Lahaina Targeted by Whites for Decades

King Kamehameha Unites the Hawaiian Islands under his Rule

1810 AD

King Kamehameha I

After many years of hard work and bloody battles, King Kamehameha finally united the Hawaiian Islands in 1810 when King Kaumualii of Kauai peacefully agreed to become a tributary kingdom under Kamehameha's rule.

Not only was this feat utterly impressive, but the Hawaiian Kingdom enjoyed a peaceful period under Kamehameha's rule. He also unified the legal system and used taxes to encourage trade with Europeans and Americans.

June 11th is widely celebrated as Kamehameha Day, and four statues exist to commemorate his lasting legacy as Hawaii's greatest King.

Kalakaua becomes King

1874 AD

Coronation of King Kalakaua

Although he had lost to William Charles Lunalilo the year before, Kalakaua won the election of 1874, beginning his reign as "The Merrie Monarch". Kalakaua was the first reigning monarch to ever visit the United States, traveling to Washington to secure the Reciprocity Treaty of 1875, which allowed Hawaii's sugar industry to boom and provided economic prosperity. With a passion for dance, music, parties and luxury, Kalakaua had Iolani Palace built as his new home for a whopping $350,000.

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