Kamakahelei facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kamakahelei |
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| Queen of Kauaʻi | |
The ʻahuʻula (feather cape) of Kamakahelei, Bishop Museum
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| Successor | Kaumualii |
| Died | 1794 |
| Spouse | Kaneoneo Kaeokulani |
| Issue | Lelemahoalani Kapuaʻamohu Kaumualii Ikekelei'aiku Namakaokahaʻi |
| Father | Kaumeheiwa |
| Mother | Kaʻapuwai |
Kamakahelei (born around the 1700s, died 1794) was an important Hawaiian leader. She was the aliʻi nui, or Queen, of the island of Kauaʻi. She ruled Kauaʻi from 1770 until 1794.
Some historical records say she was a regent, meaning she ruled for her sons Keawe and Kaumualii until they were old enough. She was the Queen of Kauaʻi when Captain James Cook first arrived on the island's shores. Today, the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School in Puhi is named after her. This school serves students in the Kalaheo and Hanamaulu areas of Kauaʻi.
Early Life and Family
Kamakahelei was one of three daughters. Her father was High Chief Kaumeheiwa. Her mother was High Chief Kaʻapuwai. It is thought that her mother might have been the daughter of Peleioholani. Peleioholani was a powerful ruler of both Oʻahu and Kauaʻi.
It's not fully clear why Kamakahelei became the ruler of Kauaʻi after Peleioholani. The stories from that time don't explain how the rule passed between their families.
Marriages and Children
Kamakahelei first married Kaneoneo. He was Peleʻioholani's grandson. Kaneoneo had a claim to the throne of Oʻahu. It is not known if he tried to rule Kauaʻi alongside his wife. Kaneoneo's father, Kūmahana, lost his power to the chiefs of ʻEwa. They chose Kahahana to rule instead. Kahahana was the last king of Oʻahu.
Kamakahelei and Kaneoneo had two daughters. Their names were Lelemahoalani and Kapuaʻamohu. Kaneoneo died during a conflict on Oʻahu around 1785 or 1786.
After Kaneoneo's death, Kamakahelei married Kaeokulani. He was a prince from Maui and the brother of King Kahekili II. Kamakahelei and Kaeokulani had a son named Kaumualii. Together, they united the rule of Kauaʻi and the island of Niʻihau, which was Kaeokulani's home.
Later Rule and Legacy
Kamakahelei died in 1794. After her death, her husband Kaeokulani may have briefly helped their son rule. Kaeokulani also died in 1794. He was killed in a battle at Kalauao, Oʻahu, on December 12, 1794.
Her son, Kaumualii, continued to rule the kingdom of Kauaʻi independently. Later, he agreed to become a leader under Kamehameha the Great.
See also
In Spanish: Kamakahelei para niños
