In my 26 years of interacting with the international community as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Hawaiian Kingdom, I never tire of sharing this part of our Kingdom’s story.
This past Thursday was the 155th anniversary of the celebration of King Kamehameha Day. Of the three official holidays of the Kingdom, the other two being Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea and Lā Kuʻokoʻa, Lā Kamehameha is the only one that has been celebrated continuously through regime changes and occupation. And rightly so…
Mōʻī Kamehameha ʻEkāhi (King Kamehameha I) transformed the Hawaiian Islands from fragmented, warring chiefdoms into a unified, prosperous, and globally recognized kingdom. By blending aggressive military conquest with shrewd diplomatic policies and progressive social laws, he successfully guided Hawai'i into the modern era.
Kamehameha The Conqueror
Prophecy and Preparation: Born Paiʻea around 1758, his life was shaped by ancient prophecy. He gained immense credibility and spiritual authority by overturning the massive, 2.5-ton Naha Stone—a feat rumored to signify the man who would conquer all the islands. He trained rigorously for war and forged strategic alliances with other chiefs and surrounded himself with loyal advisors.
Military Prowess: Launching his campaign in the early 1780s, Kamehameha utilized his formidable tactical mind. He secured decisive, brutal victories at the Battle of Kepūwahaʻulaʻula (the Red-Touted Mouth) and the dramatic Battle of Nuʻuanu Pali on Oʻahu.
Adapting Technology: He was quick to embrace Western weaponry, employing foreign advisors, cannons, and muskets to breach opposing defenses.
Kamehameha The Statesman
Upon finishing the conquest stage, Kamehameha switched from a fierce warrior to a wise statesman to unify the islands into a nation…
Law of the Splintered Paddle (Kānāwai Māmalahoe): A defining moment in his political transition was the enactment of this pioneering human rights law. It protected the sick, the elderly, and non-combatants from harm, fundamentally shifting his public image from a ruthless warlord to a protector of his people.
Centralized Governance: While maintaining traditional Hawaiian kapu systems and religious structures, Kamehameha established a centralized administration. He used this consolidated power to maintain order, uniting differing island chiefdoms under one cohesive royal dynasty.
Global Diplomacy and Trade: He recognized the inevitability of foreign influence and leveraged it for economic gain. Kamehameha created a royal monopoly on the lucrative sandalwood trade with China, using the generated revenue to modernize Hawaii's economy and purchase imported goods and arms.
Kamehameha and the Kings and Queens that followed in his footsteps provided such a firm foundation for our nation that, despite all the abuse, adversity and efforts to erase us, the nation still stands, maintains continuity and grows stronger every day.
Aloha ʻĀina —
“Love of country is deep-seated in the breast of every Hawaiian, whatever his station.” — Queen Liliʻuokalani
Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono.
The sovereignty of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.
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For the latest news and developments about our progress at the United Nations in both New York and Geneva, tune in to Free Hawaii News at 7 PM, the first Friday of each month on ʻŌlelo Television, Channel 53.
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Malama Pono,
Leon Siu
Hawaiian National
Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Hawaiian Kingdom (since 2001)
