The New Student's Reference Work/Kamehameha

Kamehameha (kä-me-hä′ me-hä), the name of five kings of the Hawaiian Islands, who ruled successively from 1811 to 1872, except during the regency of two queens of Kamehameha II in 1824–33. Kamehameha II was the first king who became undisputed sovereign of the entire group. He died in 1819, a few months before the first American missionaries sailed for his country. Kamehameha III, who reigned from 1824 to 1854, is called Kamehameha the Good, on account of his liberal disposition toward his people and his active interest in their welfare. In 1840 he adopted a written code of laws and in 1852 a written constitution. Under his liberal administration a large portion of the common people became owners of land in fee simple. Great progress was made in religion, education and commerce during the 30 years of his reign. He died on Dec. 15, 1854. See Hawaii.