Kamehameha I

King Kamehameha I was born at Kokoiki about 1758. He grew into a courageous warrior and was said to have overturned the huge Naha Stone in Hilo. According to native belief, such a feat indicated superhuman strength and foreshadowed the inevitable conquest of all of Hawai'i.

• During a struggle between rival forces and the various chiefs under the leadership of Kamehameha, Kamehameha attained control of half the Island of Hawai'i.
• During the struggle, Kamehameha's "divine right" was exemplified by a rare explosive eruption of Kilauea Volcano, which wiped out parts of the opposing army.
• By 1810, he had unified all the inhabited islands of Hawai'i under his rule.
• As king, Kamehameha placed capable followers in charge of large districts. He encouraged trade and peaceful activities, and he presided over the opening of Hawai'i to the rest of the world.
• On May 8, 1819, King Kamehameha I died. His remains were hidden with such secrecy, according to ancient custom, that "only the stars know his final resting place."