Kamehameha I

Profession: King of Hawaii

Nationality:

Biography: Kamehameha I was a Hawaiian chief who became the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii. He is best known for his successful campaign to conquer and unite the Hawaiian Islands under his rule.

Paiʻea, later known as Kamehameha I, was born around 1736 on the island of Hawaii to Kekuʻiapoiwa II and Keōua Kalanikupuapa'ikalaninui. After the death of his father, he was raised by his uncle, the ruling chief Kalaniʻōpuʻu.

In 1782, following Kalaniʻōpuʻu's death, Kamehameha became a prominent chief and guardian of the war god Kūkaʻilimoku, leading to a conflict with his cousin Kīwalaʻō over the kingship.

With the support of influential chiefs and the assistance of Western advisors John Young and Isaac Davis, who provided him with firearms, Kamehameha began his campaign to conquer and unify the Hawaiian Islands.

Notable battles in this campaign include the Battle of Mokuʻōhai (1782) on Hawaii Island, the Olowalu Massacre (1790) on Maui, the Battle of Kepaniwai (1790) on Maui, and the Battle of Nuʻuanu (1795) on Oahu.

By 1810, after negotiating with Kaumualiʻi, the ruler of Kauai, Kamehameha had successfully unified all the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. As the first King of Hawaii, he took steps to ensure the islands remained united, such as establishing the Law of the Splintered Paddle and promoting trade with Europe and the United States.

Kamehameha had many wives and children, but only the children of his highest-ranking wife, Keōpūolani, succeeded him to the throne. When he died in 1819, Kamehameha's final resting place was kept secret according to ancient Hawaiian tradition.

Born: May 1, 1738
Birthplace: Kohala, Hawaii, USA
Star Sign: Taurus

Died: May 8, 1819 (aged 81)