Medals Database – Medals from Hawaii

Medals from the Kingdom of Hawai'i

Hawaiian Military Medals, Orders of Knighthood & Awards

The Kingdom of Hawai’i was established in 1810 by King Kamehameha I of the House of Keoua Nui at the capitulation of all the other island chiefs. During the reign of his son, Kamehameha III (1825-1854), it was felt that a royal order of chivalry was required to be established to match the international recognition of the islands as a sovereign kingdom among the nations of the world. The Royal Order of the Crown is the oldest of the royal orders, awarded during the reign of King Kalakaua.

Kingdom of Hawai'i Orders

The idea for a Hawaiian order had been first discussed in an Order-in-Council meeting in 1848 but was not implemented due to resistance from the American missionaries who did not favor monarchical symbols. The Orders that followed were the Royal Order of King Kamehameha I (to honor the conqueror Kamehameha I), the Royal Order of Kalakaua I, the Royal Order of Kapi’olani (awarded for those prominent in humanitarian causes and artistic endeavors), the Royal Order of the Star of Oceania, and House Order of Ka’ohelelani (established by Princess Owana Ka’ohelelani in honor of her mother). Explore awards, badges, orders and medals from the Kingdom of Hawaii below.

United States Military Medals and Badges