Kamehameha I

Intro

Birth

According to legend the kahunas predicted that an great king would be born on the night a comet passed over the islands of Hawaii. And so it goes that Kamehameha was born in 1758, the year Halley’s Comet made an appearance over Hawaiian skies. Two other dates are also commonly accepted: November 1737, or May 1, 1738.

Kamehameha was born Paiea on the Big Island of Hawaii. His father was said to be Keoua, a grandson of Keaweikekahialiiokamoku, who once ruled a large portion of the island. Translated, Kamehameha means "the lonely one."

Early Life

Another legend tells of a kahuna who prophesized that the man who moved the 7000 lbs (3175.2 kg) Naha Stone would become the greatest king of Hawaii. According to the legend, at age 14 Paiea not only moved the stone, but lifted it and turned it completely over.

Kamehameha grew up in the court of his uncle, Kalaniopuu. When Kalaniopuu died in 1782, his power was divided between Kamehameha and Kalaniopuu’s natural son, Kiwalao, who inherited his father’s throne.