King Kauikeaouli, the longest reigning monarch in the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom, resembles the divine traits of 'Ike Papalua (vision/foresight), Kupono (standing in righteousness), and Ho'omau (perpetuate). May Kauikeouli inspire you to also hold to what is true...
"Keaweawe’ula Kīwala’ō Kauikeaouli Kaleiopapa Kalani Waiakua Kalanikau Iokikilo I ke kapu o Kamehameha also known as Kamehameha III was an astonishing representation of a King."
In this tribute, we will look at some of the divine traits and characteristics of the longest reigning King in the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom as well as Hawai’i leadership thereafter.
Keaweawe’ula Kīwala’ō Kauikeaouli Kaleiopapa Kalani Waiakua Kalanikau Iokikilo I ke kapu o Kamehameha also known as Kamehameha III was an astonishing representation of a King.
King Kauikeaouli, born of Kamehameha I & the sacred Queen Keōpūolani, was not only our people’s King in one of the most turbulent times of our Country's history, but was the leader of one of the most progressive nations on the face of this planet.
Kauikeaouli to me represents:
‘Ike Papalua - Vision / Deep Foresight
Kupono - Stand in Righteousness / Justice
Ho’omau - Perpetuate
'Ike Papalua
Early on in his Kingship, Kauikeaouli was put to challenges of incoming sickness, international interest in the islands, and maintaining a bridge created by his Father, that could very easily turn in both positive and negative directions.
His ‘Ike Papalua, or Transcendent vision for his people was attributed to his connection to Akua, Great Spirit. The many accomplishments of the Kingdom such as Nationwide Literacy, a progressive Constitutional Monarchy (1840 | 1852) , and an evolved Land / Resource Management System (1846) was all made possible by his ability to utilize this gift of ‘Ike Papalua. Kauikeaouli could see the current state of his people, cast an inspiring vision of the future, and intentionally move toward that vision despite all obstacles. And there were many. In this vision, Kauikeaouli could see a future for his people that was peaceful and prosperous. A future that was pono. King Kamehameha III knew the power of being obedient to Akua, honorable by his people, and led by the vision of a fully sovereign Hawaiian Kingdom.
Kupono
In the midst of his toughest challenges, the spirit to “kupono” was called forth from the heart of our beloved King. In 1843 Kauikeaouli was faced with invasion from a foreign naval captain by the name of George Paullet. Sparked by a land dispute by a British national living in Honolulu, the situation resulted in an unjust overthrow of the King and his government. The nation was in duress, Hawaiian flags were lowered and British flags were risen, and the morale of the Kingdom could have easily fallen with our flag. Yet, it was Kauikeaouli who displayed kupono. It was our King who maintained balance within himself knowing what was clearly at stake. No decisions could be made without divine counsel and although the situation was heavy, the King’s heart needed to maintain light. With his trust in Akua and a clear steadfastness in what is true, honorable, and just, Kauikeaouli was reinstated as King on July 31, 1843 at Puowaina Barracks above Honolulu. This day would be known as La Ho’iho’i Ea, Sovereignty Restoration Day. King Kamehameha III, in his speech that day, proclaimed “ua mau ke kea o ka ‘aina i ka pono”, translated as “the sovereignty of the land is perpetuated in justice/righteousness/equanimity.” This significant day will be slowly forgotten as the first Hawaiian National Holiday for over 100 years after the overthrow of Queen Lili’uokalani in 1893. Today, La Ho’iho’i Ea is celebrated once again, reminding Hawaiian nationals from all backgrounds on the tremendous work, contribution, and ‘aina aloha that this great King had for his people.
Ho'omau
Faced with a unique challenge of bridging the ancient ways of Hawaii with the modern ways of the western world, Kauikeaouli was put to a task that not many of his predecessors had seen. He oftentimes battled with the new found Christian ways as he was asked to adopt
new practices of spirituality, governance, and leadership. In honor to the ancient ways of his ancestors while in acceptance to the new ways of the western system, Kauikeaouli needed to recognize how to ho’omau (perpetuate) while still maintaining positive national progress. And this proposed a challenge when the Hawaiian Kingdom was still a protectorate state under the British Empire. Recognizing the importance of international sovereignty amongst the greater nations, Kauikeouli deployed Timoteo Ha’alilio, Sir George Simpson, and Reverend William Richards to secure recognition of his beloved nation.
On November 28, 1843, the Hawaiian Kingdom became an internationally recognized sovereign state, free of any imposition of foreign laws in Hawaiian territory. King Kamehameha III was an innovative leader who was called to the greater good of his people; and in serving for that greater good, he solidified a land, country, and nation that could aloha ‘aina (love the land), aloha akua (love God), and aloha kanaka (love one another) without any legal or constitutional barriers. A true land of the free & home of the brave. Mahalo to you my King.
E pule kakou (let us pray):
Aloha Akua,
Aloha Na Akua,
Aloha Na ‘Aumakua,
Aloha Na Kupuna,
Aloha e Mama ‘Aina,
May the children of Hawai’i be inspired by this great Ali’i. May his story, his mana, and his aloha activate the deepest reservoirs of ea within each kanaka, each hawaiian national, and each sacred being. May his vision, steadfastness, and heart to perpetuate carry on in every reader, every child, and every offspring of Hawai’i. On March 17th every year, may we as one people, one nation, and one heartbeat celebrate this noble chief. For his sacredness, heart of aloha, and devotion to our country. May our devotion be a reflection of that which is Pono.
E Ola Mau Ka Lahui Hawai'i