The battle of Kepaniwai (Iao Valley)
This cannon was similar to the cannon that Kamehameha used.
The battle of Kepaniwai or the battle of Iao Valley was a very important battle. In 1790, Kamehameha fought to control all the islands, he won a crucial battle at 'Iao Valley, Maui. Landing his war fleet at Kahului while Maui's chief Kahekili was on O'ahu, Kamehameha pursued Kahekili's son Kalanikupule and other Maui chiefs deep into 'Iao Valley. Kamehameha's warriors were assisted by his Western cannon that was called Lopaka, and his two foreign advisors, John Young and Isaac Davis, who operated it. Many died in the bloody battle called Kepaniwai meaning, ("the damning of the waters"), but none of Maui's major chiefs were killed. Many, including chiefess Kalola and her granddaughter Keopuolani, escaped through the mountains to Olowalu and Lahaina. After Kamehameha's victory, Kalola accepted Kamehameha's protection and promised Keopuolani to him as a future wife (she was only 11 years old). Despite the defeat of his forces, Kahekili refused to relinquish control of the island; Kamehameha returned later to reconquer the island in 1794.(hawaiihistory.com)
The importance of the is battle was great. When Kamehameha I conquered Maui, he saw that his plan that was thought to be impossible to unify the islands was finally coming together.
The importance of the is battle was great. When Kamehameha I conquered Maui, he saw that his plan that was thought to be impossible to unify the islands was finally coming together.
