Kaomi facts for kids

Kaomi Moe was a very important leader in the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1832 to 1834. He served as a joint ruler alongside his close friend, King Kamehameha III. Kaomi is remembered for his efforts to keep Hawaiian traditions strong and for encouraging people to learn to read and write. He also played a big part in keeping hula dancing and traditional Hawaiian healing practices alive during a time of change.

Who Was Kaomi?

Early Life and Learning

Kaomi was born on the island of Maui in the early 1800s. His father, "Jack" Moe, came from Bora Bora in Tahiti. His mother, Kahuamoa, was part of the household of Kaʻahumanu. Kaʻahumanu was a powerful leader who helped rule the Hawaiian Kingdom after her husband, Kamehameha I, passed away in 1819.

A Leader in Literacy

Kaomi was one of the first people in Hawaiʻi to learn to read and write. He learned from his uncle, Auna, a Tahitian missionary who arrived in Hawaiʻi in 1822. Kaomi was so good at his studies that he was asked to teach others. He even taught reading, writing, and important principles to the chiefs who followed Kaʻahumanu. This work was very important for spreading education across Hawaiʻi.

Understanding Hawaiian Healing

Kaomi was also skilled in traditional Hawaiian healing. He learned how to understand the signs of sickness and how to find the right medicines to help people get better. People described Kaomi as "well-educated and intelligent." He was also known for being a good storyteller!

A Special Friendship with the King

Kaomi met Kamehameha III (also known as Kauikeaouli) because of his healing skills. Kamehameha III became King at just twelve years old after his older brother, Kamehameha II, passed away. Soon, Kaomi and Kamehameha III became very close friends and trusted companions. These kinds of friendships were common and respected in old Hawaiian society. They often involved sharing responsibilities in family and community life.

Kaʻahumanu, who supported the missionaries, tried to end their friendship. She even suggested the King marry a young chiefess, but he refused. Instead, he accepted a punishment from the missionaries. Kaomi also faced challenges. When missionaries refused to baptize him, he started a group of young men called the Hulumanu, or "bird feathers." This group celebrated traditional Hawaiian activities and spiritual practices that some new arrivals did not approve of.

Kaomi's Time as Joint Ruler (1832-1834)

After Kaʻahumanu passed away in 1832, Kaomi's close friendship with Kamehameha III became official in a new way. He was given the important title of mōʻi kuʻi, aupuni kuʻi, which meant he was a joint king and joint ruler. This showed that Kaomi held a very high position in the kingdom. As a joint ruler, Kaomi had important duties. He could use the kingdom's money, manage lands, collect taxes, and give out clothing and money. The King also gave Kaomi special protection and assigned warriors and guards to him.

Bringing Back Hawaiian Traditions

In March 1833, a message was sent throughout Honolulu. It announced that many Christian laws and rules were no longer in effect, except for those against stealing and murder. People on Oʻahu quickly began to enjoy many traditions and pastimes that had been forbidden for ten years. Games like ’ulu maika and pūhenehene, which involved stones and friendly competition, were allowed again. Kite-flying, tobacco smoking, and tattooing were permitted. The important Makahiki season, a time of harvest and celebration, could be enjoyed with great joy. This meant people could freely participate in many cherished Hawaiian customs.

The Joy of Hula Returns

The return of hula dancing was especially celebrated, and Kaomi was a master of this art. A merchant named Stephen Reynolds, who lived near Kaomi in what is now downtown Honolulu, remembered one celebration. He said that at daylight, people gathered for a "great dance." The streets were filled with spectators watching one of their old pastimes, and everyone looked very happy. The revival of hula was important not just for fun, but also for keeping Hawaiian history alive and honoring gods and ancestors.

Changes and Later Years

A Difficult Farewell

The period known as "The Time of Kaomi" ended on March 15, 1834. An older chief named Kaikioʻewa and a servant entered Kaomi's house. They tied his hands and took him to Honolulu Fort, where the servant was ordered to seriously harm him. However, Kīnaʻu protested, and King Kamehameha III rushed in and fought to save Kaomi. During these events, Kaikioʻewa criticized the King's choices, but the King did not answer. He took Kaomi back to his home, which was declared a protected place. Afterward, Kaomi traveled with Kamehameha III around the island, perhaps to show their continued authority as joint rulers.

After these events, Kaomi ended his official relationship with Kamehameha III and left the royal court. He largely disappeared from historical records. Some historians believe Kaomi made this difficult choice to prevent a civil war and protect King Kamehameha III. They suggest his departure was an act of bravery and loyalty, meant to help Hawaiʻi become a strong, independent nation recognized by others.

What Happened Next?

Not much is known about Kaomi's life after 1834. Some early accounts claimed he passed away in poverty soon after leaving. However, a missionary named Sheldon Dibble wrote about meeting Kaomi on Maui three years later and witnessing his passing in 1837. Other stories suggest he was briefly sent away to Kaua‘i before rejoining Kamehameha III at Mokuʻula, the royal compound in Lahaina, Maui.

Kaomi's Lasting Impact

A Champion of Hawaiian Culture

Kaomi's story represents a powerful theme in Hawaiian history: the revival of Native traditions and resistance against outside influences. This theme appeared again during the Hawaiian Renaissance of King Kalākaua in the 1880s and continues with the renewed interest in Hawaiian language and culture that began in the 1970s.

For a long time, many historians presented Kaomi's era as a warning against resisting Christian teachings, describing him as "evil" and Hawaiian practices as "things of darkness." However, more recently, people are paying new attention to Kaomi. They see his story as an important example of how Native Hawaiians showed strength and resilience when facing new worldviews that tried to change their way of life. This renewed interest is shown in academic papers, a play, artworks, and an exhibition at the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center.