After King Kamehameha's death in 1819, his son, crown prince Liholiho (Kamehameha II), abolished the "kapu" system that regulated the islanders' lives at the urging of Kamehameha's favorite wife, Kaahumanu, who had declared herself regent ("Kuhina Nui"). As a consequence of this action, temples and the resident images of the gods were destroyed; although many idols were hidden away when the "kapu" was broken, they were later sought ought out and burned, often at the instigation of Congregationalist American missionaries. Liholiho's cousin Kekuaokalani had been charged by his uncle Kamehameha I with responsibility for defending the gods, their temples, and their worship. Kekuaokalani challenged the overthrow of the old order, and assumed leadership of the priests, courtiers, and territorial chiefs who opposed the abolition of the "kapu". He met Liholiho on the field of battle at Kuamo'o on the island of Hawaii, where the king's forces, led by Kalanimoku, defeated the last upholders of the ancient religion. Belief in the power of the gods was undermined when those who opposed them suffered no divine punishment.