Kamehameha

views updated May 23 2018

Kamehameha Name of five kings of Hawaii. Kamehameha I (r. c.1758–1819) united all the Hawaiian islands. He instituted harsh laws, but abolished human sacrifice. His son, Kamehameha II, or Liholiho (r. 1819–25), admitted the first US missionaries. Kamehameha III, or Kauikeaouli (r. 1825–54), introduced a liberal constitution and land reform. Kamehameha IV, or Alexander Liholiho (r. 1854–63), made social and economic reforms and resisted US influence. His brother, Kamehameha V (r. 1863–72), abandoned the constitution and strengthened royal authority. The dynasty ended with his death.