Hanalaʻa facts for kids

Hanalaʻa was a very important leader, known as a High Chief, who lived in ancient Hawaii. He ruled on the island of Maui. His special title was Aliʻi Aimoku, which meant he was the chief or king of the entire island of Maui. Hanalaʻa controlled parts of West Maui. People still talk about him in old legends and chants, which also tell us about his family tree.

Hanalaʻa's Family and Rule

Hanalaʻa was the son of Palena of Maui and his wife, Hikawai. His grandparents on his mother's side were Limaloa-Lialea and Kauilaianapu. When his father Palena passed away, Hanalaʻa took over as the king of Maui.

Hanalaʻa was a famous chief. Both the leaders of Maui and Hawaii wanted to claim him as their ancestor. Sometimes, he was called Hanalaʻa-nui and other times Hanalaʻa-iki. Some stories even suggest that his father, Palena, might have had twins with these names. However, it is most likely that Hanalaʻa-nui and Hanalaʻa-iki were the same person.

Hanalaʻa-nui married a woman named Mahuia. They had a son named Lanakawai. Lanakawai later had a son named Laʻau. Laʻau married Kukamolimolialoha, and they had Pilikaʻaiea, who became a High Chief on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Hanalaʻa and his wife Mahuia (also known as Mahuialani) had another son named Mauiloa. Mauiloa became the next ruler of Maui after Hanalaʻa. They also had a daughter named Kalohialiʻiokawai.