**This page is a work in progress, as our standards are shifting. Not all standards/resources are listed.**
KuMULIPO
Learn the islands
Hot Spot Theory
Migration
Ways of Navigation around the World
Social Heirachy Structure
Hawaiian society evolved into a highly stratified hierarchy. The highest authority in all arenas was the mo`i, or king, the ali`i holding the highest chiefly rank. The mo`i was the ultimate owner of all annual taxes, he oversaw important religious rites and acted as leader during times of war. The top two advisors to the mo`i were the kalaimoku, or chief minister, and the kahuna nui, or high priest.
The ali`i, or chiefs of all ranks, stood beneath this highest level. All ali`i held their position at the pleasure of the mo`i but their rank depended on the combined genealogies of their parents. Genealogical standing could be complicated. If a high chief could not find a woman of comparable rank to marry, he might marry his sister or the daughter of his brother. A child from this type of union would maintain a high rank and the status of the family. After the birth of such a child, the husband and wife could take other partners with less regard for genealogical standing.
Ali`i of lesser rank were the children of men favored by a chief who had married women of ali`i lineage. Lesser still were those called ali`i due to a special skill or strength; these were ali`i in title only and their position could not be passed to their children.
The lives of high ranking ali`i were regulated by many kapu, or restrictions. Commoners were required to prostrate themselves in the presence of ali`i, one's shadow was not allowed to fall on the person or house of an ali`i, none but an ali`i could enter his house by its private doorway, and any lower-ranking individual was to kneel in the presence of an ali`i who was eating. Ali`i were looked after by attendants; the mo`i was attended by many. Attendants to the mo`i - most often high-ranking ali`i themselves - sat with the mo`i while he ate, entertained him at night with stories and games, looked after his food, cared for his religious idols, composed chants for him, and watched over him as he slept.
Kahuna were a class of priests and highly-skilled craftsmen. Their mastery of religious rites and practices pertained to their specific profession (for instance, canoe building). Some, like the kahuna of medicine, might specialize in one area of their profession.
The largest group in Hawaiian society was the maka`ainana, or common people. These were laborers and workers who produced most of the goods in life. They did construction work, farmed, fished, and fought for their chiefs during wartimes. They were taxed annually by the mo`i and local ali`i, paying in kind with food, clothing and other goods and keeping a third of what they produced for themselves. While they stood at the lower levels of society, maka`ainana did have the right to move to a different area or rebel if the local ruling ali`i was harsh and unfair.
At the bottom of the social ladder was a small group of kauwa, or outcasts. These, like the ali`i, were born to their position.
The ali`i, or chiefs of all ranks, stood beneath this highest level. All ali`i held their position at the pleasure of the mo`i but their rank depended on the combined genealogies of their parents. Genealogical standing could be complicated. If a high chief could not find a woman of comparable rank to marry, he might marry his sister or the daughter of his brother. A child from this type of union would maintain a high rank and the status of the family. After the birth of such a child, the husband and wife could take other partners with less regard for genealogical standing.
Ali`i of lesser rank were the children of men favored by a chief who had married women of ali`i lineage. Lesser still were those called ali`i due to a special skill or strength; these were ali`i in title only and their position could not be passed to their children.
The lives of high ranking ali`i were regulated by many kapu, or restrictions. Commoners were required to prostrate themselves in the presence of ali`i, one's shadow was not allowed to fall on the person or house of an ali`i, none but an ali`i could enter his house by its private doorway, and any lower-ranking individual was to kneel in the presence of an ali`i who was eating. Ali`i were looked after by attendants; the mo`i was attended by many. Attendants to the mo`i - most often high-ranking ali`i themselves - sat with the mo`i while he ate, entertained him at night with stories and games, looked after his food, cared for his religious idols, composed chants for him, and watched over him as he slept.
Kahuna were a class of priests and highly-skilled craftsmen. Their mastery of religious rites and practices pertained to their specific profession (for instance, canoe building). Some, like the kahuna of medicine, might specialize in one area of their profession.
The largest group in Hawaiian society was the maka`ainana, or common people. These were laborers and workers who produced most of the goods in life. They did construction work, farmed, fished, and fought for their chiefs during wartimes. They were taxed annually by the mo`i and local ali`i, paying in kind with food, clothing and other goods and keeping a third of what they produced for themselves. While they stood at the lower levels of society, maka`ainana did have the right to move to a different area or rebel if the local ruling ali`i was harsh and unfair.
At the bottom of the social ladder was a small group of kauwa, or outcasts. These, like the ali`i, were born to their position.
Kapu System
AhupuA'A
Captain Cook
Kamehameha Dynasty
Kamehameha I
Kamehameha II
Missionaries
Kamehameha III
Great Mahele and the Sugar Industry
Kamehameha IV
Kamehameha V
Kamehameha V (Lot)
Born as Lot Kapuaiwa in 1830, Kamehameha V reigned as the fifth Monarch of the kingdom from 1863 to 1872. His motto was “Onipa`a”: immovable, firm, steadfast or determined; he worked diligently for his people and kingdom and was described as the last great traditional chief.
He was the first king to encourage revival of traditional practices. Under his reign, the laws against “kahunaism” were repealed. A Hawaiian Board of Medicine was established, with kahuna members, and la’au lapa’au or Hawaiian medicine was again practiced.
As a young man he traveled abroad with his brother Liholiho under the supervision of their guardian Dr Judd. They sailed to San Francisco in 1849. From there they continued to Panama, Jamaica, New York and Washington D.C. They toured Europe and met with various heads of state including French president Louis Napoleon, British prince consort Albert, and US president Zachary Taylor.
Before his death Kamehameha V stated:“The throne belongs to Lunalilo; I will not appoint him, because I consider him unworthy of the position. The constitution, in case I make no nomination, provides for the election of the next King; let it be so.“ With no heir at his death, the next monarch would be elected by the legislature. Lot died in 1872.
Born as Lot Kapuaiwa in 1830, Kamehameha V reigned as the fifth Monarch of the kingdom from 1863 to 1872. His motto was “Onipa`a”: immovable, firm, steadfast or determined; he worked diligently for his people and kingdom and was described as the last great traditional chief.
He was the first king to encourage revival of traditional practices. Under his reign, the laws against “kahunaism” were repealed. A Hawaiian Board of Medicine was established, with kahuna members, and la’au lapa’au or Hawaiian medicine was again practiced.
As a young man he traveled abroad with his brother Liholiho under the supervision of their guardian Dr Judd. They sailed to San Francisco in 1849. From there they continued to Panama, Jamaica, New York and Washington D.C. They toured Europe and met with various heads of state including French president Louis Napoleon, British prince consort Albert, and US president Zachary Taylor.
Before his death Kamehameha V stated:“The throne belongs to Lunalilo; I will not appoint him, because I consider him unworthy of the position. The constitution, in case I make no nomination, provides for the election of the next King; let it be so.“ With no heir at his death, the next monarch would be elected by the legislature. Lot died in 1872.
Lunalilo
Lunalilo was grandnephew of Kamehameha I by blood and the monarch’s stepson by marriage. Affectionately known as “Prince Bill“, he was one of the royals (including King Kalakaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani) to write music. He composed Hawaii’s first national anthem, “E Ola Ke Aliʻi Ke Akua“ which was Hawaii’s version of “God Save The King“.
Lunalilo’s popularity was so great that many believed he could have walked into the capital and declare himself king. Lunalilo, however, insisted that the constitution be followed. As a cousin of Kamehameha V and a Kamehameha by birth, he demanded a general election and won, becoming the first elected King of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Kamehameha V had spent his reign increasing the powers of his office and trying to restore the absolute monarchy of his grandfather, Kamehameha I. Lunalilo, however, spent his reign trying to make the Hawaiian government more democratic. His goal was to amend the constitution to expand native Hawaiian voting rights, but he died from tuberculosis having reigned for one year and twenty-five days. H
Lunalilo was grandnephew of Kamehameha I by blood and the monarch’s stepson by marriage. Affectionately known as “Prince Bill“, he was one of the royals (including King Kalakaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani) to write music. He composed Hawaii’s first national anthem, “E Ola Ke Aliʻi Ke Akua“ which was Hawaii’s version of “God Save The King“.
Lunalilo’s popularity was so great that many believed he could have walked into the capital and declare himself king. Lunalilo, however, insisted that the constitution be followed. As a cousin of Kamehameha V and a Kamehameha by birth, he demanded a general election and won, becoming the first elected King of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Kamehameha V had spent his reign increasing the powers of his office and trying to restore the absolute monarchy of his grandfather, Kamehameha I. Lunalilo, however, spent his reign trying to make the Hawaiian government more democratic. His goal was to amend the constitution to expand native Hawaiian voting rights, but he died from tuberculosis having reigned for one year and twenty-five days. H
David Kalakaua
King Kalakaua was known as The Merrie Monarch and was the last king of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. He reigned from 1874 until his death in San Francisco on January 20, 1891. Kalakaua had a convivial personality and enjoyed entertaining guests with his singing and ukulele playing. At his coronation and his birthday jubilee, hula dancing which had been banned in the kingdom was performed by his request, revitalizing this important part of Hawaiian culture. Today The Merrie Monarch Festival is held every year on the Big Island of Hawai’i showcasing hula performers from across the islands and around the world.
Map with route of King Kalakaua’s journey around the world
During Kalakaua’s reign, the Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 brought much prosperity and commerce to the kingdom. Its renewal continued the prosperity as the sugar industry began to expand. In 1881, he voyaged around the world to encourage the immigration of contract sugar plantation workers, meeting with kings, presidents and heads of state. Kalākaua also wanted Hawaiians to broaden their education beyond their nation, instituting a government program to sponsor students who qualified to be sent abroad to further their educations.
In 1886, Kalākaua and his Privy Council licensed the ancient Hale Naua secret society for persons of Hawaiian ancestry. The original Hale Naua had not been active since Kamehameha I, when it had functioned as a genealogical research organization for claims of royal lineage. When Kalākaua reactivated it, he expanded its purpose to encompass Hawaiian culture as well as modern-day arts and sciences, and included women as equals.
He commissioned the building of today’s Iolani Palace in 1879, the only royal palace that exists on U.S. soil. Most of the koa wood used in the palace’s construction came from a mill in upcountry Maui.
The reign of Kalakaua was also characterized by the monarch’s emphasis on military pomp and extravagant entertaining. He was to known to enjoy gambling and was said to have wagered Molokini in a game of cards while visiting Maui.
In 1887 he was forced under duress to sign a new Hawaii Constitution (called the Bayonet Constitution) which stripped the monarchy of power. However he continued to revive the Hawaiian culture along with his sister Liliʻuokalani.
The reign of Kalākaua is generally regarded as the first Hawaiian Renaissance, for both his influence on Hawaii’s music, and also for other contributions he made to reinvigorate Hawaiian culture. This movement inspired the reawakening Hawaiian pride and nationalism for the kingdom.
In 1891, Princess Liliʻuokalani, sister to King David Kalakaua, ascended the throne after his death from illness while visiting San Francisco.
King Kalakaua was known as The Merrie Monarch and was the last king of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. He reigned from 1874 until his death in San Francisco on January 20, 1891. Kalakaua had a convivial personality and enjoyed entertaining guests with his singing and ukulele playing. At his coronation and his birthday jubilee, hula dancing which had been banned in the kingdom was performed by his request, revitalizing this important part of Hawaiian culture. Today The Merrie Monarch Festival is held every year on the Big Island of Hawai’i showcasing hula performers from across the islands and around the world.
Map with route of King Kalakaua’s journey around the world
During Kalakaua’s reign, the Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 brought much prosperity and commerce to the kingdom. Its renewal continued the prosperity as the sugar industry began to expand. In 1881, he voyaged around the world to encourage the immigration of contract sugar plantation workers, meeting with kings, presidents and heads of state. Kalākaua also wanted Hawaiians to broaden their education beyond their nation, instituting a government program to sponsor students who qualified to be sent abroad to further their educations.
In 1886, Kalākaua and his Privy Council licensed the ancient Hale Naua secret society for persons of Hawaiian ancestry. The original Hale Naua had not been active since Kamehameha I, when it had functioned as a genealogical research organization for claims of royal lineage. When Kalākaua reactivated it, he expanded its purpose to encompass Hawaiian culture as well as modern-day arts and sciences, and included women as equals.
He commissioned the building of today’s Iolani Palace in 1879, the only royal palace that exists on U.S. soil. Most of the koa wood used in the palace’s construction came from a mill in upcountry Maui.
The reign of Kalakaua was also characterized by the monarch’s emphasis on military pomp and extravagant entertaining. He was to known to enjoy gambling and was said to have wagered Molokini in a game of cards while visiting Maui.
In 1887 he was forced under duress to sign a new Hawaii Constitution (called the Bayonet Constitution) which stripped the monarchy of power. However he continued to revive the Hawaiian culture along with his sister Liliʻuokalani.
The reign of Kalākaua is generally regarded as the first Hawaiian Renaissance, for both his influence on Hawaii’s music, and also for other contributions he made to reinvigorate Hawaiian culture. This movement inspired the reawakening Hawaiian pride and nationalism for the kingdom.
In 1891, Princess Liliʻuokalani, sister to King David Kalakaua, ascended the throne after his death from illness while visiting San Francisco.
Bayonet Constitution
Queen Lili’uokalani
Possibly no other Hawaiian Monarch was more beloved by the people than Queen Lili’uokolani. Her brother King Kalakaua began a revival of the Hawaiian culture which she was determined to continue.
Born into a high ranking Hawaiian family as Lydia Kamakaeha in 1838, her mother (Keohokalole) served as an advisor to King Kamehameha III. As was customary of the times, young members of the royal family like Lydia were educated by missionaries and traveled the Western world. When she was ten years old the boarding school she attended was closed as the result of a measles epidemic on O’ahu that took the lives of around 10,000 people, mostly native Hawaiians. Her three year old sister also died in the epidemic.
She spent time in the court of Kamehameha IV as Princess Kamaka’eha. She was married in 1862 at the age of 24 to the son of a ship captain named John Owen Dominus. He became an official in the Hawaiian government and later served as governor of O’ahu and Maui. The couple had no biological children but adopted (hanai) several.
Princess Kamaka’eha elder brother David was appointed to the throne in 1874 and her youngest brother William Pit Leleiohoku was named heir to the throne. When Leleiohoku died three years later, Princes Lydia Kamaka’eha was named heir apparent and received the title Lili’uokolani. She worked towards the creation of schools for Hawaii’s youth and acted as King Kalakaua’s regent during the King’s world tour in 1881.
After the death of her brother King Kalakaua in 1891 she ascending the throne and became Queen Lili’uokolani. Her first order of business was to amend the Bayonet Constitution and restore the power to the monarchy and the Hawaiian people. The sugar planters and businessmen of the islands instigated an overthrow fearing loss of revenue and the influence of a popular Queen. They prompted the U.S Marines to march on Iolani Palace and forced the Queen to surrender the Hawaiian Kingdom to the United States in 1893. Acting as leader of the Stand Firm Movement she advocated against U.S annexation and in turn was imprisoned inside Iolani Palace for 8 months.
A provisional government was established and named the Republic of Hawai’i with Sanford B. Dole as president in 1894. A rebellion ensued that included Prince Jonah Kuhio but the Wilcox Rebellion failed and the group was captured with Prince Kuhio spending a year in jail. She staved off annexation for 4 years with support from U.S. president Grover Cleveland who believed Hawai’i should stay a sovereign nation. That support ended with the election of William McKinley who quickly annexed Hawai’i in 1898.
Living out the remainder of her later life as a private citizen, she established the Queen Liliʻuokalani Trust in 1909 for the care of orphaned and destitute children of Hawai’i. The Queen Liliʻuokalani Children’s Center exists today as part of her legacy.
Although she was never successful in her more than a decade of legal pursuits for compensation from the United States government for seized land, in 1911 she was finally granted a $1,250 a month lifetime pension by the Territory of Hawaii.
Liliʻuokalani died at her O’ahu residence in Honolulu on November 11, 1917.
In addition to her role as a monarch devoted to her country and people she was an important scholar and prolific musician and composer. She learned much on her travels abroad and became well versed with American and European composers as well as being an authority on traditional Hawaiian chants and songs. In her lifetime she composed more than 150 songs including her most famous “Aloha ‘Oe”.
Possibly no other Hawaiian Monarch was more beloved by the people than Queen Lili’uokolani. Her brother King Kalakaua began a revival of the Hawaiian culture which she was determined to continue.
Born into a high ranking Hawaiian family as Lydia Kamakaeha in 1838, her mother (Keohokalole) served as an advisor to King Kamehameha III. As was customary of the times, young members of the royal family like Lydia were educated by missionaries and traveled the Western world. When she was ten years old the boarding school she attended was closed as the result of a measles epidemic on O’ahu that took the lives of around 10,000 people, mostly native Hawaiians. Her three year old sister also died in the epidemic.
She spent time in the court of Kamehameha IV as Princess Kamaka’eha. She was married in 1862 at the age of 24 to the son of a ship captain named John Owen Dominus. He became an official in the Hawaiian government and later served as governor of O’ahu and Maui. The couple had no biological children but adopted (hanai) several.
Princess Kamaka’eha elder brother David was appointed to the throne in 1874 and her youngest brother William Pit Leleiohoku was named heir to the throne. When Leleiohoku died three years later, Princes Lydia Kamaka’eha was named heir apparent and received the title Lili’uokolani. She worked towards the creation of schools for Hawaii’s youth and acted as King Kalakaua’s regent during the King’s world tour in 1881.
After the death of her brother King Kalakaua in 1891 she ascending the throne and became Queen Lili’uokolani. Her first order of business was to amend the Bayonet Constitution and restore the power to the monarchy and the Hawaiian people. The sugar planters and businessmen of the islands instigated an overthrow fearing loss of revenue and the influence of a popular Queen. They prompted the U.S Marines to march on Iolani Palace and forced the Queen to surrender the Hawaiian Kingdom to the United States in 1893. Acting as leader of the Stand Firm Movement she advocated against U.S annexation and in turn was imprisoned inside Iolani Palace for 8 months.
A provisional government was established and named the Republic of Hawai’i with Sanford B. Dole as president in 1894. A rebellion ensued that included Prince Jonah Kuhio but the Wilcox Rebellion failed and the group was captured with Prince Kuhio spending a year in jail. She staved off annexation for 4 years with support from U.S. president Grover Cleveland who believed Hawai’i should stay a sovereign nation. That support ended with the election of William McKinley who quickly annexed Hawai’i in 1898.
Living out the remainder of her later life as a private citizen, she established the Queen Liliʻuokalani Trust in 1909 for the care of orphaned and destitute children of Hawai’i. The Queen Liliʻuokalani Children’s Center exists today as part of her legacy.
Although she was never successful in her more than a decade of legal pursuits for compensation from the United States government for seized land, in 1911 she was finally granted a $1,250 a month lifetime pension by the Territory of Hawaii.
Liliʻuokalani died at her O’ahu residence in Honolulu on November 11, 1917.
In addition to her role as a monarch devoted to her country and people she was an important scholar and prolific musician and composer. She learned much on her travels abroad and became well versed with American and European composers as well as being an authority on traditional Hawaiian chants and songs. In her lifetime she composed more than 150 songs including her most famous “Aloha ‘Oe”.
Lilioukalani ViDeO PBS
IllEgal Annexation
I, Lili'uokalani, by the Grace of God and under the constitution of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Queen, do hereby solemnly protest against any and all acts done against myself and the constitutional government of the Hawaiian Kingdom by certain persons claiming to have established a Provisional Government of and for this Kingdom. That I yield to the superior force of the United States of America, whose Minister Plenipotentiary, His Excellency John L. Stevens, has caused United States troops to be landed at Honolulu and declared that he would support the said Provisional Government. Now, to avoid any collision of armed forces and perhaps loss of life, I do, under this protest, and impelled by said forces, yield my authority until such time as the Government of the United States shall, upon the facts being presented to it, undo the action of its representative and reinstate me in the authority which I claim as the constitutional sovereign of the Hawaiian Islands.
January 17, 1893
Liliuokalani's Protest to William McKinley (U.S. President), June 17, 1897
Joint Resolution to Provide for Annexing the Hawaiian Islands to the United States (1898)
January 17, 1893
Liliuokalani's Protest to William McKinley (U.S. President), June 17, 1897
Joint Resolution to Provide for Annexing the Hawaiian Islands to the United States (1898)
Pearl Harbor
United States Apologizes - 1993
On November 23, 1993, Congress passed Public Law 103-150, also known as the Apology Resolution, acknowledging the American role in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. President Bill Clinton signed the joint resolution the same day.