Keaunui facts for kids

Keaunui (pronounced Kay-ow-noo-ee) was a very important leader in ancient Hawaii. His name means "Keau the Great." He was a High Chief, which was like a powerful ruler, over the areas of ʻEwa, Waiʻanae, and Waialua on the island of Oahu. He was also known as Keaunui-a-Maweke, connecting him to his famous father.

Who Was Keaunui?

Keaunui lived a long time ago in Hawaii. He was part of the Nanaulu family line, which was a very respected and powerful group of leaders. Being a High Chief meant he had great authority and was responsible for his people and lands.

His Family Tree

Family was very important in ancient Hawaiian society, especially for chiefs. Knowing your family line showed your power and connection to the gods.

Parents and Siblings

Keaunui's mother was a High Chiefess named Naiolaukea. She was also known by another name, Naiolakea. In ancient Hawaii, it was common for important people to have several names.

His father was a famous High Chief named Maweke. Maweke was also known as a "wizard." In those times, a "wizard" was someone with special knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual power, not someone who did magic tricks. Maweke was an Aliʻi, which means a noble or chief. Being an Aliʻi of "the blue blood" meant he came from a very pure and powerful royal family line.

Keaunui had two brothers named Mulielealiʻi and Kalehenui.

Keaunui's Children

Keaunui married a woman named Wehelani. Her name included the Hawaiian word lani, which means "sky." This often showed a connection to royalty or something sacred.

Together, Keaunui and Wehelani had three children:

• High Chief Laakona of ʻEwa, who followed in his father's footsteps as a leader.
• High Chiefess Nuakea of Molokai. She was also called a "witch," meaning she had special knowledge or spiritual abilities, similar to her grandfather Maweke.
• High Chief Moʻi, who was also known as a "wizard" like his grandfather.

Keaunui also had a granddaughter named Chiefess Kapau-a-Nuʻakea, who became an important leader on the island of Molokai.

What Did Keaunui Do?

High Chiefs like Keaunui were not just rulers; they also led important projects that helped their people.

Opening Pearl Harbor

One of the most important things Keaunui is remembered for is opening a channel at Pearl Harbor. This means he helped create a way for canoes and boats to easily enter and leave the harbor. This was a huge achievement because it made travel and trade much easier for the people living in that area. It showed his leadership and engineering skills.