Aliʻi of Koʻolau facts for kids
The Aliʻi of Koʻolau were important leaders or chiefs who ruled the Koʻolau Range on the island of Oahu in ancient Hawaii. People in ancient Hawaii believed these chiefs were related to the god Wākea. The highest-ranking chiefs were often born from parents who were full siblings. The very first ruler of Koʻolau was a powerful chief named Kalehenui.
Who Were the Aliʻi of Koʻolau?
The word Aliʻi means "chief" or "ruler" in the Hawaiian language. The Aliʻi of Koʻolau were the leaders of the Koʻolau area on Oahu. They were responsible for their people and lands. These chiefs played a big role in the history of ancient Hawaii.
The First Rulers of Koʻolau
The first known Aliʻi of Koʻolau was Kalehenui. He was the child of Maweke, who was said to be a wizard from Tahiti. After Kalehenui, his daughter, Hinakaimauliʻawa, became a ruler. She was followed by her child, Mualani.
A Line of Chiefs and Their Families
The leadership of Koʻolau passed down through many generations. Each chief was connected to the one before them. For example, Mualani's child was Kua-o-Mua. Kua-o-Mua's child was Kawalewaleoku, who was even considered a deity (a god-like figure). This shows how important family connections were for the Aliʻi.
Many other chiefs followed in this long line of rulers. Each one helped shape the history of the Koʻolau region. Some of these chiefs included:
- Kaulaulaokalani
- Kaimihauoku (a female chief)
- Moku-o-Loe
- Kalia-o-kalani
- Ke-opu-o-lani
- Kupanihi
- Lua-poluku
- Ahu-kai
- Maʻe-nui-o-kalani
- Kapikiʻo-kalani
- Holaulani (a female chief)
- Laninui-a-Kaʻihupeʻe
- Hoalani
- Ipuwai-o-Hoalani (a female chief)
