By Craig T. Kojima, Star-Bulletin
Participants in the ceremony get ready for
their walk up the Pali this morning.

Marking a turning
point in history

Star-Bulletin staff

This year is the 204th anniversary of the Battle of Nuuanu Pali, in which King Kamehameha drove many Oahu defenders over the cliff when he conquered the island in 1795.

The battle anniversary was commemorated at a ceremony at 5:30 a.m. today at the Pali summit to honor warriors of both sides.

Before this battle, Hawaiian chiefs on each of the islands were in constant warfare for supremacy. The battle ended this warfare and eventually all of the islands were united under Kamehameha the Great.

Sponsor of the ceremony, Na Papa Kanaka O Puukohole Heiau Kawaihai, Hawaii, said it wanted to end this millennium in a spirit of hookuikahi (unification). It welcomed the Hawaiian community and the general public to join in the observance.

Workshops and lectures at Nuuanu Valley Park and at Queen Emma Summer Palace are being held throughout the day.