“E oni wale no‘oukou i ku‘u pono‘a‘ole e pau.”
Between 1790 and 1795, Kamehameha used Western cannon and superior military strategies to subjugate all the islands except Niihau and Kauai. After two failed invasion attempts, a combination of diplomacy and threats convinced the ruler of Kauai, Kaumualii, in 1810 to accept Kamehameha as the supreme ruler in the islands.
Before Kamehameha, warfare was common in the islands with one chief battling another for land and power, and commoners were at the mercy of their rulers. That all ended when Kamehameha took over, establishing his first capital in Lahaina.
Kamehameha demonstrated a pragmatic concern for the average Hawaiian, the need for unity in a changing time and respect for the old ways while being open to modern technology. The main thrust of his foreign policy was to strengthen ties with Great Britain and keep other powers from establishing a foothold in the islands during a time of European imperialism in the Pacific.
Throughout his reign, Kamehameha modified the old ways of governing to fit new conditions brought about by increased foreign influence. He gave individual chiefs latitude in governing their lands but named his own governors to each of the major islands except Kauai and had the final word on any dispute.
Kamehameha had a vision for the islands that lasted beyond his death and could be resurrected today. The first step is to achieve unity within the Hawaiian community. It’s a tall order, and one that cannot be achieved without a common goal that acknowledges modern reality. Kamehameha I showed the way.
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