caring for the palace in 1927 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Kona Inn (1928). Bi-weekly cargo ship. Stopped housing guests in 1976
Hale Halawai First District Courthouse, and jailhouse.
KAUAKAIAKAOLA A priest named Pa’ao, a tall fare skinned man who came from a distant land strategically planned and implemented the Kapu.
KAMOA POINT -The Hawaiian Islands is the most remote island chain on earth. Largest endemic species and endangered species list. Queen Keakealaniwahine, 17th century Keolonahihi - sports complex King Kamehameha the Great - prophesy of Kamehameha. Born around 1758 United the Island in 1795, The Lonely One - Law of the Splintered Paddle. 1794 receives cattle - Capt. George Vancouver. 1830’s Kamehameha 3rd hired Mexican Vaqueros. Ranching became a huge industry on the Big Island.
LA’ALOA – “VERY SACRED” “Magic, Disappearing”
Hua Kalua Heiau: was used as a leaping point for the spirits to find the underworld. Tell about the religious structure of Hawaii and introduce my background.
KAHALU’U St. Peters Church. Kue Manu Heiau. Sits on old Kahuna’s
Pa’o Ka Menehune home and is right next to Kue Manu Heiau.
Ke’e ku Heiau Battle between Kamalalawalu and Lonaikamakahiki - 16th century.
Hapai Ali’i Heiau “elevated chiefs.” Hapai Ali’i Heiau was also used as astrological observation
KEAUHOU - Ka Holua O Kaneaka - The Royal Holua - Son of King Kamehameha and Queen Keōpūolani Constitution (1840) - Great Mahele 1848, the great land division, allowing land ownership for everyone.
Hawaii State motto: “Ua mau I ka ea o ka ‘aina i ka pono (The life of the land is perpetuated by righteousness).” Kauikeaoli was the longest Reigning King of his time, ruling for almost 30 years until his death in 1854.
KUAMO’O BAY – Lekeleke Battle Field Kekuaokalani, the rebel army. Hawaii, National Register of Historic places - 1974. Kuamo’o translated “backbone”
PU’U O’HAU divide between North & South Kona. Nawa’awa’a – polish canoes. Legend of the Burning Village
PELE’S FACE - Pele legend Science tells us how a civilization evolved but the legends provide understanding and feeling.
Creation Chant – Wakea & Papa - Hina – Maui (Great Kite) – Naughty Elepaio – Kamapua – Pele Trilogy – The Naupaka – Two Girls Roasting Breadfruit – Ka’apulehu (Tutu Pele)
Long Ago Hawaii was a place with no name, a place with no people ….
MAKAHIKI was celebrated when the rising of Plaides a star clusters; this was the sign of the beginning of the Makahiki Season. A three and a half month period of time. God of agriculture, rains and fertility. The Lono tiki was taken around the Island in a clockwise rotation collecting offerings. Once a year.
Captain James Cook sails into Kealakeua Bay in the middle of the Makahiki Festivals, Coming into the bay in the same direction as the Lono Tiki and the sails of the ship resembling the tiki itself. Cook was taken to sacred temples and given some of our most ancient artifacts. After almost a months stay…
KEALAKEKUA PATH WAY OF THE GODS
Pali Kapu O Keōua - 600 foot high cliff. Volcanic fault line & vertical sea cliff created by landslides and wave action. A submarine volcanic eruption in 1877. Earthquakes in 1950 & 51 resulted in landslides that deposited rock into the bay. Largest Muslim (Pacific) Cannon Markings are from Capt. George Vancouver.
Capt. Cook Monument Built by order of Princess Likelike in 1874. The chain came from the ship HMS Fantome in 1876. Deeded to the United Kingdom in 1877. Every five years seafarers from Brittan come care for the monument.
The Inscription on the Monument
In Memory of the great circumnavigator Capt. James Cook, who discovered these islands on the 18TH of JANUARY 1778 and fell near this spot on the 14TH of FEBRUARY, AD 1779, this monument was erected by some of his fellow countrymen in NOVEMBER AD 1874
Lili'uokalani Timeline
1838 Born in Honolulu
1842 Enrolled in Royal school
1848 Measles epidemic, Lili'uokalani's younger sister dies
1851 Lili'uokalani returned from school to live at home
1862 Married John Owen Dominis
1874 Lili'uokalani's brother Kalakaua becomes king
1877 Death of Lili'uokalani's youngest brother and heir to throne
1878 Lili'uokalani visits California and is impressed with Mills Seminary College. Dreams of starting a college for women in Hawaii.
1887 Lili'uokalani and Kalakaua's wife represent Hawaii in London at Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
"Bayonet Constitution" imposed on Hawaiian monarchy by white business community, significantly decreasing the power of the king and effectively disenfranchising the Hawaiian people.
1891 King Kalakaua dies and Lili'uokalani assumes throne
1893 Queen Lili'uokalani attempts to implement a new constitution that would restore power to the throne and restore the voting rights of the Hawaiian people. Queen Lili'uokalani is overthrown by local businessmen with the help of the U.S. Marines and is forced to surrender the Hawaiian kingdom to the United States.
1894 Republic of Hawaii is proclaimed with Sanford Dole as president
1895 Lili'uokalani is arrested and accused of plotting an aborted attempt to restore herself to the throne.
1896 Lili'uokalani is released from Iolani Palace and goes to Washington to ask President Cleveland for help
1898 Hawaii is annexed by U.S. President McKinley
1900 Hawaii becomes a U.S. territory
1917 Queen Lili'uokalani dies after a stroke at age 79
1959 Hawaii becomes the 50th State
1838 Born in Honolulu
1842 Enrolled in Royal school
1848 Measles epidemic, Lili'uokalani's younger sister dies
1851 Lili'uokalani returned from school to live at home
1862 Married John Owen Dominis
1874 Lili'uokalani's brother Kalakaua becomes king
1877 Death of Lili'uokalani's youngest brother and heir to throne
1878 Lili'uokalani visits California and is impressed with Mills Seminary College. Dreams of starting a college for women in Hawaii.
1887 Lili'uokalani and Kalakaua's wife represent Hawaii in London at Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
"Bayonet Constitution" imposed on Hawaiian monarchy by white business community, significantly decreasing the power of the king and effectively disenfranchising the Hawaiian people.
1891 King Kalakaua dies and Lili'uokalani assumes throne
1893 Queen Lili'uokalani attempts to implement a new constitution that would restore power to the throne and restore the voting rights of the Hawaiian people. Queen Lili'uokalani is overthrown by local businessmen with the help of the U.S. Marines and is forced to surrender the Hawaiian kingdom to the United States.
1894 Republic of Hawaii is proclaimed with Sanford Dole as president
1895 Lili'uokalani is arrested and accused of plotting an aborted attempt to restore herself to the throne.
1896 Lili'uokalani is released from Iolani Palace and goes to Washington to ask President Cleveland for help
1898 Hawaii is annexed by U.S. President McKinley
1900 Hawaii becomes a U.S. territory
1917 Queen Lili'uokalani dies after a stroke at age 79
1959 Hawaii becomes the 50th State
Kamehameha I
Hawaiian pronunciation c. 1736? – May 8 or 14, 1819, also known as Kamehameha the Great, full Hawaiian name: Kalani Paiʻea Wohi o Kaleikini Kealiʻikui Kamehameha o ʻIolani i Kaiwikapu kauʻi Ka Liholiho Kūnuiākea, conquered most of the Hawaiian Islands formally establishing the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi in 1810. By developing alliances with the major Pacific colonial powers, Kamehameha preserved Hawaiʻi's independence under his rule. Kamehameha is remembered for the Kānāwai Māmalahoe, the "Law of the Splintered Paddle", which protects human rights of non-combatants in times of battle. Birth and early lifeThere are differing versions of Kamehameha I's birth. Hawaiian historian Samuel Kamakau published an account in the Ka Nupepa Kuokoa in 1867, which was widely accepted until February 10, 1911. The version written by Kamakau and held by Fornander was challenged by the oral family history of the Kaha family as published in a series of newspaper articles also appearing in the Kuoko. After the republication of the story by Kamakau to a larger English reading public in 1911 Hawaii, another version of the story was published by Kamaka, who had objected to the Nupepa article. Her version is verified by others within the Kaha family.
ParentageKamehameha is considered the son of Keōua, founder of the House of Keoua, and Kekuʻiʻapoiwa II. Keōua and Kekuʻiʻapoiwa were both grandchildren of Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku, Aliʻi nui of the island of Hawaiʻi, and came from the district of Kohala. Hawaiian genealogy notes that Keōua may not have been Kamehameha's biological father, suggesting instead Kahekili II of Maui. Either way, Kamehameha was a descendant of Keawe through his mother. Keōua acknowledged him as his son and this was recognized in the official genealogies.
Birth, Concealment, Childhood
The traditional mele chant of Keaka, wife of Alapainui, indicates that Kamehameha was born in the month of ikuwā (winter) or around November. Alapai had given the child, Kamehameha, to his wife, Keaka, and her sister, Hākau, to care for after the ruler discovered the boy had lived. Samuel Kamakau, in his newspaper article writes "It was during the time of the warfare among the chiefs of [the island of] Hawaii which followed the death of Keawe, chief over the whole island (Ke-awe-i-kekahi-aliʻi-o-ka-moku) that Kamehameha I was born". However, his general dating has been challenged. Abraham Fornander writes in his publication, "An Account of the Polynesian Race: Its Origins and Migrations": "when Kamehameha died in 1819 he was past eighty years old. His birth would thus fall between 1736 and 1740, probably nearer the former than the latter". "A brief history of the Hawaiian people" By William De Witt Alexander lists the birth date in the Chronological Table of Events of Hawaiian History" as 1736.
At the time of Kamehameha's birth, Keōua and his half-brother Kalaniʻōpuʻu were serving Alapaʻinui, ruler of Hawaiʻi island. Alapaʻinui had brought the brothers to his court after defeating both their fathers in the civil war that followed the death of Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku. Keōua died while Kamehameha was young, so Kamehameha was raised in the court of his uncle, Kalaniʻōpuʻu.
Unification of Hawaiʻi
Prophecy has it that the man (child) who moves the Naha Stone would be the one to unite the islands. Many have tried and failed to get the stone to move from its original spot and those who have tried were of high-ranking "naha" blood line. Kamehameha was of the nīʻaupiʻo descent and Ululani believed Kamehameha was not worthy of attempting to move the stone. There is also another story found at the Hilo Library, that Ululani High Chiefess of Hilo wife of Keawemauhili and other High Chiefs/Chiefesses High Priests was brought together by prince Kai o kuanui a kanaele of Kawaihae to prophecy over the child Kamehameha, Ululani then introduces her son Keawe I Kahikona of Keaau Village (the only other Chief that ever lifted the NAHA stone) as the younger brother to Kamehameha so later they would not fight, in the gathering of the Ohana for Unity, Keawe I Kahi Kona chooses the side of Kamehameha I over his father Keawe Mauhili. Kamehameha ignored all negativity and in the end, not only had he moved the stone but legend says the stone had been overturned. Kamehameha went on to unite the islands through a series of hard fought battles.
Hawaii Island
The god Kū-ka-ili-moku was left to Kamehameha I by his uncle Kalaniʻōpuʻu. Raised in the royal court of his uncle Kalaniʻōpuʻu, Kamehameha achieved prominence in 1782, upon Kalaniʻōpuʻu's death. While the kingship was inherited by Kalaniʻōpuʻu's son, Kīwalaʻō, Kamehameha was given a prominent religious position, guardianship of the Hawaiian god of war, Kūkāʻilimoku, as well as the district of Waipiʻo valley. There was already hatred between the two cousins, caused when Kamehameha presented a slain aliʻi's body to the gods instead of to Kīwalaʻō. When a group of chiefs from the Kona district offered to back Kamehameha against Kīwalaʻō, he accepted eagerly. The other story is after the Prophecy was passed along by the High Priests and Priestesses High Chiefs and Chiefesses. The fulfilling of the Prophecy, by lifting the NAHA Stone, sealed Kamehameha as the fulfiller of the Prophecy, but other ruling Chiefs, Keawe Mauhili, the Mahoe (twins) Keoua and other Chiefs were defiant of the Prophecy of Ka Poukahi and the High Chiefs of Kauai and supported Kiwala`o even after knowing about the Prophecy. While the five Kona chiefs supporting Kamehameha were: Keʻeaumoku Pāpaʻiahiahi (Kamehameha's father-in-law/grand Uncle), Keaweaheulu Kaluaʻāpana(Kamehameha's uncle), Kekūhaupiʻo (Kamehameha's warrior teacher), Kameʻeiamoku and Kamanawa (twin uncles of Kamehameha) knowing the Prophecy was true defended Kamehameha as the Unifier Ka Na`i aupuni. The High Chiefs Keawe Mauhili and Keeaumoku were by genealogy the next in line for Ali`i Nui, both chose the younger nephews Kiwala`o and Kamehameha over themselves, great Uncles. Kīwalaʻō was soon defeated in the first key conflict, the battle of Mokuʻōhai, and Kamehameha and His Chiefs took over Konohiki responsibilities and sacred obligations of the districts of Kohala, Kona, and Hāmākua on the island of Hawaiʻi. Kamehameha's prophecies included far more than the island of Hawaiʻi it went across and below the Pacific Islands to the semi continent of Aotearoa; with the counsel of his favorite wife Kaʻahumanu and father High Chief Keeaumoku Senior Counselor to Kamehameha, She became one of Hawaiʻi's most powerful figures, Kamehameha and his Council of Chiefs set about planning to unite the rest of the Hawaiian Islands. Allies came from British and American traders, who sold guns and ammunition to Kamehameha. Other major factors in Kamehameha's continued success of the prophecy was the addition of the Kauai Chief Ka`iana and Captain Brown, who used to be with Kaeo okalani, guaranteed Kamehameha unlimited gunpowder from the Chinese Connection and the formula for gunpowder sulfur, saltpeter/potassium nitrate and charcoal abundant here in the Islands. Two westerners who lived on Hawaiʻi island, Isaac Davis and John Young, became Ohana by marriage and hanai of Kamehameha and trained his troops in the use, maintenance and repairing of firearms.
Olowalu Massacre
In 1789, Simon Metcalfe captained the fur trading vessel the Eleanora while his son, Thomas Humphrey Metcalfe, captained the ship Fair American along the Northwest Coast. They were to rendezvous in what was then known as the Sandwich Islands. Fair American was held up when it was captured by the Spanish and then quickly released in San Blas. The Eleanora arrived in 1790, where it was greeted by chief Kameʻeiamoku. The chief did something that the captain took offense to, and Metcalfe struck the chief with a rope's end. Sometime later, while docked in Honuaula, Maui, a small boat tied to the ship was stolen by native townspeople with one of the crewmen inside. When Metcalfe discovered where the boat was taken, he sailed directly to the village called Olowalu. There he was able to confirm the boat had been broken apart and the man killed. After already having fired muskets into the previous village where he was anchored, killing a number of people, Metcalfe took aim at this small town of native Hawaiians. He had all cannons moved to one side of the ship and began his trading call out to the locals. The people came out in the hundreds to the beach to trade, and canoes were launched to answer the call to begin trading. When they were within firing range, the ship opened up large and small shot at the Hawaiians, massacring over 100 people. Six weeks later, Fair American was stuck near the Kona coast of Hawaii where chief Kameʻeiamoku was living. He had decided to attack the next western ship over the offense of being struck by the elder Metcalfe, and canoed out to the ship with his men, where he killed Metcalfe's son and all but one of the five crewmen, Isaac Davis. Kamehameha took Davis into protection and also took possession of the ship. The ship Eleanora was at that time anchored at Kealakekua Bay, where the ship's boatswain had gone ashore and been swiftly captured by Kamehameha's forces because Kamehameha believed Metcalfe was planning more revenge. Eleanora would wait several days before sailing off, almost assuredly without knowledge of what had happened to Fair American or Metcalfe's son. Davis and Eleanora's boatswain, John Young, tried to escape, but were treated as chiefs, given wives, and cared for well enough to become comfortable with their fate and their lives in Hawaii.
Maui and Oʻahu
Kamehameha then moved against the district of Puna in 1790 deposing Chief Keawemaʻuhili. Keōua Kūʻahuʻula, exiled to his home in Kaʻū, took advantage of Kamehameha's absence and led an uprising. When Kamehameha returned with his army to put down the rebellion, Keōua fled past the Kīlauea volcano, which erupted and killed nearly a third of his warriors from poisonous gas.
When the Puʻukoholā Heiau was completed in 1791, Kamehameha invited Keōua to meet with him. Keōua may have been dispirited by his recent losses. He may have mutilated himself before landing so as to make himself an imperfect sacrificial victim. As he stepped on shore, one of Kamehameha's chiefs threw a spear at him. By some accounts he dodged it, but was then cut down by musket fire. Caught by surprise, Keōua's bodyguards were killed. With Keōua dead, and his supporters captured or slain, Kamehameha became King of Hawaiʻi island.
In 1795, Kamehameha set sail with an armada of 960 war canoes and 10,000 soldiers. He quickly secured the lightly defended islands of Maui and Molokaʻi at the Battle of Kawela. The army moved on the island of Oʻahu, landing his troops at Waiʻalae and Waikīkī. What Kamehameha did not know was that one of his commanders, a high-ranking aliʻi named Kaʻiana, had defected to Kalanikūpule. Kaʻiana assisted in the cutting of notches into the Nuʻuanu Pali mountain ridge; these notches, like those on a castle turret, would serve as gunports for Kalanikūpule's cannon.[18] In a series of skirmishes, Kamehameha's forces were able to push back Kalanikūpule's men until the latter was cornered on the Pali Lookout. While Kamehameha moved on the Pali, his troops took heavy fire from the cannon. In desperation, he assigned two divisions of his best warriors to climb to the Pali to attack the cannons from behind; they surprised Kalanikūpule's gunners and took control of the weapons. With the loss of their guns, Kalanikūpule's troops fell into disarray and were cornered by Kamehameha's still-organized troops. A fierce battle ensued, with Kamehameha's forces forming an enclosing wall. By using their traditional Hawaiian spears, as well as muskets and cannon, they were able to kill most of Kalanikūpule's forces. Over 400 men were forced off the Pali's cliff, a drop of 1,000 feet. Kaʻiana was killed during the action; Kalanikūpule was captured some time later and sacrificed to Kūkāʻilimoku.
Kamehameha wanted to win the hearts of the people. After the victory at Nuʻuanu, Kamehameha not only cared for his own warriors but for the warriors of his opposition. He helped replenish the island of Oʻahu by repairing ‘‘kalo’’ patches and planting more sweet potatoes.
In April 1810, Kaumualiʻi, king of Kauai became a vassal of Kamehameha, who therefore emerged as the sole sovereign of the unified Hawaiian islands. Angry over the settlement, a number of chiefs plotted to kill KaumualiʻI with poison at the feast in his honor. Isaac Davis got word of this and warned the King who escaped unharmed quietly before the dinner. The poison that was meant for the king is said to instead have been given to Davis, who died suddenly.
King of the Hawaiian Islands
As ruler, Kamehameha took several steps to ensure the islands remained a united realm even after his death. He unified the legal system, and used the products collected in taxes to promote trade with Europe and the United States. Kamehameha did not allow non-Hawaiians to own land; this prohibition remained in place until the Great Māhele of 1848. This edict ensured the islands' independence, even while many of the other islands of the Pacific succumbed to the colonial powers.
The origins of the Law of the Splintered Paddle are derived from before the unification of the Island of Hawaiʻi, in 1782, when Kamehameha, during a raid, caught his foot in a rock. Two local fishermen, fearful of the great warrior, hit Kamehameha hard on the head with a large paddle, which actually broke the paddle. Kamehameha was stunned and left for dead, allowing the fisherman and his companion to escape. Twelve years later, the same fisherman was brought before Kamehameha for punishment. King Kamehameha instead blamed himself for attacking innocent people, gave the fisherman gifts of land and set them free. He declared the new law, "Let every elderly person, woman, and child lie by the roadside in safety." It has influenced many subsequent humanitarian laws of war.
Young and Davis became advisors to Kamehameha and provided him with advanced weapons that helped in combat. Kamehameha was also a religious king and the holder of the war god Kukaʻ ilimoku. Vancouver noted that Kamehameha would worship his gods and wooden images in a heiau, but he originally wanted to bring England's religion, Christianity, to Hawaiʻi. But missionaries were not sent from Great Britain because Kamehameha told Vancouver that the gods he worshiped were his gods with mana, and that through these gods, Kamehameha had become supreme ruler over all of the islands. Witnessing the devotion Kamehameha had, Vancouver decided against sending missionaries from England.
Final Resting Place
When Kamehameha died on May 8 or 14, 1819, his body was hidden by his trusted friends, Hoapili and Hoʻolulu, in the ancient custom called hūnākele (literally, "to hide in secret"). The mana, or power of a person, was considered to be sacred. As per the ancient custom, his body was buried in a hidden location because of his mana. His final resting place remains unknown. At one point in his reign, Kamehameha III asked that Hoapili show him where his father's bones were buried, but on the way there Hoapili knew that they were being followed, so he turned around.
Family
House of KamehamehaKamehameha had many wives. The exact number is debated because documents that recorded the names of his wives were destroyed. Bingham lists 21, but earlier research from Mary Kawena Pukui counted 26 wives. In their book, Kamehameha's Children Today, authors Charles Ahlo and Jerry Walker list 30 wives: 18 that bore Kamehameha children, and 12 that did not. They state the total number of children to be 35: 17 sons, and 18 daughters. While he had many wives and children, it was his children through his highest-ranking wife, Keōpūolani, that would succeed him to the throne. In his book, Ho`omana: Understanding the Sacred and Spiritual, Malcolm Naea Chun is of the opinion that Keōpūolani supported Kaʻahumanu's ending of the Kapu system as the best way to ensure that Kamehameha's children and grandchildren would rule the kingdom.
Hawaiian pronunciation c. 1736? – May 8 or 14, 1819, also known as Kamehameha the Great, full Hawaiian name: Kalani Paiʻea Wohi o Kaleikini Kealiʻikui Kamehameha o ʻIolani i Kaiwikapu kauʻi Ka Liholiho Kūnuiākea, conquered most of the Hawaiian Islands formally establishing the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi in 1810. By developing alliances with the major Pacific colonial powers, Kamehameha preserved Hawaiʻi's independence under his rule. Kamehameha is remembered for the Kānāwai Māmalahoe, the "Law of the Splintered Paddle", which protects human rights of non-combatants in times of battle. Birth and early lifeThere are differing versions of Kamehameha I's birth. Hawaiian historian Samuel Kamakau published an account in the Ka Nupepa Kuokoa in 1867, which was widely accepted until February 10, 1911. The version written by Kamakau and held by Fornander was challenged by the oral family history of the Kaha family as published in a series of newspaper articles also appearing in the Kuoko. After the republication of the story by Kamakau to a larger English reading public in 1911 Hawaii, another version of the story was published by Kamaka, who had objected to the Nupepa article. Her version is verified by others within the Kaha family.
ParentageKamehameha is considered the son of Keōua, founder of the House of Keoua, and Kekuʻiʻapoiwa II. Keōua and Kekuʻiʻapoiwa were both grandchildren of Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku, Aliʻi nui of the island of Hawaiʻi, and came from the district of Kohala. Hawaiian genealogy notes that Keōua may not have been Kamehameha's biological father, suggesting instead Kahekili II of Maui. Either way, Kamehameha was a descendant of Keawe through his mother. Keōua acknowledged him as his son and this was recognized in the official genealogies.
Birth, Concealment, Childhood
The traditional mele chant of Keaka, wife of Alapainui, indicates that Kamehameha was born in the month of ikuwā (winter) or around November. Alapai had given the child, Kamehameha, to his wife, Keaka, and her sister, Hākau, to care for after the ruler discovered the boy had lived. Samuel Kamakau, in his newspaper article writes "It was during the time of the warfare among the chiefs of [the island of] Hawaii which followed the death of Keawe, chief over the whole island (Ke-awe-i-kekahi-aliʻi-o-ka-moku) that Kamehameha I was born". However, his general dating has been challenged. Abraham Fornander writes in his publication, "An Account of the Polynesian Race: Its Origins and Migrations": "when Kamehameha died in 1819 he was past eighty years old. His birth would thus fall between 1736 and 1740, probably nearer the former than the latter". "A brief history of the Hawaiian people" By William De Witt Alexander lists the birth date in the Chronological Table of Events of Hawaiian History" as 1736.
At the time of Kamehameha's birth, Keōua and his half-brother Kalaniʻōpuʻu were serving Alapaʻinui, ruler of Hawaiʻi island. Alapaʻinui had brought the brothers to his court after defeating both their fathers in the civil war that followed the death of Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku. Keōua died while Kamehameha was young, so Kamehameha was raised in the court of his uncle, Kalaniʻōpuʻu.
Unification of Hawaiʻi
Prophecy has it that the man (child) who moves the Naha Stone would be the one to unite the islands. Many have tried and failed to get the stone to move from its original spot and those who have tried were of high-ranking "naha" blood line. Kamehameha was of the nīʻaupiʻo descent and Ululani believed Kamehameha was not worthy of attempting to move the stone. There is also another story found at the Hilo Library, that Ululani High Chiefess of Hilo wife of Keawemauhili and other High Chiefs/Chiefesses High Priests was brought together by prince Kai o kuanui a kanaele of Kawaihae to prophecy over the child Kamehameha, Ululani then introduces her son Keawe I Kahikona of Keaau Village (the only other Chief that ever lifted the NAHA stone) as the younger brother to Kamehameha so later they would not fight, in the gathering of the Ohana for Unity, Keawe I Kahi Kona chooses the side of Kamehameha I over his father Keawe Mauhili. Kamehameha ignored all negativity and in the end, not only had he moved the stone but legend says the stone had been overturned. Kamehameha went on to unite the islands through a series of hard fought battles.
Hawaii Island
The god Kū-ka-ili-moku was left to Kamehameha I by his uncle Kalaniʻōpuʻu. Raised in the royal court of his uncle Kalaniʻōpuʻu, Kamehameha achieved prominence in 1782, upon Kalaniʻōpuʻu's death. While the kingship was inherited by Kalaniʻōpuʻu's son, Kīwalaʻō, Kamehameha was given a prominent religious position, guardianship of the Hawaiian god of war, Kūkāʻilimoku, as well as the district of Waipiʻo valley. There was already hatred between the two cousins, caused when Kamehameha presented a slain aliʻi's body to the gods instead of to Kīwalaʻō. When a group of chiefs from the Kona district offered to back Kamehameha against Kīwalaʻō, he accepted eagerly. The other story is after the Prophecy was passed along by the High Priests and Priestesses High Chiefs and Chiefesses. The fulfilling of the Prophecy, by lifting the NAHA Stone, sealed Kamehameha as the fulfiller of the Prophecy, but other ruling Chiefs, Keawe Mauhili, the Mahoe (twins) Keoua and other Chiefs were defiant of the Prophecy of Ka Poukahi and the High Chiefs of Kauai and supported Kiwala`o even after knowing about the Prophecy. While the five Kona chiefs supporting Kamehameha were: Keʻeaumoku Pāpaʻiahiahi (Kamehameha's father-in-law/grand Uncle), Keaweaheulu Kaluaʻāpana(Kamehameha's uncle), Kekūhaupiʻo (Kamehameha's warrior teacher), Kameʻeiamoku and Kamanawa (twin uncles of Kamehameha) knowing the Prophecy was true defended Kamehameha as the Unifier Ka Na`i aupuni. The High Chiefs Keawe Mauhili and Keeaumoku were by genealogy the next in line for Ali`i Nui, both chose the younger nephews Kiwala`o and Kamehameha over themselves, great Uncles. Kīwalaʻō was soon defeated in the first key conflict, the battle of Mokuʻōhai, and Kamehameha and His Chiefs took over Konohiki responsibilities and sacred obligations of the districts of Kohala, Kona, and Hāmākua on the island of Hawaiʻi. Kamehameha's prophecies included far more than the island of Hawaiʻi it went across and below the Pacific Islands to the semi continent of Aotearoa; with the counsel of his favorite wife Kaʻahumanu and father High Chief Keeaumoku Senior Counselor to Kamehameha, She became one of Hawaiʻi's most powerful figures, Kamehameha and his Council of Chiefs set about planning to unite the rest of the Hawaiian Islands. Allies came from British and American traders, who sold guns and ammunition to Kamehameha. Other major factors in Kamehameha's continued success of the prophecy was the addition of the Kauai Chief Ka`iana and Captain Brown, who used to be with Kaeo okalani, guaranteed Kamehameha unlimited gunpowder from the Chinese Connection and the formula for gunpowder sulfur, saltpeter/potassium nitrate and charcoal abundant here in the Islands. Two westerners who lived on Hawaiʻi island, Isaac Davis and John Young, became Ohana by marriage and hanai of Kamehameha and trained his troops in the use, maintenance and repairing of firearms.
Olowalu Massacre
In 1789, Simon Metcalfe captained the fur trading vessel the Eleanora while his son, Thomas Humphrey Metcalfe, captained the ship Fair American along the Northwest Coast. They were to rendezvous in what was then known as the Sandwich Islands. Fair American was held up when it was captured by the Spanish and then quickly released in San Blas. The Eleanora arrived in 1790, where it was greeted by chief Kameʻeiamoku. The chief did something that the captain took offense to, and Metcalfe struck the chief with a rope's end. Sometime later, while docked in Honuaula, Maui, a small boat tied to the ship was stolen by native townspeople with one of the crewmen inside. When Metcalfe discovered where the boat was taken, he sailed directly to the village called Olowalu. There he was able to confirm the boat had been broken apart and the man killed. After already having fired muskets into the previous village where he was anchored, killing a number of people, Metcalfe took aim at this small town of native Hawaiians. He had all cannons moved to one side of the ship and began his trading call out to the locals. The people came out in the hundreds to the beach to trade, and canoes were launched to answer the call to begin trading. When they were within firing range, the ship opened up large and small shot at the Hawaiians, massacring over 100 people. Six weeks later, Fair American was stuck near the Kona coast of Hawaii where chief Kameʻeiamoku was living. He had decided to attack the next western ship over the offense of being struck by the elder Metcalfe, and canoed out to the ship with his men, where he killed Metcalfe's son and all but one of the five crewmen, Isaac Davis. Kamehameha took Davis into protection and also took possession of the ship. The ship Eleanora was at that time anchored at Kealakekua Bay, where the ship's boatswain had gone ashore and been swiftly captured by Kamehameha's forces because Kamehameha believed Metcalfe was planning more revenge. Eleanora would wait several days before sailing off, almost assuredly without knowledge of what had happened to Fair American or Metcalfe's son. Davis and Eleanora's boatswain, John Young, tried to escape, but were treated as chiefs, given wives, and cared for well enough to become comfortable with their fate and their lives in Hawaii.
Maui and Oʻahu
Kamehameha then moved against the district of Puna in 1790 deposing Chief Keawemaʻuhili. Keōua Kūʻahuʻula, exiled to his home in Kaʻū, took advantage of Kamehameha's absence and led an uprising. When Kamehameha returned with his army to put down the rebellion, Keōua fled past the Kīlauea volcano, which erupted and killed nearly a third of his warriors from poisonous gas.
When the Puʻukoholā Heiau was completed in 1791, Kamehameha invited Keōua to meet with him. Keōua may have been dispirited by his recent losses. He may have mutilated himself before landing so as to make himself an imperfect sacrificial victim. As he stepped on shore, one of Kamehameha's chiefs threw a spear at him. By some accounts he dodged it, but was then cut down by musket fire. Caught by surprise, Keōua's bodyguards were killed. With Keōua dead, and his supporters captured or slain, Kamehameha became King of Hawaiʻi island.
In 1795, Kamehameha set sail with an armada of 960 war canoes and 10,000 soldiers. He quickly secured the lightly defended islands of Maui and Molokaʻi at the Battle of Kawela. The army moved on the island of Oʻahu, landing his troops at Waiʻalae and Waikīkī. What Kamehameha did not know was that one of his commanders, a high-ranking aliʻi named Kaʻiana, had defected to Kalanikūpule. Kaʻiana assisted in the cutting of notches into the Nuʻuanu Pali mountain ridge; these notches, like those on a castle turret, would serve as gunports for Kalanikūpule's cannon.[18] In a series of skirmishes, Kamehameha's forces were able to push back Kalanikūpule's men until the latter was cornered on the Pali Lookout. While Kamehameha moved on the Pali, his troops took heavy fire from the cannon. In desperation, he assigned two divisions of his best warriors to climb to the Pali to attack the cannons from behind; they surprised Kalanikūpule's gunners and took control of the weapons. With the loss of their guns, Kalanikūpule's troops fell into disarray and were cornered by Kamehameha's still-organized troops. A fierce battle ensued, with Kamehameha's forces forming an enclosing wall. By using their traditional Hawaiian spears, as well as muskets and cannon, they were able to kill most of Kalanikūpule's forces. Over 400 men were forced off the Pali's cliff, a drop of 1,000 feet. Kaʻiana was killed during the action; Kalanikūpule was captured some time later and sacrificed to Kūkāʻilimoku.
Kamehameha wanted to win the hearts of the people. After the victory at Nuʻuanu, Kamehameha not only cared for his own warriors but for the warriors of his opposition. He helped replenish the island of Oʻahu by repairing ‘‘kalo’’ patches and planting more sweet potatoes.
In April 1810, Kaumualiʻi, king of Kauai became a vassal of Kamehameha, who therefore emerged as the sole sovereign of the unified Hawaiian islands. Angry over the settlement, a number of chiefs plotted to kill KaumualiʻI with poison at the feast in his honor. Isaac Davis got word of this and warned the King who escaped unharmed quietly before the dinner. The poison that was meant for the king is said to instead have been given to Davis, who died suddenly.
King of the Hawaiian Islands
As ruler, Kamehameha took several steps to ensure the islands remained a united realm even after his death. He unified the legal system, and used the products collected in taxes to promote trade with Europe and the United States. Kamehameha did not allow non-Hawaiians to own land; this prohibition remained in place until the Great Māhele of 1848. This edict ensured the islands' independence, even while many of the other islands of the Pacific succumbed to the colonial powers.
The origins of the Law of the Splintered Paddle are derived from before the unification of the Island of Hawaiʻi, in 1782, when Kamehameha, during a raid, caught his foot in a rock. Two local fishermen, fearful of the great warrior, hit Kamehameha hard on the head with a large paddle, which actually broke the paddle. Kamehameha was stunned and left for dead, allowing the fisherman and his companion to escape. Twelve years later, the same fisherman was brought before Kamehameha for punishment. King Kamehameha instead blamed himself for attacking innocent people, gave the fisherman gifts of land and set them free. He declared the new law, "Let every elderly person, woman, and child lie by the roadside in safety." It has influenced many subsequent humanitarian laws of war.
Young and Davis became advisors to Kamehameha and provided him with advanced weapons that helped in combat. Kamehameha was also a religious king and the holder of the war god Kukaʻ ilimoku. Vancouver noted that Kamehameha would worship his gods and wooden images in a heiau, but he originally wanted to bring England's religion, Christianity, to Hawaiʻi. But missionaries were not sent from Great Britain because Kamehameha told Vancouver that the gods he worshiped were his gods with mana, and that through these gods, Kamehameha had become supreme ruler over all of the islands. Witnessing the devotion Kamehameha had, Vancouver decided against sending missionaries from England.
Final Resting Place
When Kamehameha died on May 8 or 14, 1819, his body was hidden by his trusted friends, Hoapili and Hoʻolulu, in the ancient custom called hūnākele (literally, "to hide in secret"). The mana, or power of a person, was considered to be sacred. As per the ancient custom, his body was buried in a hidden location because of his mana. His final resting place remains unknown. At one point in his reign, Kamehameha III asked that Hoapili show him where his father's bones were buried, but on the way there Hoapili knew that they were being followed, so he turned around.
Family
House of KamehamehaKamehameha had many wives. The exact number is debated because documents that recorded the names of his wives were destroyed. Bingham lists 21, but earlier research from Mary Kawena Pukui counted 26 wives. In their book, Kamehameha's Children Today, authors Charles Ahlo and Jerry Walker list 30 wives: 18 that bore Kamehameha children, and 12 that did not. They state the total number of children to be 35: 17 sons, and 18 daughters. While he had many wives and children, it was his children through his highest-ranking wife, Keōpūolani, that would succeed him to the throne. In his book, Ho`omana: Understanding the Sacred and Spiritual, Malcolm Naea Chun is of the opinion that Keōpūolani supported Kaʻahumanu's ending of the Kapu system as the best way to ensure that Kamehameha's children and grandchildren would rule the kingdom.
Kauikauoli - Kamehameha 111
Kauikeaouli was born at Keauhou, Kona, on e island of Hawaiʻi. Many people believe that Kauikeaouli means "Placed in the Dark Clouds." Although the exact date of his birth is not known, some historians believe it was August 11, 1814. Kauikeaouli chose St. Patrickʻs Day, March 17, as his birth date after he learned about Saint Patrick from an Irish friend.
His father was Kamehameha, Hawaiʻiʻs first monarch. His mother was Keōpūolani, one of the highest ranking aliʻi in Hawaiʻi.
Religious Freedom
In 1827 Catholic missionaries from France came to the islands to establish their religion. They were not welcomed by the Protestant missionaries and some Hawaiian leaders. Rivalries arose between the Hawaiian members of these two religious groups. Kamehameha III tired of the continued conflicts. In 1839 he ordered that the persecution, or harassment, of Catholics be stopped. Later the Constitution of 1840 stated that "... there should be complete freedom in the matter of religion." Despite this law, opposition between Catholics and Protestants continued. In 1843 Kauikeaouli issued a proclamation to the people directing them to avoid conflict and live in peace. In 1842, after five years of construction, the Protestantsʻ "Stone Church" at Kawaiahaʻo was completed and dedicated. Kauikeaouli attended this church but never became a member.
"A Kingdom of Learning"
"Chiefs and people, give ear to my remarks! My kingdom shall be a kingdom of learning." These words, spoken by Kauikeaouli, showed he believed that education was very important. He believed education would prepare his people for the changes taking place in Hawaiʻi. American Protestant missionaries also believed in education. Through education they spread their religious teachings among the people. With the encouragement of Kauikeaouli, missionary teachers started many schools. They taught students, most of whom were adults, to read and write in Hawaiian.
Portions of the Bible were translated and printed in Hawaiian. These Bible translations were used as the primary textbooks. One result of this instruction was that thousands of Hawaiians became members of (predominantly Protestant) western churches. The first schools were simple grass houses with mats on the floor. There were no chairs or tables. Later Kauikeaouli established permanent buildings built of coral blocks, lava rocks or adobe bricks.
The Chiefsʻ Childrenʻs School
In 1839 Kauikeaouli opened the Chiefsʻ Childrenʻs School in Honolulu. He felt that future rulers must be prepared to rule a kingdom which now included both Hawaiians and foreigners. The Chiefsʻ Childrenʻs School was a very special school. In 1846 its name was changed to the Royal School. Only sixteen Hawaiian children of the highest chiefly rank attended the Royal School. Five of them later became rulers of the kingdom. They were Alexander Liholiho, who became Kamehameha IV; Lot Kapuāiwa, who became Kamehameha V; William Lunalilo; David Kalākaua and Lydia Liliʻuokalani. Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop also attended the Royal School. When he was about to die, Lot Kapuaiwa asked Pauahi to succeed him as ruler. She declined the throne and later founded the Kamehameha Schools.
Public Education
Recognizing the growing importance of education, the government took over direction and support of the schools. The Constitution of 1840 provided for free public education and required all children to attend school. Gradually the training of teachers improved, more textbooks were provided, better schools were built and more money was spent to run the schools. By 1850 English was the language used in business, government and foreign relations. Many Hawaiians wanted to have their children learn English, hoping this would prepare them for a better future. A few English language schools were started to support this goal. Toward the end of Kauikeaouliʻs reign there were 423 schools in Hawaiʻi with an enrollment of over twelve thousand students. Most of the schools were elementary schools using Hawaiian as the language of instruction. This greatly pleased Kamehameha III. His kingdom had indeed become a "kingdom of learning."
A Constitutional Government
The Declaration of Rights-1839
One of the first changes made by Kamehameha III took place in government. Kamehameha III was convinced that all people should have certain rights. In 1839 he put these rights in writing in a document called The Declaration of Rights.
"God hath made of one blood all nations of men, to dwell on the face of the earth in unity and
blessedness. God has also bestowed certain rights alike on all men, and all chiefs, and all people
of all lands. "These are some of the rights which he has given alike to every man and every chief, life, limb,
liberty, the labor of his hands, and productions of his mind...."
The Constitution of 1840
The next year an even more important event happened. Kamehameha III granted his people laws which, for the first time, explained in writing how the government would be run. These special laws became the Constitution of 1840, the first written constitution ever granted to the people of Hawaiʻi.
A constitution is a document in which the basic laws and principles of a government are written down. The Constitution of 1840 defined the powers and duties of government officials who were charged with keeping its laws. The Declaration of Rights was made the preamble, or introduction, to this constitution. By signing the constitution Kamehameha III agreed to not only share more of his powers, but also to limit them. For the first time Hawaiian men from the makaʻāinana (working class) would take part in government. Foreigners who became citizens of the kingdom could also participate.
The Constitution of 1840 granted the makaʻāinana the right to vote, be elected or appointed to office, and help make the laws of the kingdom. Hawaiʻi would be governed by the king along with the kuhina nui, the chiefs and the makaʻāinana.
Takeover of the Kingdom
In 1843, three years after the signing of the constitution, the kingdom suffered a serious blow. With his shipʻs cannons pointing at Honolulu, British Captain Lord George Paulet seized control of the Hawaiian kingdom. He claimed this action was necessary to protect the rights of British residents in the islands. On February 25, 1843, the Hawaiian flag was lowered and the British flag hoisted in its place.
Hawaiʻi had never before been ruled by a foreign power. Kamehameha III was furious! He saw the fear, anger and confusion among his people. However, to avoid any loss of life, he had to give in to Paulet. Kauikeaouli assured his people that the kingdom would be restored once the British government learned about the forceful takeover.
Restoration of the Kingdom
Five months later, on July 31, 1843, the kingʻs hope for the return of the Hawaiian monarchy came true. With the help of British Admiral Richard Thomas, the Hawaiian flag was once again raised over the islands. The kingdom was restored! A colorful ceremony was held in an area near the intersection of Ward Avenue and Beretania Street in Honolulu. Today this place is a park whose name honors Admiral Thomas-Thomas Square.
In a thanksgiving service at Kawaiahaʻo Church, Kamehameha III spoke the words that became the motto of the state of Hawaiʻi: "Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono." This has most commonly been translated as: "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness." The celebration continued for ten days. For years following that first celebration, Kauikeaouli made Restoration Day, July 31, the most important holiday of the year.
An Independent Nation
Kauikeaouli tried to meet the needs of both Hawaiians and foreigners living in the kingdom. But, at the same time, he was also faced with pressures from outside the kingdom. Many foreign countries, for instance, continued to make unfair demands.
Unequal Treaties
Most of the foreigners living in Hawaiʻi were from the United States, Great Britain and France. Their governments felt responsible for their protection. To ensure the rights of the foreigners, written agreements, or treaties, were made by their governments with the Hawaiian government. In theory treaties should be agreeable to both countries. However weaker nations are sometimes forced to accept the terms of treaties proposed by stronger nations-whether they agree or not. This was the case with the Hawaiian kingdom. Many "unequal treaties" were forced upon Kamehameha III and his government.
Recognition of Independence
Kauikeaouli wanted his kingdom to have a more secure and respected place in the world. He wrote letters to the president of the United States, the queen of Great Britain and the king of France. Kamehameha III wanted the leaders of these countries to recognize the independence of the Hawaiian kingdom. The letters were to be delivered in person to an official of each nation. Three representatives from the kingʻs government were chosen to undertake this mission. They left the islands in 1842. Upon their arrival in each country they presented the letters to officials of the country. They then held discussions on the need for formal recognition of the Hawaiian kingdom. They also asked for treaties equally favorable to each of the nations involved. In 1844 agreements were reached. The United States, Great Britain and France recognized the Hawaiian kingdom as an independent nation. Hawaiʻi was a member of the "family of nations." From then on treaties with other countries could be developed on a more equal basis.
From Lahaina to Honolulu
During the 1830s and 1840s Honolulu was developing into an important city. This was largely due to its harbor. Captains of foreign ships liked the relative calm of Honolulu Harbor, offering shelter from the usual trade winds. As shipping traffic and business activities increased so too did the population. Because of Honoluluʻs growing importance Kamehameha III moved his capital from Lahaina, Maui, to Honolulu in 1845. His new home was a fine house built in 1844 by Kekūanaoʻa, governor of Oʻahu. It became known as Hale Aliʻi, or "House of the Chief."
Land Ownership
The Right to Own Land
The right to own land in Hawaiʻi was the major demand made by foreigners. They wanted to buy land but land in Hawaiʻi had never been sold. These foreigners did not understand the Hawaiian attitude towards land. In their western cultures owning the land one lived on was a right. They felt that they should have this right in Hawaiʻi too. Many foreigners wanted to start businesses in the islands. Some had already done so. How could they be sure their investments would be safe if they did not own the land? Some foreigners needed large areas of land in order to grow plantation crops such as sugar cane. This would not be possible, they thought, without owning the land. Then there were those foreigners who believed that owning oneʻs land would benefit native Hawaiians as well. Their western way of thinking led them to believe that if Hawaiians owned their own land they could improve their standard of living and become more productive citizens. Demands by foreigners for land increased. Kauikeaouli felt the pressure. In 1841 the king offered the foreigners long-term leases of land. A lease is a contract by which a person rents land for a certain period of time. The king hoped that this offer would satisfy the foreigners. But this was not what the foreigners wanted. They looked upon this offer as an attempt to deprive them of their rights. Kauikeaouli explained, "We lay no claims whatever to any property of theirs, either growing or erected on the soil. That is theirs, exclusively. We simply claim the soil itself...."
The Hawaiian Belief
The idea of owning the ʻāina (land) was hard for Hawaiians to grasp. In Hawaiian culture no individual owned land-it belonged to the akua (gods). The mōʻī (king) and his aliʻi nui (high chiefs) controlled the land while the konohiki (lesser chiefs) managed it. The makaʻāinana lived on the land. In return they gave the aliʻi nui their service and a portion of what they produced.
The Land Commission
Although Kauikeaouli and his chiefs tried to keep Hawaiian land from being sold to foreigners, it was not to be. Foreigners continued to complain and demand changes. In 1845, acting upon the advice of a few trusted foreigners, the king created a "Land Commission." The Land Commission was a five-member committee appointed to study the land claims of both Hawaiians and foreigners. Their decisions would be final. What happened during the next five years would change the land system in Hawaiʻi forever.
The Māhele
On January 27, 1848, the Māhele, or division of lands, began. With the Māhele the foreign concept of "land ownership" was established in Hawaiʻi. The traditional relationship Hawaiians had held with their ʻāina would never be the same.
The Land Commission had determined that the land should be divided into equal thirds. One third would go to the aliʻi, one third would go to the government and the final third would go to the makaʻāinana. Kamehameha III was given the responsibility for sharing the lands between the chiefs and himself. The king divided up land between himself and 245 chiefs. His lands were called "Crown Lands." Those for the chiefs were called "Konohiki Lands." This division was recorded in the Māhele Book. Six weeks later, on March 7, 1848, Kauikeaouli gave a large portion of his Crown Lands to "the chiefs and people of my Kingdom." This portion was then called "Government Lands" and was also recorded in the Māhele Book. Of the total lands available 23 percent were "Crown Lands," 37 percent were "Government Lands" and 40 percent were "Konobiki Lands." After the king divided his Crown Lands that March day the Mahele was officially over. It had lasted a total of forty-one days. From that time until today, the Māhele Book and the land awards granted by the Land Commission have been the basis for all land titles, or ownership documents, in Hawaiʻi.
The Resident Alien Act of 1850
It did not take long for the aliens, or foreigners, to get what they wanted. The Resident Alien Act of July 10, 1850, gave them the right to buy land in fee simple. Fee simple means that land is owned rather than leased. It also means that individuals who own land may sell that land or pass it on to their heirs. This is the system the foreigners understood and wanted for Hawaiʻi.
The Kuleaiia Act of 1850
As for the makaʻāinana, the Kuleana Act of August 1850 made it possible for them to own land in fee simple. Kuleana is the Hawaiian word for responsibility. Therefore kuleana also became the term for land that people had lived on and cultivated.
The makaʻāinana had to follow certain steps before they could own their land. First, they had to have their kuleana surveyed, or measured for size and boundaries. Then they had to present their claims to the Land Commission, showing that they had a right to those kuleana. They also needed to file their claim by 1854. Unfortunately many makaʻāinana did not do what the law required. They lacked the knowledge, experience and money to pay for surveys. In addition many missed the 1854 filing deadline. Only 13,514 claims were filed and the number of kuleana grants actually awarded was just 9,337. Makaʻāinana ended up with less than 1 percent of the total land available. Most Hawaiians did not own any land. Some of those who did own their kuleana lost it later because they did not pay land taxes. Then there were those who lost their land because they did not occupy, or live on, their kuleana. This was due to the "adverse possession" law. Under this law a person was allowed to claim land that had not been occupied by its owner for ten years or more. As many Hawaiians lost their kuleana for one reason or another, foreigners were ready to buy and sell those kuleana. In the Hawaiian culture land was owned by the gods and cared for by the people. The chiefs did not want changes made in the Hawaiian land system. Some felt that they would lose control over the land, the people who lived there and the products made by them. The chiefs also feared that foreigners would gradually gain control of the kingdom. What would happen the the makaʻāinana? How could Kamehameha III safeguard the rights and welfare of his own people?
The Constitution of 1852
By 1852 Kamehameha III realized that the Constitution of 1840 was out of date. The responsibilities of the government had greatly increased so a new constitution was written to meet those responsibilities.
The Constitution of 1852 was more liberal, or generous, than the Constitution of 1840. It gave greater power to the people in running the government. By his actions, Kamehameha III gave up much of the monarchʻs power. Never again would a Hawaiian ruler have the power his father, Kamehameha I, once had. The Constitutions of 1840 and 1852 changed the structure of Hawaiian government forever.
Threats to Hawaiʻiʻs Peace and Security
In 1844 the United States, Great Britain and France had recognized the Hawaiian kingdom as an independent nation. Unfortunately, this recognition did not bring the peace and security Kamehameha III had hoped for. Several events at this time caused the king and his people to feel uneasy and uncertain about the future.
Expansion by the United States
By the 1840s the United States had reached the shores of the Pacific Ocean. It expanded its territory by acquiring California and Oregon. Would Hawaiʻi be next?
Gold in California
Then, in 1848, gold was discovered in California. People rushed to California to try to make their fortune. From 1849 to 1854 many of them came to Hawaiʻi to spend the winter season. With them came rumors and reports about overthrowing the Hawaiian monarchy and setting up a new government.
A Strategic Location
Meanwhile foreigners focused on Hawaiʻiʻs strategic location in the Pacific. The islands were an ideal stopover for traders traveling to China and Japan. The United States recognized the importance of Pearl Harbor. As early as 1845 it thought about acquiring the harbor to serve as both a naval and commercial port.
Declining Hawaiian Population
Adding to Kauikeaouliʻs worries was the declining health and population of his people. When Captain Cook arrived in the islands, in 1778, there were about three hundred thousand Hawaiians. In 1825, the year Kauikeaouli became king, there were only half as many, or about one hundred fifty thousand Hawaiians. Tens of thousands had died from diseases brought by foreigners. To make matters worse, a smallpox epidemic broke out on Oʻahu in 1853- Smallpox is a highly contagious disease. Kamehameha III was alarmed at how fast his people were dying! Even though he tried to quarantine, or separate, the sick from the healthy, twenty-five hundred Hawaiians died in the epidemic. By 1854 there were only seventy thousand Hawaiians left in the kingdom. Meanwhile the foreign population in Hawaiʻi continued to grow.
Troubles with the French
Troubles with the French increased with the coming of the new French consul in 1848. He accused the Hawaiian government of mistreatment and discrimination against the twelve French citizens living in Hawaiʻi.
In 1849 two French warships arrived in Honolulu Harbor. The French admiral sent a list of ten demands to the king, who rejected them. One demand was to give the French Catholics as much control of the public education system as the Protestants. In anger, the French forces came ashore, wrecked the fort by the harbor and vandalized the governorʻs house. They stole the kingʻs yacht, called the Kamehameha III The yacht was never returned.
The Question of Annexation
It is not surprising then that, toward the end of his reign, Kamehameha III thought about annexing, or joining, his kingdom with the United States. He wanted to do what was best for his people. He believed that the United States would protect and care for his people. Annexation, however, would not occur during Kauikeaouliʻs rule. Hawaiʻi would remain an independent kingdom for the next thirty-nine years.
Death of Kamehameha III
King Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli Kaleiopapa Kuakamanolani Mahinalani Kalaninuiwaiakua Keaweaweʻulaokalani, died on December 16, 1854. He had been in poor health for more than a year. Kauikeaouli was only forty years old. The Hawaiian people were deeply saddened. They felt a great loss as their beloved king was laid to rest in the royal burial place on the grounds of ʻIolani Palace. Eleven years later, in 1865, his remains, along with those of other aliʻi, were taken to the royal burial site at Mauna ʻAla in Nuʻuanu.
The Kingdom Survives!
Kamehameha III reigned for nearly thirty years. He was continually challenged by growing foreign pressures. He met those challenges by making significant changes affecting the lives of the people of Hawaiʻi.
The kingdom was now governed under a constitution. Free public education and religious freedom were firmly established.
The Māhele made it possible for people to own land. Rightly or wrongly, Kamehameha III allowed the Māhele to take place because he believed it could benefit his kingdom.
Today Kauikeaouli is remembered as a ruler who, first and foremost, worked diligently to ensure the survival of the Hawaiian kingdom. With his quiet manner and wise judgment he met each challenge with the love and support of his people.
His father was Kamehameha, Hawaiʻiʻs first monarch. His mother was Keōpūolani, one of the highest ranking aliʻi in Hawaiʻi.
Religious Freedom
In 1827 Catholic missionaries from France came to the islands to establish their religion. They were not welcomed by the Protestant missionaries and some Hawaiian leaders. Rivalries arose between the Hawaiian members of these two religious groups. Kamehameha III tired of the continued conflicts. In 1839 he ordered that the persecution, or harassment, of Catholics be stopped. Later the Constitution of 1840 stated that "... there should be complete freedom in the matter of religion." Despite this law, opposition between Catholics and Protestants continued. In 1843 Kauikeaouli issued a proclamation to the people directing them to avoid conflict and live in peace. In 1842, after five years of construction, the Protestantsʻ "Stone Church" at Kawaiahaʻo was completed and dedicated. Kauikeaouli attended this church but never became a member.
"A Kingdom of Learning"
"Chiefs and people, give ear to my remarks! My kingdom shall be a kingdom of learning." These words, spoken by Kauikeaouli, showed he believed that education was very important. He believed education would prepare his people for the changes taking place in Hawaiʻi. American Protestant missionaries also believed in education. Through education they spread their religious teachings among the people. With the encouragement of Kauikeaouli, missionary teachers started many schools. They taught students, most of whom were adults, to read and write in Hawaiian.
Portions of the Bible were translated and printed in Hawaiian. These Bible translations were used as the primary textbooks. One result of this instruction was that thousands of Hawaiians became members of (predominantly Protestant) western churches. The first schools were simple grass houses with mats on the floor. There were no chairs or tables. Later Kauikeaouli established permanent buildings built of coral blocks, lava rocks or adobe bricks.
The Chiefsʻ Childrenʻs School
In 1839 Kauikeaouli opened the Chiefsʻ Childrenʻs School in Honolulu. He felt that future rulers must be prepared to rule a kingdom which now included both Hawaiians and foreigners. The Chiefsʻ Childrenʻs School was a very special school. In 1846 its name was changed to the Royal School. Only sixteen Hawaiian children of the highest chiefly rank attended the Royal School. Five of them later became rulers of the kingdom. They were Alexander Liholiho, who became Kamehameha IV; Lot Kapuāiwa, who became Kamehameha V; William Lunalilo; David Kalākaua and Lydia Liliʻuokalani. Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop also attended the Royal School. When he was about to die, Lot Kapuaiwa asked Pauahi to succeed him as ruler. She declined the throne and later founded the Kamehameha Schools.
Public Education
Recognizing the growing importance of education, the government took over direction and support of the schools. The Constitution of 1840 provided for free public education and required all children to attend school. Gradually the training of teachers improved, more textbooks were provided, better schools were built and more money was spent to run the schools. By 1850 English was the language used in business, government and foreign relations. Many Hawaiians wanted to have their children learn English, hoping this would prepare them for a better future. A few English language schools were started to support this goal. Toward the end of Kauikeaouliʻs reign there were 423 schools in Hawaiʻi with an enrollment of over twelve thousand students. Most of the schools were elementary schools using Hawaiian as the language of instruction. This greatly pleased Kamehameha III. His kingdom had indeed become a "kingdom of learning."
A Constitutional Government
The Declaration of Rights-1839
One of the first changes made by Kamehameha III took place in government. Kamehameha III was convinced that all people should have certain rights. In 1839 he put these rights in writing in a document called The Declaration of Rights.
"God hath made of one blood all nations of men, to dwell on the face of the earth in unity and
blessedness. God has also bestowed certain rights alike on all men, and all chiefs, and all people
of all lands. "These are some of the rights which he has given alike to every man and every chief, life, limb,
liberty, the labor of his hands, and productions of his mind...."
The Constitution of 1840
The next year an even more important event happened. Kamehameha III granted his people laws which, for the first time, explained in writing how the government would be run. These special laws became the Constitution of 1840, the first written constitution ever granted to the people of Hawaiʻi.
A constitution is a document in which the basic laws and principles of a government are written down. The Constitution of 1840 defined the powers and duties of government officials who were charged with keeping its laws. The Declaration of Rights was made the preamble, or introduction, to this constitution. By signing the constitution Kamehameha III agreed to not only share more of his powers, but also to limit them. For the first time Hawaiian men from the makaʻāinana (working class) would take part in government. Foreigners who became citizens of the kingdom could also participate.
The Constitution of 1840 granted the makaʻāinana the right to vote, be elected or appointed to office, and help make the laws of the kingdom. Hawaiʻi would be governed by the king along with the kuhina nui, the chiefs and the makaʻāinana.
Takeover of the Kingdom
In 1843, three years after the signing of the constitution, the kingdom suffered a serious blow. With his shipʻs cannons pointing at Honolulu, British Captain Lord George Paulet seized control of the Hawaiian kingdom. He claimed this action was necessary to protect the rights of British residents in the islands. On February 25, 1843, the Hawaiian flag was lowered and the British flag hoisted in its place.
Hawaiʻi had never before been ruled by a foreign power. Kamehameha III was furious! He saw the fear, anger and confusion among his people. However, to avoid any loss of life, he had to give in to Paulet. Kauikeaouli assured his people that the kingdom would be restored once the British government learned about the forceful takeover.
Restoration of the Kingdom
Five months later, on July 31, 1843, the kingʻs hope for the return of the Hawaiian monarchy came true. With the help of British Admiral Richard Thomas, the Hawaiian flag was once again raised over the islands. The kingdom was restored! A colorful ceremony was held in an area near the intersection of Ward Avenue and Beretania Street in Honolulu. Today this place is a park whose name honors Admiral Thomas-Thomas Square.
In a thanksgiving service at Kawaiahaʻo Church, Kamehameha III spoke the words that became the motto of the state of Hawaiʻi: "Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono." This has most commonly been translated as: "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness." The celebration continued for ten days. For years following that first celebration, Kauikeaouli made Restoration Day, July 31, the most important holiday of the year.
An Independent Nation
Kauikeaouli tried to meet the needs of both Hawaiians and foreigners living in the kingdom. But, at the same time, he was also faced with pressures from outside the kingdom. Many foreign countries, for instance, continued to make unfair demands.
Unequal Treaties
Most of the foreigners living in Hawaiʻi were from the United States, Great Britain and France. Their governments felt responsible for their protection. To ensure the rights of the foreigners, written agreements, or treaties, were made by their governments with the Hawaiian government. In theory treaties should be agreeable to both countries. However weaker nations are sometimes forced to accept the terms of treaties proposed by stronger nations-whether they agree or not. This was the case with the Hawaiian kingdom. Many "unequal treaties" were forced upon Kamehameha III and his government.
Recognition of Independence
Kauikeaouli wanted his kingdom to have a more secure and respected place in the world. He wrote letters to the president of the United States, the queen of Great Britain and the king of France. Kamehameha III wanted the leaders of these countries to recognize the independence of the Hawaiian kingdom. The letters were to be delivered in person to an official of each nation. Three representatives from the kingʻs government were chosen to undertake this mission. They left the islands in 1842. Upon their arrival in each country they presented the letters to officials of the country. They then held discussions on the need for formal recognition of the Hawaiian kingdom. They also asked for treaties equally favorable to each of the nations involved. In 1844 agreements were reached. The United States, Great Britain and France recognized the Hawaiian kingdom as an independent nation. Hawaiʻi was a member of the "family of nations." From then on treaties with other countries could be developed on a more equal basis.
From Lahaina to Honolulu
During the 1830s and 1840s Honolulu was developing into an important city. This was largely due to its harbor. Captains of foreign ships liked the relative calm of Honolulu Harbor, offering shelter from the usual trade winds. As shipping traffic and business activities increased so too did the population. Because of Honoluluʻs growing importance Kamehameha III moved his capital from Lahaina, Maui, to Honolulu in 1845. His new home was a fine house built in 1844 by Kekūanaoʻa, governor of Oʻahu. It became known as Hale Aliʻi, or "House of the Chief."
Land Ownership
The Right to Own Land
The right to own land in Hawaiʻi was the major demand made by foreigners. They wanted to buy land but land in Hawaiʻi had never been sold. These foreigners did not understand the Hawaiian attitude towards land. In their western cultures owning the land one lived on was a right. They felt that they should have this right in Hawaiʻi too. Many foreigners wanted to start businesses in the islands. Some had already done so. How could they be sure their investments would be safe if they did not own the land? Some foreigners needed large areas of land in order to grow plantation crops such as sugar cane. This would not be possible, they thought, without owning the land. Then there were those foreigners who believed that owning oneʻs land would benefit native Hawaiians as well. Their western way of thinking led them to believe that if Hawaiians owned their own land they could improve their standard of living and become more productive citizens. Demands by foreigners for land increased. Kauikeaouli felt the pressure. In 1841 the king offered the foreigners long-term leases of land. A lease is a contract by which a person rents land for a certain period of time. The king hoped that this offer would satisfy the foreigners. But this was not what the foreigners wanted. They looked upon this offer as an attempt to deprive them of their rights. Kauikeaouli explained, "We lay no claims whatever to any property of theirs, either growing or erected on the soil. That is theirs, exclusively. We simply claim the soil itself...."
The Hawaiian Belief
The idea of owning the ʻāina (land) was hard for Hawaiians to grasp. In Hawaiian culture no individual owned land-it belonged to the akua (gods). The mōʻī (king) and his aliʻi nui (high chiefs) controlled the land while the konohiki (lesser chiefs) managed it. The makaʻāinana lived on the land. In return they gave the aliʻi nui their service and a portion of what they produced.
The Land Commission
Although Kauikeaouli and his chiefs tried to keep Hawaiian land from being sold to foreigners, it was not to be. Foreigners continued to complain and demand changes. In 1845, acting upon the advice of a few trusted foreigners, the king created a "Land Commission." The Land Commission was a five-member committee appointed to study the land claims of both Hawaiians and foreigners. Their decisions would be final. What happened during the next five years would change the land system in Hawaiʻi forever.
The Māhele
On January 27, 1848, the Māhele, or division of lands, began. With the Māhele the foreign concept of "land ownership" was established in Hawaiʻi. The traditional relationship Hawaiians had held with their ʻāina would never be the same.
The Land Commission had determined that the land should be divided into equal thirds. One third would go to the aliʻi, one third would go to the government and the final third would go to the makaʻāinana. Kamehameha III was given the responsibility for sharing the lands between the chiefs and himself. The king divided up land between himself and 245 chiefs. His lands were called "Crown Lands." Those for the chiefs were called "Konohiki Lands." This division was recorded in the Māhele Book. Six weeks later, on March 7, 1848, Kauikeaouli gave a large portion of his Crown Lands to "the chiefs and people of my Kingdom." This portion was then called "Government Lands" and was also recorded in the Māhele Book. Of the total lands available 23 percent were "Crown Lands," 37 percent were "Government Lands" and 40 percent were "Konobiki Lands." After the king divided his Crown Lands that March day the Mahele was officially over. It had lasted a total of forty-one days. From that time until today, the Māhele Book and the land awards granted by the Land Commission have been the basis for all land titles, or ownership documents, in Hawaiʻi.
The Resident Alien Act of 1850
It did not take long for the aliens, or foreigners, to get what they wanted. The Resident Alien Act of July 10, 1850, gave them the right to buy land in fee simple. Fee simple means that land is owned rather than leased. It also means that individuals who own land may sell that land or pass it on to their heirs. This is the system the foreigners understood and wanted for Hawaiʻi.
The Kuleaiia Act of 1850
As for the makaʻāinana, the Kuleana Act of August 1850 made it possible for them to own land in fee simple. Kuleana is the Hawaiian word for responsibility. Therefore kuleana also became the term for land that people had lived on and cultivated.
The makaʻāinana had to follow certain steps before they could own their land. First, they had to have their kuleana surveyed, or measured for size and boundaries. Then they had to present their claims to the Land Commission, showing that they had a right to those kuleana. They also needed to file their claim by 1854. Unfortunately many makaʻāinana did not do what the law required. They lacked the knowledge, experience and money to pay for surveys. In addition many missed the 1854 filing deadline. Only 13,514 claims were filed and the number of kuleana grants actually awarded was just 9,337. Makaʻāinana ended up with less than 1 percent of the total land available. Most Hawaiians did not own any land. Some of those who did own their kuleana lost it later because they did not pay land taxes. Then there were those who lost their land because they did not occupy, or live on, their kuleana. This was due to the "adverse possession" law. Under this law a person was allowed to claim land that had not been occupied by its owner for ten years or more. As many Hawaiians lost their kuleana for one reason or another, foreigners were ready to buy and sell those kuleana. In the Hawaiian culture land was owned by the gods and cared for by the people. The chiefs did not want changes made in the Hawaiian land system. Some felt that they would lose control over the land, the people who lived there and the products made by them. The chiefs also feared that foreigners would gradually gain control of the kingdom. What would happen the the makaʻāinana? How could Kamehameha III safeguard the rights and welfare of his own people?
The Constitution of 1852
By 1852 Kamehameha III realized that the Constitution of 1840 was out of date. The responsibilities of the government had greatly increased so a new constitution was written to meet those responsibilities.
The Constitution of 1852 was more liberal, or generous, than the Constitution of 1840. It gave greater power to the people in running the government. By his actions, Kamehameha III gave up much of the monarchʻs power. Never again would a Hawaiian ruler have the power his father, Kamehameha I, once had. The Constitutions of 1840 and 1852 changed the structure of Hawaiian government forever.
Threats to Hawaiʻiʻs Peace and Security
In 1844 the United States, Great Britain and France had recognized the Hawaiian kingdom as an independent nation. Unfortunately, this recognition did not bring the peace and security Kamehameha III had hoped for. Several events at this time caused the king and his people to feel uneasy and uncertain about the future.
Expansion by the United States
By the 1840s the United States had reached the shores of the Pacific Ocean. It expanded its territory by acquiring California and Oregon. Would Hawaiʻi be next?
Gold in California
Then, in 1848, gold was discovered in California. People rushed to California to try to make their fortune. From 1849 to 1854 many of them came to Hawaiʻi to spend the winter season. With them came rumors and reports about overthrowing the Hawaiian monarchy and setting up a new government.
A Strategic Location
Meanwhile foreigners focused on Hawaiʻiʻs strategic location in the Pacific. The islands were an ideal stopover for traders traveling to China and Japan. The United States recognized the importance of Pearl Harbor. As early as 1845 it thought about acquiring the harbor to serve as both a naval and commercial port.
Declining Hawaiian Population
Adding to Kauikeaouliʻs worries was the declining health and population of his people. When Captain Cook arrived in the islands, in 1778, there were about three hundred thousand Hawaiians. In 1825, the year Kauikeaouli became king, there were only half as many, or about one hundred fifty thousand Hawaiians. Tens of thousands had died from diseases brought by foreigners. To make matters worse, a smallpox epidemic broke out on Oʻahu in 1853- Smallpox is a highly contagious disease. Kamehameha III was alarmed at how fast his people were dying! Even though he tried to quarantine, or separate, the sick from the healthy, twenty-five hundred Hawaiians died in the epidemic. By 1854 there were only seventy thousand Hawaiians left in the kingdom. Meanwhile the foreign population in Hawaiʻi continued to grow.
Troubles with the French
Troubles with the French increased with the coming of the new French consul in 1848. He accused the Hawaiian government of mistreatment and discrimination against the twelve French citizens living in Hawaiʻi.
In 1849 two French warships arrived in Honolulu Harbor. The French admiral sent a list of ten demands to the king, who rejected them. One demand was to give the French Catholics as much control of the public education system as the Protestants. In anger, the French forces came ashore, wrecked the fort by the harbor and vandalized the governorʻs house. They stole the kingʻs yacht, called the Kamehameha III The yacht was never returned.
The Question of Annexation
It is not surprising then that, toward the end of his reign, Kamehameha III thought about annexing, or joining, his kingdom with the United States. He wanted to do what was best for his people. He believed that the United States would protect and care for his people. Annexation, however, would not occur during Kauikeaouliʻs rule. Hawaiʻi would remain an independent kingdom for the next thirty-nine years.
Death of Kamehameha III
King Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli Kaleiopapa Kuakamanolani Mahinalani Kalaninuiwaiakua Keaweaweʻulaokalani, died on December 16, 1854. He had been in poor health for more than a year. Kauikeaouli was only forty years old. The Hawaiian people were deeply saddened. They felt a great loss as their beloved king was laid to rest in the royal burial place on the grounds of ʻIolani Palace. Eleven years later, in 1865, his remains, along with those of other aliʻi, were taken to the royal burial site at Mauna ʻAla in Nuʻuanu.
The Kingdom Survives!
Kamehameha III reigned for nearly thirty years. He was continually challenged by growing foreign pressures. He met those challenges by making significant changes affecting the lives of the people of Hawaiʻi.
The kingdom was now governed under a constitution. Free public education and religious freedom were firmly established.
The Māhele made it possible for people to own land. Rightly or wrongly, Kamehameha III allowed the Māhele to take place because he believed it could benefit his kingdom.
Today Kauikeaouli is remembered as a ruler who, first and foremost, worked diligently to ensure the survival of the Hawaiian kingdom. With his quiet manner and wise judgment he met each challenge with the love and support of his people.
Henry Opukaha'ia
The Youth Who Changed Hawai'i by Betty Fullard-Leo
Henry Opukaha'ia was only 26 years old in 1818 when he died of typhoid fever in Cornwell, Connecticut, but because of a slim volume he wrote about his life, his feelings, and his philosophies that was published after his death, the destiny of Hawai'i was forever changed.
Few details are known about Opukaha'ia's early life, though most historians believe he was born about 1792 in Ka'u at Ninole near Punalu'u on the Big Island. From Opukaha'ia's own account, written much later, both of his parents were killed during a war made after the old king died, to see who should be the greatest among them. Opukaha'ia, who is thought to have been ten or 12 at the time, fled from the rampaging warriors carrying his infant brother on his back. A spear thrown by one of the soldiers found its mark, and the baby brother was killed. Opukaha'ia survived, but the same soldier who had killed his parents became his guardian for the next year and a half.
During this time, Opukaha'ia discovered that a kahuna at a nearby temple was his uncle, so he was allowed to go to live with his grandmother and this uncle. While he was visiting an aunt in a nearby village, soldiers came to take her prisoner for some infraction of the kapu system, but Opukaha'ia once again survived by escaping through a hole in the grass hale (house). While he watched, a soldier threw this aunt over a pali (cliff) to her death. Opukaha'ia returned to the home of his uncle at Napo'opo'o where he was schooled in the rituals of the priesthood, so eventually he could take his uncle's place as a kahuna at Hiki'au Heiau, the same heiau where Captain James Cook had met his demise two decades earlier in 1779.
In his memoir Opukaha'ia wrote, ...I began to think about leaving that country to go to some other part of the world... probably I may find some comfort, more than to live there without father or mother.
As soon as the sailing ship Triumph anchored in Kealakekua Bay, he went on board. Captain Brintnall invited another young Hawaiian boy named Hopo'o, along with Opukaha'ia, who spoke no English, to stay for dinner and to spend the night on board ship. The next day, it was arranged that the two boys would sail with the ship. Opukaha'ia was 16 years old.
The sailors called Opukaha'ia Henry, and spelled his last name the way they pronounced it, Obookiah. During the next two years, Opukaha'ia sailed on the Triumph to the Seal Islands (situated between Alaska and Japan), back to Hawai'i, to Macao, and around the Cape of Good Hope, landing in New York in 1809. On board he developed a friendship with a Christian sailor named Russell Hubbard, who began teaching Opukaha'ia how to read and write, often using the bible as a primer.
When the ship was sold in New York, a merchant invited Opukaha'ia and Hopo'o home for dinner. The boys were astounded at the number of rooms in the house and by the fact that cooking was done indoors, but they found it even harder to believe that women sat at the same table and ate with men, and the gods did not harm them. In Hawai'i, the old kapu (taboos) were still observed; women could not eat with men.
Opukaha'ia continued his studies while he lived with Captain Brintnall and his family in New Haven, Connecticut, but it wasn't until he met a man named Edwin Dwight, a student at Yale College who became his teacher, that he made real progress. Certain English sounds proved especially difficult-r was often used in place of l for example. Years later, in the writings of early missionaries, words such as Honolulu and Kilauea were written Honoruru and Kirauea.
With his new reading skills, came a new view of religion. As Opukaha'ia began to believe in a Christian God, he compared Hawaiians' worship of gods represented by wooden idols. He said, Hawai'i gods. They wood-burn. Me go home, put 'em in fire, burn 'em up. They no see, no hear, no anything. On a more profound note he added, We make them (idols). Our God-he make us. His new faith was further ingrained when he lived for a time with the family of the president of Yale College, who, as he put it, was a praying family morning and evening.
During the spring, summer and early fall, Opukaha'ia moved from farm to farm around Torringford and Litchfield, Connecticut and Hollis, New Hampshire, planting, harvesting and always studying. The church communities of Litchfield encouraged him, and by 1814, in addition to speaking publicly, he began to translate the bible into Hawaiian and to start compiling a dictionary/grammar book in the Hawaiian language. People in Connecticut had begun to talk of sending missionaries to foreign countries-Hawai'i, in particular, as several young native Christians (like Opukaha'ia) would be able to pave the way. Opukaha'ia continued to fill his inquisitive mind with knowledge at Yale College. Not only did he undertake Latin, Hebrew, geometry and geography, he improved his English by writing the story of his life in a book called Memoirs of Henry Obookiah. By 1815, he had finished writing his personal history and had begun to keep a diary that detailed his feelings about his faith.
By 1817, a dozen students, six of them Hawaiians, were training at the Foreign Mission School to become missionaries to teach the Christian faith to people around the world.
But the following year, Opukaha'ia fell sick. A physician, Doctor Calhoun, quickly diagnosed his illness as typhus fever. Though treatment seemed at first to help, Opukaha'ia continued to get weaker and weaker, and he died on February 17, 1818. Attendants noted a heavenly smile on his face. He was 26 years old. Among his last words were Alloah o e-translated in his memoirs as My love be with you.
The little book about his life was printed and circulated after his death. It inspired 14 missionaries to volunteer to carry his message to the Sandwich Islands. Of those who sailed on the Thaddeus on October 23, 1819, only Samuel Ruggles had met Opukaha'ia face-to-face. The work Opukaha'ia did on translating the bible and recording the Hawaiian language in a grammar/dictionary/spelling book, paved the way for the missionaries to print the first Hawaiian primer and bible stories in the Hawaiian language.
Opukaha'ia's body was buried in a hillside cemetery in Cornwall, Connecticut, where it remained for 185 years. In 1993, a group of his descendants, spearheaded by Deborah Lee, brought the body home to the Big Island. The remains were reinterred at Kahikolu Cemetery in Napo'opo'o, near Kealakekua Bay in South Kona. A plaque marks the spot, cared for by Ka 'Ohe Ola Hou, a group formed to perpetuate the achievements of the devout young man who is believed to be the first Hawaiian convert to Christianity-a young man whose zeal was the reason the first missionaries came to Hawai'i in 1820.
Henry Opukaha'ia was only 26 years old in 1818 when he died of typhoid fever in Cornwell, Connecticut, but because of a slim volume he wrote about his life, his feelings, and his philosophies that was published after his death, the destiny of Hawai'i was forever changed.
Few details are known about Opukaha'ia's early life, though most historians believe he was born about 1792 in Ka'u at Ninole near Punalu'u on the Big Island. From Opukaha'ia's own account, written much later, both of his parents were killed during a war made after the old king died, to see who should be the greatest among them. Opukaha'ia, who is thought to have been ten or 12 at the time, fled from the rampaging warriors carrying his infant brother on his back. A spear thrown by one of the soldiers found its mark, and the baby brother was killed. Opukaha'ia survived, but the same soldier who had killed his parents became his guardian for the next year and a half.
During this time, Opukaha'ia discovered that a kahuna at a nearby temple was his uncle, so he was allowed to go to live with his grandmother and this uncle. While he was visiting an aunt in a nearby village, soldiers came to take her prisoner for some infraction of the kapu system, but Opukaha'ia once again survived by escaping through a hole in the grass hale (house). While he watched, a soldier threw this aunt over a pali (cliff) to her death. Opukaha'ia returned to the home of his uncle at Napo'opo'o where he was schooled in the rituals of the priesthood, so eventually he could take his uncle's place as a kahuna at Hiki'au Heiau, the same heiau where Captain James Cook had met his demise two decades earlier in 1779.
In his memoir Opukaha'ia wrote, ...I began to think about leaving that country to go to some other part of the world... probably I may find some comfort, more than to live there without father or mother.
As soon as the sailing ship Triumph anchored in Kealakekua Bay, he went on board. Captain Brintnall invited another young Hawaiian boy named Hopo'o, along with Opukaha'ia, who spoke no English, to stay for dinner and to spend the night on board ship. The next day, it was arranged that the two boys would sail with the ship. Opukaha'ia was 16 years old.
The sailors called Opukaha'ia Henry, and spelled his last name the way they pronounced it, Obookiah. During the next two years, Opukaha'ia sailed on the Triumph to the Seal Islands (situated between Alaska and Japan), back to Hawai'i, to Macao, and around the Cape of Good Hope, landing in New York in 1809. On board he developed a friendship with a Christian sailor named Russell Hubbard, who began teaching Opukaha'ia how to read and write, often using the bible as a primer.
When the ship was sold in New York, a merchant invited Opukaha'ia and Hopo'o home for dinner. The boys were astounded at the number of rooms in the house and by the fact that cooking was done indoors, but they found it even harder to believe that women sat at the same table and ate with men, and the gods did not harm them. In Hawai'i, the old kapu (taboos) were still observed; women could not eat with men.
Opukaha'ia continued his studies while he lived with Captain Brintnall and his family in New Haven, Connecticut, but it wasn't until he met a man named Edwin Dwight, a student at Yale College who became his teacher, that he made real progress. Certain English sounds proved especially difficult-r was often used in place of l for example. Years later, in the writings of early missionaries, words such as Honolulu and Kilauea were written Honoruru and Kirauea.
With his new reading skills, came a new view of religion. As Opukaha'ia began to believe in a Christian God, he compared Hawaiians' worship of gods represented by wooden idols. He said, Hawai'i gods. They wood-burn. Me go home, put 'em in fire, burn 'em up. They no see, no hear, no anything. On a more profound note he added, We make them (idols). Our God-he make us. His new faith was further ingrained when he lived for a time with the family of the president of Yale College, who, as he put it, was a praying family morning and evening.
During the spring, summer and early fall, Opukaha'ia moved from farm to farm around Torringford and Litchfield, Connecticut and Hollis, New Hampshire, planting, harvesting and always studying. The church communities of Litchfield encouraged him, and by 1814, in addition to speaking publicly, he began to translate the bible into Hawaiian and to start compiling a dictionary/grammar book in the Hawaiian language. People in Connecticut had begun to talk of sending missionaries to foreign countries-Hawai'i, in particular, as several young native Christians (like Opukaha'ia) would be able to pave the way. Opukaha'ia continued to fill his inquisitive mind with knowledge at Yale College. Not only did he undertake Latin, Hebrew, geometry and geography, he improved his English by writing the story of his life in a book called Memoirs of Henry Obookiah. By 1815, he had finished writing his personal history and had begun to keep a diary that detailed his feelings about his faith.
By 1817, a dozen students, six of them Hawaiians, were training at the Foreign Mission School to become missionaries to teach the Christian faith to people around the world.
But the following year, Opukaha'ia fell sick. A physician, Doctor Calhoun, quickly diagnosed his illness as typhus fever. Though treatment seemed at first to help, Opukaha'ia continued to get weaker and weaker, and he died on February 17, 1818. Attendants noted a heavenly smile on his face. He was 26 years old. Among his last words were Alloah o e-translated in his memoirs as My love be with you.
The little book about his life was printed and circulated after his death. It inspired 14 missionaries to volunteer to carry his message to the Sandwich Islands. Of those who sailed on the Thaddeus on October 23, 1819, only Samuel Ruggles had met Opukaha'ia face-to-face. The work Opukaha'ia did on translating the bible and recording the Hawaiian language in a grammar/dictionary/spelling book, paved the way for the missionaries to print the first Hawaiian primer and bible stories in the Hawaiian language.
Opukaha'ia's body was buried in a hillside cemetery in Cornwall, Connecticut, where it remained for 185 years. In 1993, a group of his descendants, spearheaded by Deborah Lee, brought the body home to the Big Island. The remains were reinterred at Kahikolu Cemetery in Napo'opo'o, near Kealakekua Bay in South Kona. A plaque marks the spot, cared for by Ka 'Ohe Ola Hou, a group formed to perpetuate the achievements of the devout young man who is believed to be the first Hawaiian convert to Christianity-a young man whose zeal was the reason the first missionaries came to Hawai'i in 1820.
Timeline: Hawai'ian History and the Massie Case
1778-1919 | 1931-1959
1778 January 18: On his third and final voyage to the Pacific Ocean, British explorer Captain James Cook is the first European to visit the Hawai'ian Islands. He is welcomed by the islanders, but later tensions arise and he is killed in a skirmish with them.
1820 A group of Christian missionaries from Boston arrive in Hawai'i.
1828 Dr. Gerrit P. Judd arrives in Hawai'i as a medical missionary to treat diseases brought to Hawai'i by early explorers. Dr. Judd eventually becomes one of King Kamehameha III's haole (white) advisers.
1842 In the Tyler Doctrine, President John Tyler asserts that Hawai'i is within the United States "sphere of influence." His statement is a warning to European powers interested in controlling Hawai'i's strategic location.
1848 King Kamehameha III agrees to a mahele, or division, of Hawai'i's land. Hawai'ian land has never been "owned," but the mahele, supported by Kamehameha's haole advisers, opens the door for foreigners to buy government land. By 1890, foreigners will hold 90 percent of Hawai'ian land.
1866 Since the beginning of contact with Europeans, the Hawai'ian population has been devastated by disease, famine and war. By 1866, only 20% of the pre-1778 population remains.
1887 King Kalakaua signs the "Bayonet Constitution" under pressure from the "Hawai'ian League," a group of armed businessmen set on defending the interests of Hawai'i's haole landowners. The new constitution gives foreigners (excluding Asians imported to work in the sugar industry) the right to vote, puts in place an income restriction on the electorate, and takes power away from the king.
Hawai'i cedes Pearl Harbor Lagoon to the United States in the Reciprocity Treaty of 1887 in exchange for duty-free sugar, which benefits the haole sugar exporters.
1893 Queen Lili'uokalani surrenders her throne at gunpoint to the United States government. A haole provisional government claims control of the republic, and the U.S. Minister to Hawai'i declares Hawai'i a U.S. Protectorate, submitting a request for annexation. Instead, President Grover Cleveland orders an investigation into the queen's surrender. Upon reading the results of the inquiry, Cleveland tells Congress, "believing... that the United States could not, under the circumstances disclosed, annex the Islands without justly incurring the imputation of acquiring them by unjustifiable methods, I shall not again submit the treaty of annexation to the Senate."
1894 President Cleveland attempts to restore Queen Lili'uokalani to her throne by asking the Provisional Government to relinquish its illegally obtained power. The Provisional Government refuses and instead creates the Republic of Hawai'i on July 4, 1894, declaring Sanford B. Dole president.
1898 President William McKinley annexes Hawai'i. The Hawai'ian public never votes on the question of annexation. Sanford B. Dole is recognized as governor of the Territory of Hawai'i in a ceremony at Iolani Palace on August 12, 1898. The American flag replaces the flag of Hawai'i.
1900 The U.S. Congress passes the Organic Act, a law defining Hawai'i's territorial government. The act grants U.S. citizenship to all persons who were citizens of Hawai'i as of August 12, 1898, and includes universal male suffrage.
1909 Pearl Harbor dredging and building contracts are granted to haole-owned businesses. At the time, the contracts are the largest military contracts ever awarded.
1919 August 21: The recently completed drydock at Pearl Harbor Naval Station is dedicated.
1931 September 12: Thalia Massie claims she was assaulted by a group of Hawaiian young men in the late night hours of September 12. Before September 13 dawns, the young Navy wife will tell her story three times, each time saying that she cannot identify her assailants or their car. In the coming months, Massie, the defendants, and eyewitnesses will offer perplexingly contradictory testimony when describing the evening's events.
September 13: Police arrest five suspects in the Massie case: Horace Ida, Benny Ahakuelo, Joseph Kahahawai, Henry Chang and David Takai. They are accused of assaulting Thalia Massie. A police report filed at 1:35am has implicated Horace Ida on another charge. One of the four passengers in Ida's car has been in a fight with a Native Hawaiian woman, who reports Ida's car and license plate number. By virtue of circumstance, the police immediately suspect Ida and his four friends of assaulting Thalia Massie.
September 14: Hawai'i's two major English language newspapers, the Honolulu Advertiser and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, report the assault without naming Thalia Massie. Instead, the newspapers describe her as a "woman of refinement and culture" and the suspects as "fiends."
November 16: The trial opens in the old Territorial Courthouse. Two days later, Thalia Massie testifies as the first witness for the prosecution. She states that she noticed the license plate of the car and that she recognized Ben Ahakuelo from a gold filling she saw in his mouth while she was in the car. Her testimony recalls much more detail than she revealed initially to police.
December 6: After ninety-seven hours of deliberation -- the longest in Hawai'i court history -- the jury informs the judge that it is unable to reach a verdict in the Massie case. The judge declares a mistrial. The story breaks in the mainland U.S. press as a miscarriage of justice, and many mainland Americans clamor for reform in what the press portrays as savage Hawai'i.
December 12: A vigilante group of Navy men force Horace Ida into their car in front of a beer shop in Ida's neighborhood. They drive him to the Nuuanu Valley and beat him with belt buckles until he pretends to be unconscious. Meanwhile, police track down and guard the other four suspects, who are all free on bail pending a new trial.
1932 January 8: Thalia's mother, Grace Fortescue, her husband, Tommy Massie, and two other Navy men, Albert Jones and Edward Lord, kidnap Massie case suspect Joseph Kahahawai as he leaves the Judiciary Building with his cousin. Remembering what happened to Horace Ida, the cousin immediately tells a probation officer, who alerts Honolulu police and the Shore Patrol. Meanwhile, attempting to force a confession, one of the kidnappers shoots Joseph Kahahawai. Kahahawai's dead body is placed in a bathtub to clean off the blood before the kidnappers decide to drive to the famous blowhole at Koko Head. There, the body and evidence can be tossed into the churning water to be demolished on the rocks before disappearing into the sea. An alert police officer notices a car driving past with its window shade pulled down. Seeing the drawn shade, he pursues the car, discovering the four kidnappers with Kahahawai's body. They are arrested for kidnapping and murder.
January 9: In response to the sensational newspaper accounts of the "Honor Slaying," supporters send flowers and notes of sympathy to the Navy ship where Grace Fortescue and the other defendants are being held.
January 22: A grand jury assembles to hear details of the murder and determine whether there is evidence sufficient for a trial. The grand jury initially returns a "no bill" vote, failing to indict the murderers. Judge Albert Christy does not accept their vote and reminds the jurors that their job is not to determine the guilt or innocence of the murderers, but simply to vote that there is sufficient evidence to try the accused. The grand jury continues to stall until January 26, when Judge Christy refreshes the jurors' memories of their responsibilities and of the overwhelming amount of evidence against the accused. The grand jury indicts the foursome on the charge of second-degree murder.
April 4: The Territory vs. Grace Fortescue, et al. opens for jury selection. Celebrity attorney Clarence Darrowrepresents the defendants. Jack Kelley represents the Territory, with Judge Charles Skinner Davis presiding. The jury is finalized seven days later, comprised of seven Caucasians, two Chinese, one Portuguese, and three Hawaiians.
April 20: Thalia Massie testifies for the defense. She recounts the events of the night of September 12, this time adding that she told her husband that Joseph Kahahawai beat her more than the other men.
April 27: Darrow delivers a four-and-a-half-hour closing argument that is broadcast over radio across the U.S. Kelley follows with his own summation. The jury is sent to deliberate at 5:00pm.
April 29: Just over 48 hours later, the jury returns with a verdict. The jury finds the defendants guilty of manslaughter and recommends leniency. The courtroom and the American audience are shocked that the Navy group have been convicted.
May 4: Judge Davis sentences the defendants to the mandatory sentence for manslaughter in Hawai'i: ten years hard labor. Governor Lawrence Judd, under pressure from the Navy and the U.S. government, immediately commutes the sentence to one hour served in his office. The convicted killers and Thalia Massie walk across the street to the governor's office to serve their time.
May 8: Thalia Massie, Grace Fortescue, and Tommy Massie depart Hawai'i on the Malolo, steaming to San Francisco. By boarding the ship, Thalia avoids being served a summons to appear in the retrial of the four surviving men she claimed had assaulted her. The retrial will never take place.
1941 December 7: Nine years after the Massie case, the Japanese attack the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor, precipitating America's entry into World War II.
1959 June 27: A majority of Hawai'i's electorate vote to accept statehood, which has been offered by the United States. Many Native Hawaiians vote against it, however.
August 21: Hawai'i becomes the 50th U.S. state. President Dwight Eisenhower signs the proclamation and orders the stars on the existing American flag rearranged. He addresses the American people by radio, saying, "we will wish for [Hawai'i's] prosperity, security, and happiness."
1778-1919 | 1931-1959
1778 January 18: On his third and final voyage to the Pacific Ocean, British explorer Captain James Cook is the first European to visit the Hawai'ian Islands. He is welcomed by the islanders, but later tensions arise and he is killed in a skirmish with them.
1820 A group of Christian missionaries from Boston arrive in Hawai'i.
1828 Dr. Gerrit P. Judd arrives in Hawai'i as a medical missionary to treat diseases brought to Hawai'i by early explorers. Dr. Judd eventually becomes one of King Kamehameha III's haole (white) advisers.
1842 In the Tyler Doctrine, President John Tyler asserts that Hawai'i is within the United States "sphere of influence." His statement is a warning to European powers interested in controlling Hawai'i's strategic location.
1848 King Kamehameha III agrees to a mahele, or division, of Hawai'i's land. Hawai'ian land has never been "owned," but the mahele, supported by Kamehameha's haole advisers, opens the door for foreigners to buy government land. By 1890, foreigners will hold 90 percent of Hawai'ian land.
1866 Since the beginning of contact with Europeans, the Hawai'ian population has been devastated by disease, famine and war. By 1866, only 20% of the pre-1778 population remains.
1887 King Kalakaua signs the "Bayonet Constitution" under pressure from the "Hawai'ian League," a group of armed businessmen set on defending the interests of Hawai'i's haole landowners. The new constitution gives foreigners (excluding Asians imported to work in the sugar industry) the right to vote, puts in place an income restriction on the electorate, and takes power away from the king.
Hawai'i cedes Pearl Harbor Lagoon to the United States in the Reciprocity Treaty of 1887 in exchange for duty-free sugar, which benefits the haole sugar exporters.
1893 Queen Lili'uokalani surrenders her throne at gunpoint to the United States government. A haole provisional government claims control of the republic, and the U.S. Minister to Hawai'i declares Hawai'i a U.S. Protectorate, submitting a request for annexation. Instead, President Grover Cleveland orders an investigation into the queen's surrender. Upon reading the results of the inquiry, Cleveland tells Congress, "believing... that the United States could not, under the circumstances disclosed, annex the Islands without justly incurring the imputation of acquiring them by unjustifiable methods, I shall not again submit the treaty of annexation to the Senate."
1894 President Cleveland attempts to restore Queen Lili'uokalani to her throne by asking the Provisional Government to relinquish its illegally obtained power. The Provisional Government refuses and instead creates the Republic of Hawai'i on July 4, 1894, declaring Sanford B. Dole president.
1898 President William McKinley annexes Hawai'i. The Hawai'ian public never votes on the question of annexation. Sanford B. Dole is recognized as governor of the Territory of Hawai'i in a ceremony at Iolani Palace on August 12, 1898. The American flag replaces the flag of Hawai'i.
1900 The U.S. Congress passes the Organic Act, a law defining Hawai'i's territorial government. The act grants U.S. citizenship to all persons who were citizens of Hawai'i as of August 12, 1898, and includes universal male suffrage.
1909 Pearl Harbor dredging and building contracts are granted to haole-owned businesses. At the time, the contracts are the largest military contracts ever awarded.
1919 August 21: The recently completed drydock at Pearl Harbor Naval Station is dedicated.
1931 September 12: Thalia Massie claims she was assaulted by a group of Hawaiian young men in the late night hours of September 12. Before September 13 dawns, the young Navy wife will tell her story three times, each time saying that she cannot identify her assailants or their car. In the coming months, Massie, the defendants, and eyewitnesses will offer perplexingly contradictory testimony when describing the evening's events.
September 13: Police arrest five suspects in the Massie case: Horace Ida, Benny Ahakuelo, Joseph Kahahawai, Henry Chang and David Takai. They are accused of assaulting Thalia Massie. A police report filed at 1:35am has implicated Horace Ida on another charge. One of the four passengers in Ida's car has been in a fight with a Native Hawaiian woman, who reports Ida's car and license plate number. By virtue of circumstance, the police immediately suspect Ida and his four friends of assaulting Thalia Massie.
September 14: Hawai'i's two major English language newspapers, the Honolulu Advertiser and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, report the assault without naming Thalia Massie. Instead, the newspapers describe her as a "woman of refinement and culture" and the suspects as "fiends."
November 16: The trial opens in the old Territorial Courthouse. Two days later, Thalia Massie testifies as the first witness for the prosecution. She states that she noticed the license plate of the car and that she recognized Ben Ahakuelo from a gold filling she saw in his mouth while she was in the car. Her testimony recalls much more detail than she revealed initially to police.
December 6: After ninety-seven hours of deliberation -- the longest in Hawai'i court history -- the jury informs the judge that it is unable to reach a verdict in the Massie case. The judge declares a mistrial. The story breaks in the mainland U.S. press as a miscarriage of justice, and many mainland Americans clamor for reform in what the press portrays as savage Hawai'i.
December 12: A vigilante group of Navy men force Horace Ida into their car in front of a beer shop in Ida's neighborhood. They drive him to the Nuuanu Valley and beat him with belt buckles until he pretends to be unconscious. Meanwhile, police track down and guard the other four suspects, who are all free on bail pending a new trial.
1932 January 8: Thalia's mother, Grace Fortescue, her husband, Tommy Massie, and two other Navy men, Albert Jones and Edward Lord, kidnap Massie case suspect Joseph Kahahawai as he leaves the Judiciary Building with his cousin. Remembering what happened to Horace Ida, the cousin immediately tells a probation officer, who alerts Honolulu police and the Shore Patrol. Meanwhile, attempting to force a confession, one of the kidnappers shoots Joseph Kahahawai. Kahahawai's dead body is placed in a bathtub to clean off the blood before the kidnappers decide to drive to the famous blowhole at Koko Head. There, the body and evidence can be tossed into the churning water to be demolished on the rocks before disappearing into the sea. An alert police officer notices a car driving past with its window shade pulled down. Seeing the drawn shade, he pursues the car, discovering the four kidnappers with Kahahawai's body. They are arrested for kidnapping and murder.
January 9: In response to the sensational newspaper accounts of the "Honor Slaying," supporters send flowers and notes of sympathy to the Navy ship where Grace Fortescue and the other defendants are being held.
January 22: A grand jury assembles to hear details of the murder and determine whether there is evidence sufficient for a trial. The grand jury initially returns a "no bill" vote, failing to indict the murderers. Judge Albert Christy does not accept their vote and reminds the jurors that their job is not to determine the guilt or innocence of the murderers, but simply to vote that there is sufficient evidence to try the accused. The grand jury continues to stall until January 26, when Judge Christy refreshes the jurors' memories of their responsibilities and of the overwhelming amount of evidence against the accused. The grand jury indicts the foursome on the charge of second-degree murder.
April 4: The Territory vs. Grace Fortescue, et al. opens for jury selection. Celebrity attorney Clarence Darrowrepresents the defendants. Jack Kelley represents the Territory, with Judge Charles Skinner Davis presiding. The jury is finalized seven days later, comprised of seven Caucasians, two Chinese, one Portuguese, and three Hawaiians.
April 20: Thalia Massie testifies for the defense. She recounts the events of the night of September 12, this time adding that she told her husband that Joseph Kahahawai beat her more than the other men.
April 27: Darrow delivers a four-and-a-half-hour closing argument that is broadcast over radio across the U.S. Kelley follows with his own summation. The jury is sent to deliberate at 5:00pm.
April 29: Just over 48 hours later, the jury returns with a verdict. The jury finds the defendants guilty of manslaughter and recommends leniency. The courtroom and the American audience are shocked that the Navy group have been convicted.
May 4: Judge Davis sentences the defendants to the mandatory sentence for manslaughter in Hawai'i: ten years hard labor. Governor Lawrence Judd, under pressure from the Navy and the U.S. government, immediately commutes the sentence to one hour served in his office. The convicted killers and Thalia Massie walk across the street to the governor's office to serve their time.
May 8: Thalia Massie, Grace Fortescue, and Tommy Massie depart Hawai'i on the Malolo, steaming to San Francisco. By boarding the ship, Thalia avoids being served a summons to appear in the retrial of the four surviving men she claimed had assaulted her. The retrial will never take place.
1941 December 7: Nine years after the Massie case, the Japanese attack the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor, precipitating America's entry into World War II.
1959 June 27: A majority of Hawai'i's electorate vote to accept statehood, which has been offered by the United States. Many Native Hawaiians vote against it, however.
August 21: Hawai'i becomes the 50th U.S. state. President Dwight Eisenhower signs the proclamation and orders the stars on the existing American flag rearranged. He addresses the American people by radio, saying, "we will wish for [Hawai'i's] prosperity, security, and happiness."