User:Mhatopzz/Unification of Hawaii

Unification of Hawai‘i
Map of the Hawaiian Islands made by one of James Cook's officers, probably William Bligh. c. 1785
Date 1782–1810 Location Hawaiian Islands Result Hawai'i Victory Consolidation of the power of Kamehameha I Establishment of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi over the Hawaiian archipelago Kauaʻi becomes Vassal of Kamehameha
Belligerents
Hawaiʻi	Maui Kaʻū Kohala Hilo Kauaʻi	Oʻahu
Commanders and leaders
Kamehameha I Keliʻimaikaʻi Keʻeaumoku Pāpaʻiahiahi Keaweaheulu Kameʻeiamoku Kekūhaupiʻo Nahili Kamanawa Keʻeaumoku II Isaac Davis John Young	Kīwalaʻō Keōua Kūʻahuʻula Keawemaʻuhili Kahekili II Kalanikūpule Kamakahelei Kaumualiʻi	Kahahana

The Unification of Hawaiʻi (1782–1810) was a series of wars in the Hawaiian Islands fought over control of the entire archipelago. At the time of European contact, the islands were divided amongst competing Aliʻi, or high chiefs. The Island of Hawaiʻi was divided into several districts; Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe were united under Maui, Oʻahu was independent, and Kauaʻi ruled Niʻihau. The feudal Aliʻi often fought wars to gain land and mana. The introduction of European weapons gave some an advantage over others, and they began taking over their neighbors.

First the big island was consolidated by Kamehameha I after overthrowing his uncle for control of the Kona District on the island of Hawaiʻi. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Maui invaded and conquered Oʻahu. With Hawaiʻi united under his rule, Kamehameha eventually invaded Maui and Oʻahu, culminating in the climactic battle that was the Battle of Nuʻuanu. Before he could invade the two remaining islands, the paramount Chief of Kauaʻi, Kaumualiʻi, negotiated a peace that submitted the islands to Hawaiian rule.

See also

• Kingdom of Hawaii
• Kamehameha I