Kakaalaneo facts for kids

Kakaʻalaneo was an important chief who ruled the island of Maui in ancient Hawaii. He is remembered for his leadership and for a famous legend involving his son.

Kakaʻalaneo's Life and Rule

Kakaʻalaneo was the son of King Kaulahea I of Maui and Chiefess Kapohanaupuni from Hilo. He had a brother named King Kakae. It seems that Kakaʻalaneo and his brother ruled Maui and Lānaʻi together. His older brother, Kakae, held the title of Moʻi, which was a very high rank.

The main courts, or royal residences, for both brothers were located in Lāhainā. Kakaʻalaneo is especially remembered for a great gift he gave to the people of Lāhainā. He was the one who planted many breadfruit trees there. Because of his efforts, Lāhainā later became very famous for its abundant breadfruit.

The Legend of Kaululaʻau

A fascinating story is told about one of Kakaʻalaneo's sons, named Kaululaʻau. Kaululaʻau was known for playing wild pranks at his father's court in Lāhainā. Because of these pranks, he was sent away to the island of Lānaʻi.

At that time, people believed Lānaʻi was a scary place. They said it was haunted by Akua-ino, which were like ghosts and goblins. But Kaululaʻau was very brave and skilled. He managed to get rid of these spirits and bring peace and order to the island. Because of his success, his father, Kakaʻalaneo, was very pleased and allowed him to return home.

Kakaʻalaneo's Family

Kaululaʻau's mother was Kanikaniaula. She came from the Kamauaua family. Kaululaʻau was said to have six children, but not much more is known about them.

Kakaʻalaneo also had another wife named Kaualua. With Kaualua, he had a son named Kaihiwalua. Kaihiwalua later had a son named Luaia. Luaia became the husband of the well-known Kūkaniloko, who was the daughter of Piliwale, the King of Oʻahu.

Kakaʻalaneo also had a daughter named Wao. A special water channel in Lāhainā, called Auwaiawao, was dug and named after her. This shows how important she was.

After Kakaʻalaneo's rule, his nephew, Kahekili I, became the next ruler. Kahekili I was the son of Kakaʻalaneo's brother.