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Kamehameha Dynasty
The Islands had 7 Kings and 1 Queen, who also was the last monarch of Hawaii. 6 of therse kings were of Kamehameha lineage.
Kamehameha I - known as Kamehameha the Great was the king that united the Islands. The small exhibit at the Nuuanu Lookout Point tells the story of the last battle after which all the islands were united under one reign. He was also the only Hawaiian king to have children that succeeded him.
Kamehameha II - is mostly remembered for breaking the rules of the ancient “kapu” (taboo), he was the first Hawaiian that allowed men and women to dine in one room. This king’s legacy is depicted in the permanent exhibition at the Ali’iolani Hale in Honolulu.
Kamehameha III - the first Christian monarch of Hawaii he’s responsible for the first constitution of Hawaii and diplomatic relations with other countries. Kamehameha the third had no children, which brought him to the idea of establishing law that would allow kings to be elected!
Kamehameha IV - contributed a lot to education and healthcare, together with his wife – Queen Emma he established the Queen’s Medical Center which is the leading Hospital in Hawaii until nowadays. A lot can be learned about this king while visiting the Queen Emma’s Summer Palace.
Kamehameha V – this king’s name was biblical – Lot, even after he became the fifth Kamehameha he was still referred, by many, as Prince Lot. He’s responsible for building the Royal Hawaiian Hotel (nowadays Hawaii State Art Museum), Ali’iolani Ale, the State court house, and the Royal Mausoleum. Although contributing immensely to the architecture and development he left huge debts!
He didn’t have children, and was never married being separated from the love of his life at a very young age.
Lunalilo I – although part of the dynasty, he was not the direct Kamehameha and therefore was not named the Sixth. Lunalilo was an elected monarch that won his throne over David Kalakaua. He was very popular and known as the People’s King. Lunalilo is one of the two kings that is not buried at the Royal Mausoleum, demanding to find his resting place close to his people. He’s buried at the Kawaiahao Church (located by the Mission Houses). With death of Lunalilo the Kamehameha dynasty came to its end.
