The history of the Hawaiian Islands began when the first Hawaiians arrived in Hawaii thousands of years ago. They had an advanced society with rules and laws. As a young man Kamehameha was a strong leader. He was a successful warrior and defeated many chiefs in battle, and ultimately became the sole ruler of the Hawaiian Islands. As King he ruled over all the Hawaiian Islands and brought peace to his kingdom. Kamehameha was an effective leader because he was a strong administrator, he cared about his people and his land, and he enforced the kapu system. Kamehameha was an effective leader because he was a strong administrator. After he united the islands under his rule, he placed trustworthy chiefs on the surrounding islands to act as governors.