In 1959, Hawaii became our country’s fiftieth state, but, long before that, the Hawaiian Islands were ruled by warring tribes. In 1795, following many years of hard-fought battles throughout islands, a powerful chief named Kalani Paiea Wohi o Kaleikini Kealiikui Kamehameha o Iolani i Kaiwikapu kaui Ka Liholiho Kunuiakea united the Hawaiian Islands under a single ruler for the first time in its long history.
Hawaii became the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810 and this warrior leader became King Kamehameha I, often called Kamehameha the Great, whose dynasty would last until 1872. An ancient prophecy proclaimed that any man who could lift a 7,000-pound Naha Stone would become king and unite the islands. Legend says Kamehameha not only lifted the massive stone, but he tossed it over completely, when he was just 14 years old.
Kamehameha ruled until his death in 1819, developing alliances with the major Pacific colonial powers, such as the British to preserve Hawaii’s independence under his reign. Among his legacy, he is remembered for what is called “The Law of the Splintered Paddle,” which protects the human rights of non-combatants in times of battle. He also unified the legal system and used taxes to promote trade with Europe and the United States. His independent, constitutional monarchy was carried on in succession by four of his sons.
King Kamehameha I first united the Islands of Hawaii in 1795, following many years of war between chieftains. The Hawaiian monarchy would last nearly 100 years, ending with the abdication of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893.
Kamehameha V was the last of the direct descendants to rule. The succeeding dynasty was that of the Kalakauas, which was in power from 1874 until 1893, when Hawaii’s last monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, was deposed by a force of local businessmen and politicians who took over the Kingdom’s government.
In 1898, Hawaii was annexed by the United States and, in 1900, it became a U.S. territory. On August 21, 1959 it became the fiftieth American state. In 1993, the U.S. government formally apologized for its role in the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii that forced out the last of the monarchs.
Early in its history, the Kingdom of Hawaii was governed from several locations including coastal towns of Kohala on the island of Hawaii, where the Royal Kona Resort is located, and on Maui, near the Royal Lahaina Resort. The capital was established on Oahu by Kamehameha III, where is remains today.
Ideal jumping off points for exploring the rich history and culture of Hawaii are the Royal Kona Resort and the Royal Lahaina Resort. For more information, go to www.hawaihotels.com.