Kalanikūpule facts for kids

Kalanikūpule (born around 1760, died 1795) was a powerful ruler in the Hawaiian Islands. He was the last Mōʻī (King) of Maui and also ruled Oʻahu. Kalanikūpule was the last Hawaiian king to fight against Kamehameha I for control of the islands. His name in Hawaiian means "the heavenly prayer of Kū".

Kalanikūpule's Early Life

Kalanikūpule was the oldest son of King Kahekili II and his wife Kauwahine. His father, Kahekili, had taken control of almost all the Hawaiian Islands. Only the island of Hawaiʻi remained independent.

Kahekili had also defeated the king of Oʻahu. He made Waikīkī his main base there.

Later, Kamehameha declared war on Maui. Kalanikūpule fought Kamehameha at the Battle of Kepaniwai. When it looked like he would lose, Kalanikūpule escaped. He fled with his chiefs over a narrow mountain pass and sailed to Oʻahu.

Kamehameha's troops went back to Hawaiʻi Island. This allowed Kahekili to get Maui and Molokaʻi back. Kahekili died in July 1794.

Kalanikūpule Becomes King

After his father died, Kalanikūpule took control of Oʻahu. His uncle, Kaeokulani, became the ruler of Maui, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi.

Kaeokulani decided to visit his wife on Kauaʻi. He sailed from Maui to Oʻahu with his army. When he arrived at Waimanalo on Oʻahu, problems began.

Kalanikūpule and his uncle argued over who should inherit the Kingdom of Maui. This disagreement led to war between them. Kalanikūpule was in a very difficult situation.

Foreign Ships Arrive

During this time, three foreign ships arrived. Two were British ships, the Jackal and the Prince Lee Boo. They were led by Captain William Brown and Captain Robert Gordon.

The third ship was American, called the Lady Washington. It was commanded by Captain John Hendrick. These ships were not new to Hawaiʻi. Foreign trading vessels often visited the islands.

Captain Brown is known for discovering the harbor of Honolulu. He named it Fair Haven. The Jackal and Prince Lee Boo were the first Western ships to enter Honolulu harbor.

Battle of Kalauao

Kalanikūpule asked Captain Brown for help in his fight. Captain Brown agreed to assist him. The two mates from the Jackal and Prince Lee Boo also helped.

These men helped Kalanikūpule's army in a battle called the Battle of Kalauao. The sailors used their muskets to push Kaeo's warriors into the hills. The warriors eventually retreated into a small ravine.

Kaeo tried to escape. But Brown's and Kendrick's men saw his special ʻahu ʻula. This was a bright scarlet and yellow feather cloak. They fired at Kaeo from their boats in the harbor. This showed Kalanikūpule's men where Kaeo was. The Oʻahu warriors then killed Kaeo, along with his wives and chiefs.

Kalanikūpule won the battle. Captain Brown fired a salute to celebrate. However, one of the guns was loaded with a shot. It hit the American ship Lady Washington. This killed Captain Hendrick and some of his crew.

Taking the Ships

After winning against his uncle, Kalanikūpule felt very confident. He decided he wanted to take the Jackal and Prince Lee Boo. He also wanted their military weapons. He planned to use them to attack Kamehameha on Hawaiʻi Island.

Kalanikūpule killed Captain Brown and Captain Gordon. He then took the rest of their crews captive.

Kalanikūpule's Downfall

Kalanikūpule planned to attack Hawaiʻi Island right away. He ordered the crews of the two ships to get them ready to sail. Once the ships were prepared, Kalanikūpule, his wife, and their helpers boarded them. They took control of their new vessels.

However, the two mates of the English ships decided to try and get their ships back. This was a very brave plan, and they succeeded. They either killed or forced the native Hawaiians off the ships. Only Kalanikūpule, his queen, and their personal helpers remained.

Near dawn, the ships sailed out to sea. While still close to shore, the king and queen were placed in a canoe and left to float. The ships then sailed to Hawaiʻi Island. There, the two mates got supplies. They left a letter for John Young and Isaac Davis. The letter told them what had happened on Oʻahu. Then, they sailed quickly to Canton.

Final Battle with Kamehameha

Kamehameha knew his enemy was at a disadvantage. He used his strong army and many canoes and small ships. In 1794, he took Maui, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi from Kalanikūpule.

Kamehameha's next goal was Oʻahu, where Kalanikūpule was based. As Kamehameha prepared for war, one of his former allies, a chief named Kaʻiana, turned against him. Kaʻiana joined forces with Kalanikūpule.

Kamehameha's warriors and Kalanikūpule fought a huge battle. It took place at the top of Nuʻuanu Pali. This battle is known as the Battle of Nuʻuanu. Kalanikūpule was defeated. He hid in the mountains for several months.

Eventually, Kalanikūpule was captured and killed. His death marked the end of the Kingdom of Maui.