10 Facts About Hoapili

Hoapili was a trusted military and political advisor to King Kamehameha I, known as "Kamehameha the Great".

Hoapili became known as hoa pili which means "close personal friend" in the Hawaiian language because of his trusted relationship with Kamehameha.

Hoapili was with Kamehameha when he died on May 8,1819, at Kamakahonu.

When his nephew Keaoua Kekuaokalani organized an uprising, Hoapili was sent with chief orator Naihe to negotiate a peaceful settlement.

Hoapili led troops to suppress another brief uprising in the northern part of the island near Waimea.

Hoapili served as Royal Governor of Maui from May 1823.

Hoapili's funeral was a mix of Hawaiian and Christian traditions.

Hoapili ordered cannon to defend the town after an irate captain of the English whaler John Palmer had opened fire on the mission station.

Liliha was suspected of organizing a rebellion in 1830, and Hoapili was sent to peacefully relieve her of her duties.

Hoapili was consulted as an expert in astronomy and ancient Hawaiian mythology for the first book published on Hawaiian history.