Kaimiloa sailed from Hawaii to Samoa and other Pacific islands in 1887 in an effort by King Kalākaua to form a confederation of Polynesian states to counteract European imperialism.

The instance nearly resulted in military conflict between the Kingdom of Hawaii and the German Empire, who viewed Samoa as their possession in the Pacific.

On January 22, 1887, Gibson convinced the government to purchase the Explorer, a 128-foot (39 m) British merchant steamer employed in the copra trade.

[4] After being refitted at great expense (over budget and behind schedule), the ship was renamed Kaimiloa and came into commission on 28 March 1887[5] and was ceremonially launched on April 20, 1887.

[4] During these negotiations, the military band held a concert for the townspeople of Apia, which helped to build up good relations between them and the Hawaiians.

These weapons would later become instrumental in fortifying Aunuʻu against external threats during a period of political turmoil during the Samoan Civil War.

With the help of the two Hawaiian deserters and a Hawaiian-descended storekeeper named Manoa, the villagers of Aunuʻu constructed defensive positions.

When an invasion fleet from Tutuila attempted to attack, the defenders successfully repelled the assault, securing Aunuʻu’s safety.