# Kingdom of Hawaiʻi

> historical kingdom in the Hawaiian Islands (1778–1893)

**Wikidata**: [Q156418](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q156418)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaiian_Kingdom)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kingdom-of-hawaii

## Summary
The Kingdom of Hawaiʻi was a sovereign state in the Hawaiian Islands from 1778 to 1893, ruled by a monarchy that unified the islands under the Kamehameha dynasty. It was a distinct political entity with its own legal system, currency (the Hawaiian dollar), and cultural institutions before being overthrown in 1893 and annexed by the United States.

## Key Facts
- **Duration**: Existed from 1778 to 1893, dissolved on January 24, 1895.
- **Capital**: Honolulu, the largest city and administrative center.
- **Currency**: Used the Hawaiian dollar (1847–1898) before adopting the United States dollar.
- **Population**: Approximately 1.217 million people at its peak.
- **Monarchy**: Ruled by a line of kings, including Kamehameha I, Kamehameha III, and Kalākaua.
- **Overthrow**: Deposed in 1893 by a coup led by American business interests and the U.S. government.
- **Cultural Institutions**: Included the House of Kamehameha, the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, and the Supreme Court of Hawaii.
- **Key Figures**: Featured notable royals like Queen Liliʻuokalani and Princess Kaʻiulani, as well as historical figures such as Samuel Kamakau and Duke Kahanamoku.
- **Legal Documents**: Enacted the 1887 Constitution of the Hawaiian Kingdom, which limited monarchical power.
- **Military**: Operated the naval ship *Kaimiloa* for defense and trade purposes.

## FAQs
- **What was the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi's government structure?**
  It was a constitutional monarchy with a king or queen as the head of state, supported by a legislative assembly and a judicial system.

- **How did the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi interact with the United States?**
  The U.S. established diplomatic relations in 1843, leading to trade agreements and eventual annexation after the 1893 overthrow.

- **What was the role of the Hawaiian dollar?**
  It was the official currency from 1847 until 1898, issued by the kingdom before transitioning to the U.S. dollar.

- **Who were the most prominent monarchs of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi?**
  Key rulers included Kamehameha I (founder), Kamehameha III (unifier), and Kalākaua (last reigning king).

- **What led to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy?**
  A coup in 1893 was orchestrated by American businessmen and the U.S. government, citing concerns over Hawaiian sovereignty and economic influence.

- **What were the major cultural institutions of the kingdom?**
  It maintained the House of Kamehameha, royal orders, and the Supreme Court of Hawaii, which governed until annexation.

## Why It Matters
The Kingdom of Hawaiʻi was a pivotal political and cultural entity in the Pacific, shaping Hawaiian identity through its monarchy, legal system, and interactions with foreign powers. Its overthrow in 1893 marked a significant shift in Hawaiian history, leading to U.S. annexation and the eventual formation of the modern state of Hawaii. The kingdom's legacy includes preserving Hawaiian language, traditions, and governance structures that influenced later political and social developments.

## Notable For
- **First Unified Hawaiian Monarchy**: Kamehameha I united the Hawaiian Islands under a single rule, establishing a centralized government.
- **Cultural Preservation**: Maintained Hawaiian language, customs, and legal traditions, including the *aikāne* (intimate same-sex relationships).
- **Economic Innovation**: Introduced the Hawaiian dollar and developed infrastructure like the *Kaimiloa* naval ship.
- **Political Transition**: Its overthrow in 1893 set the stage for U.S. annexation and the eventual creation of the state of Hawaii in 1959.
- **Royal Legacy**: Produced influential figures like Queen Liliʻuokalani, Princess Kaʻiulani, and Duke Kahanamoku, who shaped Hawaiian identity.

## Body
### History
The Kingdom of Hawaiʻi emerged from the unification efforts of King Kamehameha I, who consolidated power in the late 18th century. The monarchy expanded through military conquests and diplomatic alliances, culminating in the 1810 Battle of Nuʻuanu Pali, which secured control over the island of Oʻahu. The kingdom's legal system, based on Hawaiian customs and British influences, was formalized in the 1887 Constitution, which limited monarchical authority.

### Government and Society
The kingdom operated under a constitutional monarchy with a king or queen as the head of state. Key institutions included the Supreme Court of Hawaii, the House of Kamehameha, and royal orders like the Royal Order of Kamehameha I. The legal system incorporated both traditional Hawaiian laws and Western legal principles, reflecting the kingdom's multicultural governance.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The kingdom issued its own currency, the Hawaiian dollar, and developed infrastructure such as the *Kaimiloa* naval ship for trade and defense. Economic ties with the United States grew significantly, leading to diplomatic relations and trade agreements.

### Culture and Society
Hawaiian culture flourished under the monarchy, with the preservation of the language, traditions, and social structures. The kingdom recognized *aikāne*, intimate same-sex relationships, as a cultural norm. Notable figures like Samuel Kamakau and Duke Kahanamoku contributed to Hawaiian scholarship and athletics.

### Overthrow and Annexation
The kingdom's overthrow in 1893 was a result of a coup led by American business interests and the U.S. government. The Provisional Government of Hawaii was established, leading to U.S. annexation in 1898 and the eventual formation of the state of Hawaii in 1959.

### Legacy
The Kingdom of Hawaiʻi's legacy includes its role in preserving Hawaiian identity, influencing U.S. annexation policies, and shaping modern Hawaiian governance. Its cultural and political structures continue to be studied and honored in contemporary discussions about Hawaiian heritage.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2023/08/28/l-incendie-de-lahaina-ravive-les-plaies-du-passe-colonial-d-hawai_6186775_3244.html)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Quora