Iwikauikaua facts for kids

Iwikauikaua was an important high chief from Oʻahu, one of the main islands of Hawaii. He lived a long time ago and was part of a powerful family. His story helps us understand the history of the Hawaiian islands.

Who Was Iwikauikaua?

Iwikauikaua was a respected leader. He was known as a high chief, which means he held a very important position in Hawaiian society. Chiefs were like rulers or governors of different areas.

Iwikauikaua's Family Tree

Iwikauikaua came from a noble family. His father was Chief Makakaualiʻi, and his mother was Chiefess Kapukāmola. His grandfather was Kūkaʻilani.

He had two main wives. One was Hawaiian Queen Keakamahana. With her, he had a daughter named Queen Keakealaniwahine. His other wife was Kauākahikuaʻanaʻauakāne. With her, he had a son named Kāneikaiwilani.

Iwikauikaua was also the grandfather of two very famous Hawaiian rulers: King Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku and Queen Kalanikauleleiaiwi. This shows how important his family was in Hawaiian history.

The Meaning of His Kapu

In ancient Hawaii, a kapu was a sacred rule or a forbidden act. It was like a special law that people had to follow. Iwikauikaua had a unique kapu linked to him.

His kapu involved burning a kukui torch in the middle of the day. The kukui tree is also known as the candlenut tree. Its nuts were used to make oil for lamps and torches. This special kapu was later used by his descendant, King Kalākaua, to represent his own royal family, the House of Kalākaua.