Member-only story

The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of Keoua Kalanikupuapa Kalani Nui, the Last Ruler of the Kingdom of Hawai'i

Ismael Hayes

·6.3k Followers· Follow

Published in History Of Keoua Kalanikupuapa I Kalani Nui: Father Of Hawaiian Kings (Mint Editions Hawaiian Library)

3 min read

439 View Claps

22 Respond

Save

Listen

Keoua Kalanikupuapa Kalani Nui, also known as King Kamehameha III, was the last ruler of the Kingdom of Hawai'i. His reign marked a period of significant transformation for the islands, as they transitioned from a feudal society to a constitutional monarchy. Keoua's leadership was instrumental in shaping the modern history of Hawai'i, and his legacy continues to inspire Hawaiians and visitors alike.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Keoua was born on August 11, 1813, in Kohala, on the Big Island of Hawai'i. He was the oldest son of Kamehameha I, the founder of the Kingdom of Hawai'i, and his wife, Keopuolani. As a young boy, Keoua was given a traditional Hawaiian education, which included learning about his culture, history, and religion. He also received instruction in Western subjects, such as mathematics, science, and geography.

History of Keoua Kalanikupuapa-i-kalani-nui: Father of Hawaiian Kings (Mint Editions - Hawaiian Library)

by Mint Editions

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3684 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	32 pages

In 1824, when Keoua was 11 years old, his father died. Keoua's half-brother, Liholiho, succeeded to the throne, taking the name Kamehameha II. Liholiho's reign was marked by political instability and social unrest. In 1825, a group of Protestant missionaries arrived in Hawai'i, and they quickly gained the support of many Hawaiians. This led to a conflict between the missionaries and the traditional Hawaiian chiefs, who feared that the missionaries would undermine their power.

In 1827, Liholiho died under mysterious circumstances. Keoua, who was then 14 years old, became the next king. He took the name Kamehameha III, in honor of his father.

Reign as Kamehameha III

Kamehameha III's reign began at a time of great change for Hawai'i. The islands were in the midst of a transition from a feudal society to a constitutional monarchy. Kamehameha III embraced this change, and he worked to modern

History of Keoua Kalanikupuapa-i-kalani-nui: Father of Hawaiian Kings (Mint Editions - Hawaiian Library)

by Mint Editions

4.5 out of 5