Kanealai facts for kids

Kaneʻalai, also known as Kane-a-Laʻe, was a powerful queen who ruled the Hawaiian island of Molokai in the 1700s. She was known as an Aliʻi Nui, which means a high chief or ruler of the island.

Early Life and Family Connections

Kaneʻalai was born into an important family. Her father was Luahiwa II, who belonged to the royal family of Kauai. Her mother was Ka-hoʻoia-a-Pehu. This background connected her to powerful leaders across the Hawaiian islands.

Marriages and Children

Kaneʻalai had two important marriages during her life.

Marriage to Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku

Her first marriage was to Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku, who was the king of the island of Hawaiʻi. Together, they had four children:

• Hao
• Awili
• Kaililoamoku
• Kumukoa, who later became the father of Kalaikuʻahulu

Marriage to Kekaulike

After King Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku passed away, Kaneʻalai married Kekaulike. He was the king of the island of Maui. With King Kekaulike, Kaneʻalai had one daughter named Luahiwa. Luahiwa later married her half-brother, Kahekili II.

Influence and Legacy

Kaneʻalai was a very influential figure. Her connections likely played a big role in the life of Kamehameha-nui. Kamehameha-nui was the son of King Kekaulike and Kekuʻiapoiwa I. He was raised as a young boy on Molokaʻi, in a place called Waialua. This was probably because of Kaneʻalai's influence.

Her strong ties to King Kekaulike also meant that her son, grandsons, and other chiefs from Molokaʻi helped Kamehameha-nui. They supported him in his battles against Kalaniʻōpuʻu. This shows how important Kaneʻalai's family connections were in the politics of the Hawaiian islands during her time.

Kaneʻalai also planted a mountain apple tree, which is a type of fruit tree.