Aliʻi nui of Hawaii facts for kids
The following is a list of Aliʻi nui of Hawaiʻi.
The Aliʻi nui was the top leader, sometimes called the "King" or Moi, of an island in ancient Hawaiʻi. The word Aliʻi refers to the ruling class of Hawaiʻi before the Hawaiian Kingdom was formed. In this article, "Hawaiʻi" means the island of Hawaiʻi, which is also known as "the Big Island."
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Who Were the Aliʻi Nui?
The Aliʻi nui were powerful chiefs who ruled different parts of Hawaiʻi. They were seen as sacred and had a lot of authority. Their main job was to lead their people and manage the land. They made sure everyone had what they needed to live.
The Rulers of the Big Island
Here is a list of the Aliʻi nui who ruled the island of Hawaiʻi. These leaders guided their people through many years of history.
- Kapawa
- Pilikaʻaeia, 1125-1155
- Kukohou, 1155-1185
- Kaniuhu, 1185-1215
- Kanipahu, 1215-1245
- Kamaʻiole, 1245-1255. He took power from Kanipahu but was later removed by Kalapana.
- Kalapana of Hawaiʻi, 1255-1285
- Kahaʻimaoeleʻa, 1285-1315
- Kalaunuiohua, 1315-1345
- Kūʻaiwa, 1345-1375
- Kahoukapu, 1375-1405
- Kauholanuimahu, 1405-1435
- Kihanuilulumoku, 1435-1465
- Līloa, 1465-1495
- Hākau, 1495-1510. He was Līloa's first son and chosen to rule. However, his half-brother, Umi-a-Līloa, took over. Even so, the family line of Līloa continued.
- 'Umi-a-Līloa, 1510-1525
- Kealiʻiokaloa, 1525-1545
- Keawenuiaʻumi, 1545-1575
- Kaikilani (female ruler), 1575-1605
- Keakealani Kāne, 1605-1635
- Keakamāhana (female ruler), 1635-1665
- Keakealaniwahine (female ruler), 1665-1695
- Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku, 1695-1725. He ruled with his half-sister and wife, Kalanikauleleiaiwi.
A Change in Leadership
The direct family line of Līloa was interrupted here. A new ruler, Alapaʻinui, took control.
- Alapaʻinui, 1725-1754. He was the nephew of Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku. He took power instead of Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku's son.
- Keaweʻopala. His time as ruler ended when he was defeated in battle. His son, Kalaimanokahoʻowaha, survived and later met Captain James Cook.
The Return of the Original Line
The original family line of Līloa continued through Kalaniʻōpuʻu, who was the grandson of Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku.
- Kalaniʻōpuʻu
- Kīwalaʻō, April 1782-July 1782. He was the Aliʻi of Kaʻū. Kīwalaʻō's rule ended when Kamehameha's forces defeated him.
- Kamehameha I. He eventually united all the Hawaiian Islands.
