Aliʻi nui of Molokai facts for kids

The Aliʻi nui were powerful high chiefs who ruled the four main Hawaiian Islands. The leaders of Molokaʻi, like those on other Hawaiian islands, believed they were descendants of the god Wākea.

Molokaʻi's Place in Ancient Hawaii

The history of Molokaʻi from ancient times is not fully known. This island was not as politically important as some of the larger islands. However, its royal family gained importance through marriages with other powerful families. Molokaʻi was also known for its respected kahunas, who were wise experts and spiritual leaders.

Molokaʻi is the fifth largest of the eight main Hawaiian islands. Its smaller size made it harder for the island to compete for power. It struggled against the larger islands like Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi.

By the late 1600s, fights between the islands became more common. Molokaʻi faced many attacks from strong rulers of other islands. These included chiefs like Kapiiohookalani, Peleioholani, and Kahekili II. Before the end of the ancient Hawaiian era, Molokaʻi eventually came under the control of the powerful island of Maui.

List of Molokaʻi Chiefs

Here is a list of some of the important Aliʻi (chiefs) who ruled Molokaʻi. The image below shows a family tree of these chiefs.

Family tree of the Chiefs of Molokaʻi. (Click for a larger image.)

• Kamauaua
• Keʻoloʻewa
• Kapau-a-Nuʻakea
• Kamauliwahine
• Hualani
• some number of generations
• Kahokuohua
• some number of generations
• Kalanipehu
• some number of generations
• Kanealai