1804: Epidemic strikes Kamehameha’s warriors on O‘ahu

As King Kamehameha prepares to attack the island of Kaua‘i from his base on O‘ahu to expand his influence in the Hawaiian Islands, an epidemic spreads. The disease, possibly cholera, is called oku‘u (which means “to squat”). Kamehameha is not affected, but the disease kills many in his army and many residents of O‘ahu.

Cholera is a bacterial disease usually spread through contaminated water, which causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. Cholera can be fatal in a matter of hours.

Theme

Epidemics

Region

Hawai‘i