Kamehameha the Great remains one of the most revered figures in Hawaiian history. Through wisdom, courage, and vision he accomplished what no one before him had: unifying the Hawaiian Islands under one rule. His leadership brought peace, laid the foundation of a resilient kingdom, and continues to inspire generations.
Born around 1758 in Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island, Kamehameha’s birth coincided with the appearance of Halley’s Comet, which was interpreted as a sign of a great leader’s arrival. Fearing threats from rival chiefs, his birth was kept secret, and he was raised in seclusion. From early on, he showed great strength, intelligence, and a strong sense of purpose.
He was trained in warfare and educated in spiritual and cultural traditions, gaining a deep respect for the gods, the land, and his people. This grounding shaped a leader who balanced diplomacy with battle skills.
Kamehameha rose as a skilled warrior and strategist. His first major victory came in 1782 at the Battle of Mokuʻōhai, securing control of Hawaiʻi Island. Over time, he built alliances, strengthened his forces, and adopted Western weapons and strategies while preserving Hawaiian values.
His most renowned triumph was the 1795 Battle of Nuʻuanu on Oʻahu, where he drove opposing forces up the cliffs of Nuʻuanu Pali. The peaceful surrender of Kauaʻi’s King Kaumualiʻi, in 1810 completed the unification of all major islands. This ended decades of conflict and ushered in peace and prosperity.
But his legacy extends beyond conquest; Kamehameha established a system of governance that balanced local leadership with central authority. One of his most enduring contributions was the Kānāwai Māmalahoe (Law of the Splintered Paddle) which protected civilians in times of war and remains part of Hawaiʻi’s State Constitution today.
Kamehameha nurtured agriculture, encouraged trade, and carefully managed foreign relations. His decisions were guided by kuleana, with a focus on protecting the ʻāina and the wellbeing of his people.
Kamehameha was a servant leader who led with humility, wisdom, and strength. He valued restraint, chose diplomacy over vengeance, and always considered the needs of his people. He listened to multiple perspectives and acted with fairness and empathy. His leadership was rooted not in domination, but in care, justice, and aloha.
His aloha for his people defined his reign. He sought to uplift their lives, ensure peace, and preserve cultural traditions. In turn, the people saw him not only as a king but also as a protector and father figure. He walked among them, understood their struggles, and governed with genuine compassion.
Stories of his humility and generosity live on through Hawaiian oral traditions and mele. He unified not just islands, but hearts.
When Kamehameha died in 1819, he left a unified and sovereign Hawaiian Kingdom that endured for nearly a century. In keeping with custom, his bones were hidden to protect his mana.
Statues of Kamehameha stand proudly throughout Hawaiʻi and even in Washington, D.C. Each year on June 11, Hawaiʻi celebrates Kamehameha Day, honoring his enduring values of unity, justice, and leadership.
King Kamehameha was more than a conqueror, he was a visionary, a just ruler, and a beloved leader. His greatness came not only from what he accomplished, but how he accomplished it – with strength, humility, and love for his people.
“ʻO ke aliʻi nō ke aliʻi i ke kanaka; a chief is truly a chief because of the people.” Kamehameha was truly Ke Aliʻi Nui – the great chief – because his people loved him as deeply as he loved them.
Adapted from my remarks at the lei-draping of King Kamehameha’s statue in Washington, D.C., on June 8, 2025.
