Who Was King Kamehameha? A Warrior, A Leader, A Chosen One, A King.

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Hawaiians believe Kamehameha's birth fulfilled the prophecy
that foretold of the birth of a male child who would rise to power
and become a mighty conquerer and ruler of all the Hawaiian islands.
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While growing up Kamehameha was trained to fulfill his prophecy of becoming a great warrior and leader. Trained by his kahu (guardian, attendant, mentor) Nae'ole, Kamehameha learned how to swim when he was only an infant.

After five years Nae'ole returned Kamehameha to his birth parents who resided in Kailua-Kona. Alapa'inui, no longer fearful of the kahuna's warning about Kamehameha, gave him the title of chief. Kamehameha then received the proper training of a future chief.

Nae'ole taught Kamehameha the knowledge and skills needed to become a great leader. Kamehemeha memorized genealogical chants telling of how the young chief related to the gods and the names of all his ancestors and their great deeds. Also trained by Kekuhaupi'o, a great warrior, Kamehameha learned the art of war and became very skilled in vigorous sports such as he'e holua (sledding), kupololu (pole vaulting), 'Ulu maika (rolling stone discs), and hakoko (Hawaiian wrestling).

Kamehameha not only excelled in active games but quiet ones as well. It is said that Kamehameha mastered the art of playing konane (Hawaiian checkers). He would play for hours and no one was able to beat him.

Kamehameha became a highly skilled warrior. Captain George Vancouver later wrote that he saw six spears hurled at Kamehameha all at the same time. Kamehameha caught three in one hand as they flew at him. He broke two by hitting them with another spear he carried in his other hand and the last one he dodged.

In 1775 Kamehameha again proved his strength and power by overturning the Naha stone which weighed nearly five thousand pounds. According to prophecy, anyone who turned over the Naha stone would conquer all of the islands. Today the Naha stone rests in front of the Hawaii County Library in Hilo near the site of the ancient heiau Pinao.

By 1791 the entire island of Hawaii was under unified rule by Kamehameha. And by 1810, the last chiefs of the islands of Maui, Oahu, and Kauai relinquished sovereignty to Kamehameha thus creating the Kingdom of Hawaii.

For the rest of Kamehameha's life he ruled in peace with a resolute government, establishing strong ties to Britain as well as fostering the trade and agricultural industry in Hawaii.

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And if anyone ever got a hold of the bones of someone
as powerful as Kamehameha, they would have
access and possession of that mana.
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In the spring of 1819 Kamehameha became very ill and nothing could be done to heal him. His kahuna advised him to offer a human sacrifice to the gods, but Kamehameha refused, saying that "the men are kapu for he king." Meaning that the men must live to serve under his son Liholiho. Kamehameha's last words are believed to be "E 'oni wale no 'oukou i ku'u pono 'a'ole e pau." "Endless is the good that I have given you to enjoy."

Kamehameha passed away May 8, 1819 at his home in Kailua-Kona. Hawaiians believed that a man's bones carried mana (spiritual power). And if anyone ever got a hold of the bones of someone as powerful as Kamehameha, they would have access and possession of that mana. Therefore, whenever an ali'i (chief) or powerful person died, their bones where entrusted to a friend of the family to be hidden in a place that would never be found. By hiding the bones, the enemy could not steal them and get a hold over the dead's spirit. Kamehameha's long-time friend Hoapili hid Kamehameha's bones, which are still hidden to this day.

In describing Kamehameha the Great, historian Ralph Kuykendall wrote: "He was a man of powerful physique, agile, supple, fearless and skilled in all the warlike and peaceful exercises suitable for an ali'i. He had likewise a strong mind well-filled with the accumulated learning of his race and capable of thinking clearly and effectively. He was an excellent judge of men and had the faculty of inspiring loyalty in his followers. Ruthless in war, he was kind and forgiving when the need for fighting was past. He had foreigners in his service, but they were always his servants, never his masters; his was the better mind and the stronger will."

Today, a bronze statue of Kamehameha stands in front of Ali'iolani Hale in Honolulu, and every year, is draped with long strands of leis, measuring up to thirteen feet in length, for Kamehameha Day. A floral parade is also held in celebration of Kamehameaha Day. A duplicate of the Kamehameha statue stands in the National Statuary Hall in Washington D.C. alongside a statue of Father Damien. These two men were selected to represent Hawaii among the greatest heroes of the United States. Kamehameha is the first and only monarch thus far to be honored in this way, truly proving his skill and status as Hawaii's greatest leader.

Carly Bolson was born and raised in Hawaii, and is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, a private school for Hawaiian students. She is currently a senior at Scripps College majoring in English. Her interests include running, reading, tutoring, cooking, and spending time with her family. She is a regular contributor to Urban Mozaik Magazine and being multi-ethnic herself (Hawaiian, Chinese, Dutch, English, and Irish), Carly enjoys celebrating the myriad of cultural experiences as well as sharing some of her own. Please direct comments or questions to carlybolson@yahoo.com.