Kamahameha III

—1814 - 1854 —

Kauikeaouli, the second son of Kamehameha I and Keōpūolani, was born within this enclosure. Stillborn, he was cleansed in the water of Ka'opa Spring at the edge of the bay and revived as he laid upon the large rock to the left.

Hawai'i's longest reigning monarch, Kauikeaouli was proclaimed king in 1825 when his older brother, Kamehameha II, died of measles, while in London. Since he was so young, Kauikeaouli shared the early years of his reign under a regency with Ka'ahumanu, his father's favorite queen. and later after her death with Kina'u, the dowager queen and his half sister.

Kamehameha III ruled during a time of great transition in Hawai'i with ever increasing pressure from foreign conflicts and the arrival of diseases that decimated Native Hawaiians. He believed that education was the key to the survival of his people. By the end of this 30-year reign, Hawai'i was one of the most literate nations in the world.
He uttered the phrase that eventually became Hawai'i's motto:Ua mau ke ea o ka āina i ka pono - The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness. During his reign the Kingdom of Hawai'i achieved diplomatic recognition, a constitution was developed, the tax system was reformed and a legal basis for land ownership was instituted.

In the words of his successor, Kamehameha
IV, "The age of Kamehameha III was that of progress and liberty - of schools and of civilization. He gave us a Constitution and fixed laws; he secured the people in the title to their lands, and removed the last chain of oppression. He gave them a voice in his councils and in the making of the laws by which they are governed."

The Daughter's of Hawai'i and Kamehameha Investment Corporation e mālama i kēia may 'āina lei ali'i (care of these crown lands). Your respect helps conserve this important historic site of future generations.

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Show me all markers in:  Kailua-Kona, HI  |  Hawaii County  |  96740  |  Hawaii  |  United States of America

Kauikeaouli, Kamehameha III
Keauhou Bay
Kauikeaouli and Nāhi'ena'ena
The Kamehameha Dynasty
Royal Center at Keauhou Bay
Keauhou - Kahalu'u Heritage Corridor
Inikiwai Ku'ula Heiau
Lonoikamakahiki Residence
Hale Mua
Kuemanu Heiau

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