Part 90

Learn about Kamehameha's rise to power and unification of the Hawaiian Islands in Civilization V, including the Law of the Splintered Paddle.

Ancient legend foretold the birth of a great king who would unite the Hawaiian Islands, heralded by a flame across the heavens. In 1758, Hailey's comet appeared, and Kamehameha was reportedly born shortly after. Originally named Pai'ea, he was born to Chief Keoua Nui of the Big Island, which was divided by a succession war. Alapa'inuiakauaua, a rival chief, was the de facto ruler. Alapa'i, alarmed by prophecies of a "killer of chiefs," ordered Pai'ea slain, but he was hidden away. At age five, Pai'ea returned to Alapa'i's court, learning diplomacy and war, and earning the name Kamehameha, meaning "the lonely one." After Alapa'i's death, Kamehameha became an aide, and by 1782, he held a significant religious position. He built a support base among lesser chiefs in the Kona district, gaining the backing of five chiefs. At the battle of Moku'ohai, Kamehameha's forces defeated the ruling chief, making him ruler of the Kohala, Kona, and Hamakua districts.

Kamehameha conquered Puna in 1790 but faced an uprising in Ka'u led by Keoua Kuahu'ula. In 1791, he completed a large temple to gain divine favor and invited Keoua to a meeting where Keoua was killed by musket fire, making Kamehameha King of the Big Island. His ambition extended to uniting all Hawaiian Islands, fueled by the legend of the Naha Stone, a 3,000-pound boulder. At age 14, Kamehameha was the only person recorded to have lifted it, fulfilling the prophecy. British and American traders arrived, selling him guns and ammunition. With superior weapons, he conquered Maui and O'ahu in 1795. He faced fierce resistance at the cliffs of Pali on O'ahu but ultimately defeated the enemy, driving many over the cliff's edge.

The western islands of Kaua'i and Ni'ihau remained. In 1796, Kamehameha attempted an invasion of Kaua'i from his capital at Honolulu, but a rebellion on the Big Island forced him to return. A second attempt in 1803 was thwarted by a disease outbreak. Kamehameha then assembled the largest armada in Hawaiian history. The chief of Kaua'i, Kaumuali'i, negotiated, becoming a vassal of Kamehameha in 1810, thus making Kamehameha the sole ruler of Hawai'i.

Kamehameha focused on improving the islands, establishing a single legal system, taxes, and official trade with Europe and the United States. He created the Law of the Splintered Paddle (Mamalahoe Kanawai), inspired by an early military engagement where he was attacked by fishermen. Twelve years later, instead of punishing them, Kamehameha apologized and gave them land, proclaiming protection for noncombatants during war. This law influenced many later humanitarian laws of war. Kamehameha also maintained Hawai'i's independence against colonial powers, earning him the nickname "Napoleon of the Pacific."