Hawaii Royal Family Tree: The Lineage of Hawaiian Monarchs

When speaking of royal families, Hawaii might not come to the minds of many. But they, too, have had their share of royal ancestry.

Before the islands became a part of the United States, they were home to independent chiefdoms of Hawaiʻi, which were led by high-ranking chiefs called aliʻi nui.

In 1795, these chiefdoms were unified into a single kingdom. This was the beginning of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Table of Contents

The Origins of the Hawaiian Monarchy

Before the Hawaiian Islands became a unified kingdom, they were divided into independent chiefdoms. Each island had its own aliʻi nui, or high-ranking chiefs, who controlled the land and resources.

These chiefs were often involved in conflicts with each other, battling for control of more territory and power.

It was a turning point in Hawaiian history when the high-ranking chiefs came together under one sovereign rule, creating the Hawaiian Kingdom. As a result, It took a series of battles, strategic alliances, and strong leadership for the union.

King Kamehameha I (1758–1819)

King Kamehameha I is best known as the ruler who unified the Hawaiian Islands into a single kingdom in 1810.

Through a combination of military strength, diplomacy, and strategic alliances, he began his unification efforts in the 1780s. By 1795, he had successfully conquered most of the islands, including Maui, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu.

The final piece of the puzzle was the island of Kauaʻi, which agreed to join Kamehameha’s kingdom peacefully in 1810.

Kamehameha established laws that helped to maintain peace and stability, such as the Law of the Splintered Paddle, which protected civilians during times of war.

This law was important in ensuring the safety of common people, showing his concern for both his warriors and civilians.

He also encouraged trade with foreign powers, allowing Hawaii to grow economically by exchanging goods like sandalwood.

Chiefs of the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai

Before the unification of Hawaii, each island was ruled by powerful chiefs. As a result, the chiefs of Hawaiʻi initially resisted the unification. However, Kamehameha brought them into his new kingdom through several wars.

Firstly, On Maui, the chiefs were some of Kamehameha’s strongest rivals where the island was ruled by powerful aliʻi nui who resisted Kamehameha’s attempts at conquest.

Later, the resistance led to the Battle of Iao Valley in 1790. Kamehameha’s forces defeated the Maui chiefs, bringing the island under his control.

Secondly, the chiefs of Oʻahu were overpowered in 1795 after the Battle of Nuʻuanu, and the chiefs of Kauaʻi resisted Kamehameha’s military advances for years.

Eventually, in 1810, Kauaʻi’s chief, Kaumualiʻi, agreed to a peaceful surrender, recognizing Kamehameha as the ruler of the unified kingdom.

Rather than simply erasing the power of these chiefs and being forced into submission, Kamehameha allowed the leaders to retain a degree of authority, ensuring a smooth transition and loyalty.

The Kamehameha Dynasty

The Kamehameha Dynasty was the first royal family to rule the unified Hawaiian Islands and shaped the kingdom for much of the 19th century.

After the islands were unified, the dynasty worked to build a strong political system, creating laws and customs that blended traditional Hawaiian values with Western ideas.

The dynasty developed Hawaii’s legal system, which helped establish order and protect the rights of its citizens. They also encouraged foreign trade, allowing Hawaii to foster economic growth and international connections.

As the islands became more connected to global trade, foreign interests, including missionaries and traders, began pushing for more influence over Hawaiian affairs.

This growing pressure would eventually lead to moments of crisis, such as the Bayonet Constitution of 1887.

Key Figures

Throughout Hawaii’s history, various leaders left an impactful impression on the political and cultural landscape of the islands.

King Kamehameha II (1797–1824)

King Kamehameha II is remembered for his bold decision to end the kapu system, a traditional set of religious laws that had long governed Hawaiian society.

In 1819, shortly after he began his rule, he made the groundbreaking choice to abolish this ancient system, which symbolized the public act of eating with women, something that had been strictly forbidden under kapu.

Under Kamehameha II’s reign, Hawaii’s contact with the Western world increased significantly. He welcomed missionaries from the United States, who arrived in 1820, bringing Christianity and Western education.

This growing connection with the Western world helped to strengthen Hawaii’s economy but also increased foreign involvement in Hawaiian politics.

In 1824, the king and his wife, Queen Kamāmalu, sailed to London to meet with British leaders. Where both the king and queen contracted measles, a disease unfamiliar to the Hawaiian people, and died in July of that year.

King Kamehameha III (1814–1854)

King Kamehameha III, also known as Kauikeaouli, was the longest-reigning monarch in Hawaiian history, ruling from 1825 to 1854.

Kamehameha III introduced Hawaii’s first constitution in 1840. This document was a major shift, moving Hawaii from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.

The new constitution allowed for a legislative body, separating the powers of the king from those of the government. It was a step toward modern governance and laid the foundation for the kingdom’s legal and political systems.

Kamehameha III also faced major challenges, including pressure from foreign nations and internal struggles. One of the most consequential events was the 1843 British occupation of Hawaii when a British captain briefly claimed the islands for Britain. This crisis was resolved peacefully after five months, and sovereignty was restored to the king.

All in all, his efforts to modernize the kingdom and adopt Western-style laws helped to protect Hawaii during a time of growing international interest in the Pacific.

King Kamehameha IV (1834–1863)

King Kamehameha IV, born in 1834, became the fourth ruler of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1855. He ruled alongside Queen Emma, whose efforts led to improved healthcare and education in Hawaii.

One of their most important achievements was the establishment of The Queen’s Hospital in 1859, which still exists today as Queen’s Medical Center. The hospital was built to care for the Hawaiian people, who had been suffering from foreign diseases.

They worked to improve schools for Hawaiian children, focusing on teaching English alongside Hawaiian traditions.

After the death of her son in 1862, she and King Kamehameha IV devoted themselves even more to the welfare of the people. Tragically, King Kamehameha IV passed away in 1863, leaving Queen Emma to carry on their vision alone.

King Kamehameha V (1830–1872)

King Kamehameha V, born in 1830, took the throne in 1863 after the death of his brother, King Kamehameha IV.

One of his major actions was to rewrite the Hawaiian Constitution in 1864, giving the king more authority and control over the government.

However, despite his efforts to build a stronger kingdom, King Kamehameha V had no children and died without naming an heir in 1872.

This brought about the end of the Kamehameha line. Without a clear successor, the Hawaiian kingdom faced uncertainty. Later, the kingdom held an election to choose the next ruler.

Lunalilo became the first elected monarch in Hawaiian history. King Kamehameha V’s policies continued to shape the Hawaiian government long after his passing.

After King Kamehameha V’s death, the Kalakaua dynasty would eventually rise to power, but the Kamehameha era of Hawaiian rulers officially came to a close in 1872.

The Kalākaua Dynasty

After the end of the Kamehameha line in 1872, Hawaii transitioned to a new era under the Kalākaua dynasty through an election.

The Kalākaua dynasty focused on preserving Hawaiian culture and identity during a time of growing foreign influence.

However, political tensions grew over time. As outside powers, particularly from the U.S., sought more control over Hawaii, the kingdom struggled to maintain its independence.

By the late 19th century, these tensions reached a breaking point, leading to momentous changes in Hawaiian leadership. The Hawaiian Kingdom would soon face its end as political forces aimed to depose the monarchy.

Key Figures

Several key individuals played vital parts in shaping the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

King Kalākaua (1836–1891)

King Kalākaua, also known as the “Merrie Monarch,” came to power in 1874 after being elected to the throne. He became known for his efforts to restore Hawaiian culture, which had been in decline due to increasing foreign influence.

One of his most notable achievements was the revival of traditional Hawaiian customs, such as hula, which had been discouraged by missionaries.

In 1883, he hosted a grand coronation ceremony that celebrated Hawaiian royalty with lavish rituals, marking a resurgence of cultural pride. During his authority, he also focused on promoting advancements in education, agriculture, and diplomacy.

Kalākaua built ʻIolani Palace in 1882, the only royal palace in the United States, as a symbol of Hawaiian sovereignty.

However, foreign powers, particularly American businessmen, increasingly sought control over Hawaiian land and politics.

By 1887, Kalākaua was forced to sign the Bayonet Constitution, which severely limited the monarchy’s power and gave more control to foreign interests.

Later, he would take his last breath in 1891. His sister, Liliʻuokalani, would ascend to the throne.

Queen Liliʻuokalani (1838–1917)

Queen Liliʻuokalani became the first and only reigning queen of Hawaii in 1891 following the death of her brother, King Kalākaua.

One of her first actions as queen was to propose a new constitution in 1893 to restore power to the monarchy and return voting rights to native Hawaiians. However, this move was met with strong opposition from foreign businessmen and political leaders.

The tension came to a head in 1893 when a group of American and European residents, with support from the US military, staged a coup to depose Queen Liliʻuokalani.

Thus, she was forced to abdicate in 1895 after a failed attempt by her supporters to restore the monarchy. Even after stepping down, Liliʻuokalani continued to fight for the rights of her people, appealing to the US government for the return of her kingdom.

Unfortunately, her efforts were in vain, and in 1898, Hawaii was officially annexed by the United States.

The Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy

The overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom was the result of growing foreign influence and internal tensions that escalated in the late 19th century.

By this time, American businessmen had gained extraordinary economic and political control over Hawaii, primarily through sugar plantations and trade.

These foreign interests, combined with a small but powerful group of residents, pushed for greater influence in the government. They noticed the existing monarchy as an obstacle to their goals.

The growing influence of the United States played a key part in the downfall of the monarchy. American military presence in Hawaii increased, and the US was eager to secure the islands as a strategic location in the Pacific.

This pressure, along with internal conflicts among local factions, led to a coup in 1893. The coup was supported by a small group of American and European residents in Hawaii, who called for the establishment of a provisional government.

They sought annexation by the US, and despite some initial resistance, Hawaii was officially annexed in 1898. The overthrow brought about the end of the kingdom, bringing an era of Hawaiian independence to a close and leading to its transformation into a US territory.

Sanford B. Dole

Sanford B. Dole played a key position in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and the establishment of the Republic of Hawaii.

Dole became a lawyer and politician in Hawaii. Moreover, he was a strong supporter of annexation by the United States and a leading figure in the group that organized the coup against Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1893.

After the monarchy was overthrown, Dole became the president of the provisional government and later the first president of the Republic of Hawaii in 1894.

Later, he worked closely with US officials to push for the annexation of Hawaii, which was finally accomplished in 1898.

The Legacy of the Hawaiian Royal Family

The legacy of the royal family continues through contributions to education, healthcare, and the preservation of Hawaiian traditions have left a lasting impact.

Institutions like ʻIolani Palace, once the seat of the monarchy, now stand as symbols of Hawaii’s rich history and serve as reminders of the kingdom’s former sovereignty.

Even today, old traditions and spiritual practices remain alive despite the increasing influence of Western customs.

Princess Kaʻiulani (1875–1899)

Princess Kaʻiulani, often called the “Hope of the Hawaiian Kingdom,” was the heir to the throne and a symbol of optimism for the future of the Hawaiian monarchy.

Born in 1875, she was the daughter of a Scottish father and a Hawaiian mother, linking her to both European and Hawaiian royal lines. However, while she was abroad in 1893 for education, the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown.

Despite being far from home, Kaʻiulani became an outspoken advocate for the restoration of the monarchy, traveling to the United States in 1893 to plead for her kingdom’s cause.

Afterward, Kaʻiulani met with US President Grover Cleveland and delivered public speeches, attempting to gain American support for Hawaiian independence. But unfortunately, they were not enough to reverse the political changes in Hawaii.

By the time Hawaii was annexed by the US in 1898. Kaʻiulani had returned to her homeland and sadly, she passed away at just 23 years old in 1899.

Descendants of the Royal Family

Though no longer in positions of political power, the descendants continue to preserve and advocate the native Hawaiian rights.

Members of families like the Kawānanakoa lineage, including Prince David Kawānanakoa, have remained influential in the island’s social and cultural circles.

They work to protect cultural practices, land rights, and language, which were so important to their ancestors.

Organizations like the Hawaiian Historical Society and other cultural institutions often work with royal descendants to preserve artifacts, documents, and traditions from the kingdom’s era.

Cultural Significance

In modern Hawaii, the royal family’s legacy is honored through a variety of cultural practices, festivals, and monuments that celebrate the island’s rich heritage.

Traditional Hawaiian arts, such as hula, music, and language, are actively preserved and practiced in communities throughout the islands.

Festivals like the Merrie Monarch Festival are held annually, and hula and other cultural performances are organized, bringing together Hawaiians and visitors to celebrate the island’s history and artistic traditions.

Monuments and historic sites, such as ʻIolani Palace, which serves as a museum, connect with Hawaii’s royal past.

Furthermore, educational programs and guided tours help visitors understand the significance of the royal family in shaping Hawaii’s history.

Connections with Other Royal Families

During the monarchy’s reign, the Hawaiian royal family established connections with other royal families and prominent figures around the world.

Hawaiian rulers forged ties with European monarchies, Asian royalty, and leaders in the Americas.

These connections helped Hawaii gain recognition as an independent and sovereign nation, which was crucial in a time when foreign powers, particularly the United States and Great Britain.

One notable example of Hawaii’s international outreach was the royal family’s diplomatic tours, where members traveled to meet with heads of state in countries like Great Britain and Japan.

These visits not only helped foster goodwill but also allowed Hawaii to be seen as an equal player on the global stage.

Through these connections, Hawaii was able to form treaties and establish trade agreements that benefited the kingdom economically and politically.

Queen Emma

Queen Emma of Hawaii had notable connections to the British royal family through her lineage. Her uncle, John Young, was a trusted British advisor to Kamehameha I, the founder of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

These connections helped Queen Emma foster relationships with British royalty, particularly during her travels to England in 1865.

During her visit to England, Queen Emma was warmly received by Queen Victoria. On the visit, they both deeply emphasized each other’s emotional losses.

Further, she advocated the strength of Hawaii’s international relationships during her lifetime.

Diplomatic Relations

During the Hawaiian monarchy, the kingdom established several important diplomatic relations with nations around the world.

One of the earliest treaties was signed with the United States in 1849, allowing for mutual trade and friendship between the two countries.

Hawaii’s strategic location in the Pacific made it an important player in international trade routes, and the kingdom actively pursued relations with other nations to protect its sovereignty.

By the mid-19th century, Hawaii had also formed formal relations with countries like Great Britain and France, ensuring its recognition as an independent nation.

Hawaii’s royal family hosted and visited international leaders to strengthen these diplomatic ties. Members of the royal family, including Liliʻuokalani and others, traveled abroad to meet with heads of state, forging personal relationships that benefited the kingdom.

Despite these efforts, foreign pressures from powers like the United States eventually grew too strong, contributing to the monarchy’s downfall by the late 19th century.

Wrapping Up The Hawaii Royal Family Tree

Though the Hawaii royal family slowly dwindled into history, their family tree is one that definitely stood the test of time while it lasted.

It has given birth to many inspirations and is a beautiful signifier of endurance and tradition.