Image for Kamehameha I

Kamehameha I

Kamehameha I, also known as Kamehameha the Great, was a prominent leader and the first king of Hawaii, reigning from 1810 until his death in 1819. He is best known for unifying the Hawaiian Islands under one rule, ending years of conflict among competing chiefdoms. Kamehameha was a skilled warrior and strategist, known for his innovative military tactics. He also established a legal code that helped govern the islands. His legacy includes promoting Hawaiian culture and traditions, and he is celebrated as a national hero in Hawaii, where his birthday is recognized as a public holiday.