Tomorrow is King Kamehameha Day, a state holiday in honor of the first monarch of the unified Hawaiian Islands. Kamehameha was well-loved by his people, because he was fair in just in his rule of the new kingdom. However, even though Kamehameha was a great man, it should be noted that, like everybody else, he had many undesirable character traits.

With the exception of Kaua’i and Ni’ihau, all of the major Hawaiian Islands were added to the kingdom by overthrowing the chiefs of the island, often in a surprise attack. Kamehameha was entrusted with the war god Kuka’ilimoku, and soon after led a revolt against the chief of Hawai’i, Kiwala’o, to begin acquiring land.

One of the fiercest battles took place on O’ahu, at the Nu’uanu Pali, a hilly area on the east side of the island. Kamehameha’s army had a distinct tactical advantage – they were using cannons and rifles from European traders, whereas the O’ahu army, under the command of Kalanikupule, was equipped primarily with native clubs and spears. In the words of Emma Nakuina, a Hawaiian historian, “The victory was so complete that none of the Oahu army that got into the upper part of the valley escaped.”

Kamehameha’s accomplishments were also very important – most agree that they surpass by far the bloodshed that united the islands. One of the most important achievements was the Mamalahoe, or “Law of the Splintered Paddle.” This law was so important to the Hawaiians that it persists in the Hawai’i State Constitution.

Does the ends justify the means? I think in this case, it did, partly because much of this type of behavior was commonplace among the chiefs. By uniting the islands forcefully, Kamehameha the Great helped ensure peace and prosperity in the Kingdom of Hawai’i that lasted for many years.