Kamehameha II
Second king of Hawaii who abolished traditional religious laws.
Kamehameha II was born in November 1797 in Hilo, the firstborn son of Kamehameha I and his high-ranking wife Keōpuolani. His birth name was Liholiho, and his full name was Kalaninui kua Liholiho i ke kapu ʻIolani, later lengthened upon his ascension. He preferred to be called ʻIolani, meaning "heavenly (or royal) hawk." As a child, he was initially placed in the care of his father’s servant Hanapi, but after several months his maternal grandmother took him back, concerned about his diet. Kamehameha I then appointed Queen Kaʻahumanu as his official guardian. A Frenchman named Jean Baptiste Rives, close in age to Liholiho, taught the royal princes French and became a close companion. Upon Kamehameha I’s death in May 1819, Liholiho inherited the throne, but Kaʻahumanu immediately asserted control, greeting him at Kailua-Kona wearing the royal red cape and declaring, "We two shall rule the land." Young and inexperienced, he had no choice but to accept her as the first Kuhina Nui, leaving him with a ceremonial role. Six months into his reign, he performed the 'Ai Noa by eating a meal with Kaʻahumanu and his mother, breaking the ancient kapu system. This act led to the disbanding of the priestly class and widespread destruction of temples and images. When his cousin Kekuaokalani demanded the edicts be withdrawn, Kamehameha II refused, and his forces defeated the last defenders of the old religion at the Battle of Kuamoʻo. He never officially converted to Christianity, refusing to give up his multiple wives or his fondness for alcohol. He was known for impulsive acts, such as purchasing the royal yacht Cleopatra’s Barge for a vast sum of sandalwood, later renaming it Haʻaheo o Hawaiʻi. He regularly entertained foreign visitors aboard the ship, which eventually required major repairs after rotting.
- born
- November 1797, Hilo, island of Hawaiʻi
- field
- Monarchy
- nationality
- Kingdom of Hawaii
- known_for
- Breaking the ancient kapu system ('Ai Noa); first Hawaiian king to visit Great B
Lore & Background
Kamehameha II was born in November 1797 in Hilo, the firstborn son of Kamehameha I and his high-ranking wife Keōpuolani. He preferred to be called ʻIolani, meaning 'heavenly (or royal) hawk.'
Six months into his reign, Kamehameha II performed the 'Ai Noa by sitting down with Kaʻahumanu and his mother Keopuolani to eat a meal together, breaking the ancient kapu system. This led to the end of traditional religious practices, and his forces defeated the last defenders of the Hawaiian gods at the Battle of Kuamoʻo. He never officially converted to Christianity, refusing to give up four of his five wives and his love of alcohol. He was the last Hawaiian king to practice polygamy, and his favorite wife was his sister Kamāmalu. Their visit was met with curiosity and derision by the local press.
Reader's Guide
Kamehameha II's reign, though short, marked a pivotal transformation in Hawaiian society. His decision to break the ancient kapu system dismantled the traditional religious and social order, paving the way for the arrival of Christian missionaries and increased Western influence. This act, known as the 'Ai Noa, effectively ended the organized Hawaiian religion and the power of the priestly class. However, his actual authority was limited by Kaʻahumanu, who held administrative control as co-regent. His death in London underscored the challenges of navigating between Hawaiian traditions and European pressures. Kamehameha II's legacy is thus one of profound cultural change, initiated by his own actions but shaped by the constraints of his youth and the influence of powerful advisors.
Did You Know?
- Kamehameha II was born in November 1797 in Hilo, the firstborn son of Kamehameha I and his high-ranking wife Keōpuolani.
- He preferred to be called ʻIolani, meaning 'heavenly (or royal) hawk.'
- Six months into his reign, he performed the 'Ai Noa by sitting down with Kaʻahumanu and his mother Keopuolani to eat a meal together, breaking the ancient kapu system.
- His forces defeated the last defenders of the Hawaiian gods at the Battle of Kuamoʻo.
- He was the last Hawaiian king to practice polygamy, and his favorite wife was his sister Kamāmalu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kamehameha II most known for?
He is best remembered for the 'Ai Noa, the deliberate dismantling of the ancient kapu system that had governed Hawaiian religious and social life for centuries. This act dissolved the priestly class and led to the destruction of temples and sacred images, fundamentally reshaping Hawaiian culture.
Why is Kamehameha II important in Hawaiian history?
His abolition of the kapu system marked a decisive turning point, shifting Hawaii away from its traditional religious hierarchy at a time of growing European contact. That single act redefined the relationship between governance and spirituality for generations of Hawaiians.
What was Kamehameha II's full name and where was he born?
He was born in November 1797 in Hilo on the island of Hawaiʻi with the name Liholiho. His full title was Kalaninui kua Liholiho i ke kapu ʻIolani, which was further lengthened upon his ascension to the throne.
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