Hawaiians like the American Indians, lived as a feudal society, scatterd patches of divided chiefdoms was the fabric of Hawaiian culture. The inequitable divisions of properties of deceased chiefs, led to endless battling and vicious territorial wars. Until a young Hawaiian named Kamehameha became chief, conquered and united the Islands under one rule.

1795

Kamehameha I became Hawaii's 1st King

1819

Kamehameha I dies and son Liho`liho age 22, becomes King as Kamehameha II. He shares his power with his mother Queen Kaahumanu. Together they began changing the kapu system.

1824

Kamehameha II dies and Kamehameha I last son Kauikeaouli at age ten becomes King as Kamehameha III he is responsible for creating a Constitutional Monarchy and rules for 29 years.

1854

Kamehameha III dies the first grandson of Kamehameha I, Alexander Liho`liho becomes King as Kamehameha IV his wife is Queen Emma foreign and commercial interests erupt.

1863

Kamehameha IV dies his brother Lot Kapu`iwa, the last direct Kamehameha descendant becomes King as Kamehameha V Foreign interests seek the annexation of Hawaii by United States.

1872

Kamehameha V dies, the Hawaiian legislature elects Prince William Lunalilo as King he is confirmed as a half brother to Kamehameha I.

1874

Lunalilo dies and David Kalakaua is elected King by the Hawaiian Legistlature, he is married to Queen Kapiolani and is known as the "Merry Monarch" and was intimidated into accepting the Bayonet Constitution - stripping the King of all power, making him a simple figurehead.

1893

King Kalakaua dies and his oldest sister Princess Lili`uokalani becomes Queen. The last of the Royals,

Queen Lili`uokalani

illegally imprisoned by US Marines and is forced to surrender her Hawaiian Kingdom to the United States, secretly conspired by the Safety Committee. Supported by US and Foreign interests, believed Hawaiians could not govern themselves and the Monarchy were inept to protect their interest.

July 7, 1898

Hawaii is annexed as a Territory to the United States.

August 21,1959

Hawaii becomes the 50th State of the Union, proclamation signed by President D. Eisenhower.

Nov 23, 1993

Hawaii's 100 Year AnniversaryUnited States Public Law 103-150 signed by President Clinton "Apology Resolution" to Native Hawaiians on behalf of the United States for the illegal annexation of Hawaii in 1893.

Iolani Palace

The only registered Royal residence in the United States. It was also the first to be wired by Thomas Edison for electric lighting, during King Kalakaua's reign.