Kamehameha I died in May 1819, in Kamakahonu, Hawai‘i. Early on, the king had named his son, Liholiho, successor. But two powerful women – Ka‘ahumanu and Keōpūolani, both his widow – would demand new freedoms, igniting a struggle that toppled the ancient religion.
Death of Kamehameha I
Kamehameha I fell ill in 1819 and in his final days was attended by his chiefs, his brothers and John Young. His last words were, “Endless is the good that I have given you to enjoy.”1 Kamehameha’s Final Days, painting by Brook Kapukuniahi Parker. Courtesy of Brook and Deena Parker in honor of Kame‘e Parker ’18.
Kamehameha I fell ill in 1819 and in his final days was attended by his chiefs, his brothers and John Young. His last words were, “Endless is the good that I have given you to enjoy.”1 Kamehameha’s Final Days, painting by Brook Kapukuniahi Parker. Courtesy of Brook and Deena Parker in honor of Kame‘e Parker ’18.