Unification of Hawaii

The Unification of Hawaiʻi (1782–1810) was a series of wars in the Hawaiian Islands fought over control of the entire island chain. At the time of European contact, the islands were divided amongst competing Aliʻi, or high chiefs. The Island of Hawaiʻi was divided into several districts, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe were united under Maui, Oʻahu was independent, and Kauaʻi ruled Niʻihau. The feudal Aliʻi often fought wars to gain land and mana; however the introduction of European weapons gave some Aliʻi an advantage over others, and they began aggressively taking over their neighbors.

Unification of Hawai‘i
Date 1782–1810 Location Hawaiian Islands Result Victory for Kamehameha I Consolidation of the power of Hawaiʻi Establishment of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi over the Hawaiian archipelago Kauaʻi becomes Vassal of Kamehameha
Belligerents
Kingdom of Hawaiʻi	Kingdom of Maui Kaʻū District Kohala District Hilo District Kingdom of Kauaʻi	Kingdom of Oʻahu
Commanders and leaders
Kamehameha I Keliʻimaikaʻi Keʻeaumoku Pāpaʻiahiahi Keaweaheulu Kameʻeiamoku Kekūhaupiʻo Nahili Kamanawa Keʻeaumoku II Isaac Davis John Young	Kīwalaʻō Keōua Kūʻahuʻula Keawemaʻuhili Kahekili II Kalanikūpule Kamakahelei Kaumualiʻi	Kahahana

First the big island was consolidated by Kamehameha I after overthrowing his uncle for control of the Kona District on the island of Hawaiʻi. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Maui invaded and conquered Oʻahu. With Hawaiʻi united under his rule, Kamehameha eventually invaded Maui and Oʻahu, culminating in the climatic battle that was the Battle of Nuʻuanu. Before he could successfully invade the last two remaining islands, the paramount Chief of Kauaʻi, Kaumualiʻi, negotiated a peace that submitted the islands to Hawaiian rule.[1]

Background

See also

• Kingdom of Hawaii
• Kamehameha I

References

1. Rapp, Claudia (23 July 2004). A PARADISE LOST: MAPPING CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE FROM HAWAI’I. p. 259. Retrieved 16 September 2014.