Our History and Legacy

The Royal Order of Kamehameha I was established in 1865 by King Kamehameha V to honor his grandfather, Kamehameha the Great. After the illegal overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, the Order went underground until 1903 when Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole restored it and declared the reorganization of Hawaiian Royal Societies. Today, the Order guards, maintains, and preserves the memory of Hawaiian chiefs, and unites men of Hawaiian descent for fraternal and benevolent work. Its purpose is to promote friendship, charity, and benevolence; aid widows and orphans; provide scholarship assistance; preserve Hawaiian culture and traditions; advance its members’ interests; and encourage leadership.