Kaʻiana, a compelling Hawaiian chief, lived at the intersection of revolution, colonization, and betrayal. His story, often overlooked, is among Hawaii's most intriguing historical narratives.

Born into nobility, Kaʻiana was notably distinguished in stature and demeanor. British explorer Captain John Meares, who met him in 1788, described him as “six feet two inches tall, with limbs of Herculean proportion.” Meares remarked on Kaʻiana’s regal demeanor, highlighting his dignified presence.

Kaʻiana's ventures carried him beyond Hawaii. Following Captain James Cook's 1779 arrival, he joined British expeditions to locales like China and the Northwest Coast of America, becoming one of the first Hawaiians to travel abroad with Western explorers.

His travels fascinated Europe, with books by Portlock and Meares in 1789-1790 featuring engravings of this Hawaiian chief. By the early 1790s, Kaʻiana was known across the Pacific, esteemed both by islanders and foreign visitors alike.

Kaʻiana's return from China with weapons significantly supported Kamehameha I's military campaigns. Though his life was brief, he left a vivid legacy, prominently featured in Hawaiian oral histories and European accounts.

This is the story of Kaʻiana, an emblematic figure in Hawaii's transformation.

Timeline:
00:00: Introduction
02:43: Ancestry & early Life
04:57: Travels around the world
10:06: Kaʻiana acquires firearms
11:55: War & Death

Source: Ka'iana, the Once Famous "Prince of Kaua'i" by DAVID G. MILLER

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