Kamehameha I

:This article is about the Hawaiian ruler. For other uses, see Kamehameha (disambiguation).

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Kamehameha, also known as Kamehameha I and Kamehameha the Great (circa 1758-1819), unified the Hawaiian Islands in battle and formally established the Kingdom of Hawai‘i in 1810. A skilled diplomat, Kamehameha developed friendships with the major colonial powers in the Pacific resulting in the preservation of independence, as well as a guarantee of peace and prosperity of the kingdom, for future generations of native Hawaiians. Kamehameha is most noted for his vehement defense of traditional Hawaiian values and the kapu system of law and religion. He is also remembered for mamalahoe or the Law of the Splintered Paddle, used today throughout the world protecting the human rights of non-combatants in times of battle.

Related Topics:
Circa 1758 - 1819 - Hawaiian Islands - Kingdom of Hawai‘i - 1810 - Diplomat - Pacific - Native Hawaiians - Kapu system - Law of the Splintered Paddle - Human rights - Non-combatants

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In 1871, Kamehameha V decreed a holiday, Kamehameha Day, in Kamehameha I's honor. This holiday is still celebrated annually today, on June 11. In addition, a statue was erected in his honor at Ali‘iolani Hale, the center of Hawai‘i's judicial system. Two identical statues also exist in Kohala and the United States Capitol.

Related Topics:
Kamehameha Day - June 11 - Ali‘iolani Hale - Kohala - United States Capitol

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