kapikulu

Kapikulu is a traditional Hawaiian social system that existed from the 18th century until the early 20th century. It was a hierarchical system of governance and social organization that was prevalent among the native Hawaiian people. The term "kapikulu" translates to "house of the king" or "royal house," reflecting its role as the governing body of the Hawaiian Islands.

The kapikulu was composed of a council of high chiefs, known as ali'i, who were responsible for making decisions and enforcing laws. The most powerful position within the kapikulu was that of the ali'i nui, or "high chief," who served as the head of the council and had significant political and military authority. The ali'i nui was often chosen from a specific lineage, such as the Kamehameha dynasty, which had a strong claim to the throne.

The kapikulu played a crucial role in the unification of the Hawaiian Islands under the leadership of Kamehameha the Great. In 1810, Kamehameha, with the support of the kapikulu, successfully invaded and conquered the last independent kingdom, establishing a centralized government that would last until the arrival of Western powers in the mid-19th century.

The kapikulu's influence waned with the arrival of Western missionaries and traders, who challenged the traditional Hawaiian way of life. In 1839, Kamehameha III, the last ali'i nui, was deposed by a group of American missionaries and businessmen, marking the end of the kapikulu system. The Hawaiian Kingdom was then transformed into a constitutional monarchy under the influence of Western powers.