King Kamehameha the Great

This is a picture of King Kamehameha The Great. (http://www.nps.gov/puhe/historyculture/kamehameha.htm)

       It's 1758, the day that King Kamehameha was born. Before his birth, there was a prophecy that stated whomever was to move the 7,000 pound Naha Stone would be the greatest king to ever rule over Hawaii. Would he be the one to move the famed stone? In 1795, Kamehameha began his reign. King Kamehameha ruled for a decade and a half between the times of 1795-1819. He was the first and only ruler of the Hawaiian Islands to unite all eight islands and put them under his power.

       On this way to the throne, King Kamehameha's uncle, Kalaniopuu, passed away in 1782. In addition to his uncle's passing, his cousin, Kalaniopuu's son, gained the throne. But due to the civil war, King Kamehameha ruled over Big Island. Being that the King had conquered over Big Island, his home, he looked toward the other islands. He had a plan because he felt destined to unite all the Hawaiian Islands under his ruling. And he wanted to be the first.

This is a picture of all eight Hawaiian Islands. (http://www.ramaui.com/content/495ec5bf54623/Search_All_Islands.html)

 A bit of time had passed, but Kamehameha easily obtained access to ruling over Maui and Moloka'i after he had defeated the islands in battle. Then after years had passed, King Kamehameha led his army to O'ahu, where he battled the King of the time, Kalanikupule, and his army. Tons of the O'ahu warriors were killed, hundreds to be exact, falling off the Pali cliffs. After fifteen years, King Kamehameha went after Kaua'i, on a mission to get the power he wanted. Although, Kaumualii, the king of Kaua'i, surrendered.

 He continued to slowly obtain the other islands - Ni'ihau, Kaho'olawve, and Lana'i. All the same way he had the others; in battle. However, unlike Kaua'i's ruler, the rulers at that time did not give in. But after much conflict and perseverance, King Kamehameha won in battle against them all.

       King Kamehameha was an astonishing leader, proving the prophecy right when he lifted the Naha stone completely over when he was just fourteen years old. He is heroic, inspiring, and determined. When he wanted to unite all islands under one rule, his own, it seemed impossible, but he still managed to do so because of his determination. As a side note, now that you have read this, I recommend that you be a leader, not a follower. But not only that: reach for your dreams and do what seems impossible.