Kamehameha: The Rise of a King

Kamehameha: The Rise of a King is a work of historical fiction about Kamehameha, the great hero of Hawai‘i. The stories highlight people, places and events that shaped Kamehameha’s life and led him to become Kana‘iaupuni, the Conqueror of the Islands.

Signs and prophecies had predicted Kamehameha’s rise to power, but there was also fierce resistance to his leadership. Kamehameha: The Rise of a King shows how Kamehameha overcame opposition and reached his destiny as father of the Hawaiian nation.

"Fearless and compassionate, intelligent and wise, resourceful and resilient, talented and expert—there is none better to model these attributes of our kūpuna than Kamehameha ‘Ekahi! He remains a beacon for all, and every Hawaiian must know his story!" —Michael Chun

"Kamehameha's strength of character, deep sense of purpose, and ability to bring his people together around his mana and genealogy are all traits of leadership that can inspire young people today." —Nainoa Thompson

"Like the great niuhi shark, this story is fierce and graceful, mysterious and wise. Each page offers new adventures and insights about the boy who became king and the king who became Kana‘iaupuni." —Winona Kaweheonālani Farias