Royal Sovereign 1795-1893

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 the wars and united the Islands under one rule.

1795 Kamehameha I becomes Hawaii's 1st King

1819 Kamehameha I dies, son Liho`liho at age 22 becomes King as Kamehameha II he shares his power with Queen Kaahumanu and 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 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 just a figurehead.

1893 King Kalakaua dies and his oldest sister Princess Lili`uokalani becomes Queen. The last of the Royals, Queen Lili`uokalani is illegally imprisoned by US Marines and is forced to surrender the Kingdom to the United States, conspired by the Safety Committee Foreign supporters 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.

1958 Hawaii becomes the 50th State of the United States.

Nov 23, 1993 100 Year AnniversaryUnited States Public Law 103-150 President Clinton signs "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 Kalakaua's reign.