Early Modern Hawaiian

History Timeline
Abbie Alling
1627
The Spanish Visited Hawai’i

The Spanish were the first "Europeans" to visit Hawaii. They introduced some
small new things to the natives.
January 18 1778
Captain James Cook Arrived in Hawai’i

Captain James Cook landed on the Island of Kauai, Hawaii after journeying since
1766 and exploring other lands such as New Zealand, Australia, Tahiti, and other
Oceanic lands.
February 1 1778
Cook Arrived in Ni'ihau

He took ashore goats, pigs, and seeds from the ship's stores to give to the
Hawaiians, thus establishing important new items of trade as well as new sources
of food for both the Hawaiians and future visitors.
February 1779
Captain Cook’s Death

Captain Cook died after taking advantage of the Hawaiians. He let them all
believe he was a god of war, and they worshipped him until they learned
otherwise. For a while after his death, the Hawaiians wondered how long he
would be vengeful towards them. They believed he was responsible for the
volcano eruptions.
1780’s
Hawaii began receiving trade ships from China, as well as many new sailors and
people from other countries who brought many new things for Hawaii as well as
diseases and invasive species.
May 10 1782
Battle of Moku’ohai

The battle of Moku'ohai took place on the island of Hawaii. Being the first major
victory of Kamehameha's journey to unify the islands, this was a key battle.
January 1 1790
Battle of Kepanwai

The Battle of Kepaniwai was fought between Kamehameha from the island of
Hawaii, and Kalanikūpule from Maui. This battle was in Kamehameha's path to
unifying all the islands of Hawaii. It took place in Iao Valley, Maui.
1790’s
Hawaii became a very popular destination for traders and whalers. There were
lots on business going in and out of the islands. The docks were often filled with
whaling ships and trade ships. Hawaii became somewhat of a "gold town" and
was often overloaded.
1794
Hawai’i was placed under Great Britain

Hawaii was placed under the property of Great Britain before Kamehameha's
unification.
1795
King Kamehameha I Unified Hawai’i

King Kamehameha unified the Hawaiian islands through his harsh law and rules.
Also, he had the god of war on his side helping him lead them all. He used the
Kapu system primarily to assert order upon the people of Hawaii, and threatened
them with the death penalty if they were to break any laws.
May 1 1795
Battle of Nuuanu

Battle of Nuuanu took place on Oahu. It was a key battle in Kamehameha unifying
Hawaii. This was towards the end of his fight before successfully unifying the
islands.
May 18 1819
Death of King Kamehameha I

When Kamehameha died in 1819, his favorite wife Kaahumanu became a Co-
ruler of the Islands and abolished many of his rules. She worked with the
missionaries and spread Christianity and Education across the islands as well as
promoted peace.
Why I Chose These Three Events
1) The Battle of Kepaniwai: I chose this event because it was a very big step in
Kamehameha's path to unifying all the islands of Hawaii.

2) The battle of Moku'ohai: I chose this battle primarily because it was a key battle
and King Kamehameha's first major successful battle which led him into unifying
the islands.

3) Captain James Cook arriving in Hawaii: I think this is very significant in

Hawaiian history because he changed a lot in the culture and made a large
impact. Also he was one of the first Europeans to visit Hawaii, although he did not
make it back.