Battle of Kepaniwai facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Kepaniwai
Part of Unification of Hawaii
ʻĪao Valley
Date 1790 Location Maui Result Inconclusive
Belligerents
Hawaiʻi Island	Maui
Commanders and leaders
Kamehameha I Kekuhaupiʻo	Kalanikūpule
Strength
1200	1200

The Battle of Kepaniwai was a very important and tough fight in Hawaiian history. It happened in 1790 on the island of Maui. This battle was between the forces of Hawaiʻi Island, led by the famous chief Kamehameha I, and the forces of Maui, led by Kalanikūpule. The name "Kepaniwai" means "Battle of the Dammed Waters of ʻĪao." It's also called Kaʻuwaʻupali, which means "Battle of the Clawed Cliffs."

What Was the Battle of Kepaniwai?

This battle was a key part of Kamehameha's plan to unite all the Hawaiian islands. It was known as one of the most difficult battles ever fought in ancient Hawaii. The name "Dammed Waters" comes from how many people died. Their bodies were said to have blocked the river in the valley.

How the Battle Began

The battle started when Maui's King Kahekili II was away on Oʻahu. Kamehameha saw this as a chance to attack. His war fleet landed in Kahului, which was close to the ʻĪao Valley.

Kamehameha led an army of about 1,200 skilled warriors. His general, Kekuhaupiʻo, also helped lead the troops. They marched towards the ʻĪao Valley, where Kalanikūpule and other Maui chiefs were waiting to defend their land.

The Fight in ʻĪao Valley

The two armies were very evenly matched. Neither side could gain a clear advantage for two whole days of fighting. It was a fierce struggle for control of the valley.

On the third day, Kamehameha's army got a big boost. They used two cannons, named "Lopaka" and "Kalola." These cannons were operated by two of Kamehameha's trusted advisors, John Young and Isaac Davis. The cannons helped Kamehameha's forces push forward.

Many people died in this battle. While none of Maui's main chiefs were killed, the fighting was incredibly intense. Chiefess Kalola and her granddaughter Keōpūolani managed to escape. They traveled west through the valley to Olowalu and then north to Lahaina.

A cannon, discovered in the ʻĪao Valley, that is thought to be one used in the battle.

After the Battle

After the battle, Chiefess Kalola made an important offer to Kamehameha. She offered her 11-year-old granddaughter, Keōpūolani, to be Kamehameha's future wife. This was a way to create peace and a strong alliance between the two powerful families.

Meanwhile, Keōua Kuahuʻula, another important chief, quickly returned to Hawaiʻi Island. He had been causing trouble in Kamehameha's territory. This led to more battles on Hawaiʻi Island in 1790 and 1791.

King Kahekili II of Maui eventually got his own cannons. In 1791, he tried to invade Hawaiʻi Island by sea but was defeated. Kamehameha finally gained control of Maui after a civil war broke out in 1793, following Kahekili II's death. This was sealed with the Battle of Nuʻuanu.