Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku facts for kids

Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku was a powerful king of Hawaii Island. He lived from about 1665 to 1725. He is famous for being the great-grandfather of Kamehameha I. Kamehameha I was the first king of the entire Kingdom of Hawaii. Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku also started the important House of Keawe family line.

Who Was King Keawe?

Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku was born around 1665. His mother was Keakealaniwahine, who was the ruling Queen of Hawaii. His father was Kanaloakapulehu. Sometimes, people call him King Keawe II. This is because there was an earlier ruler named Keawenuiaumi. His full name, "ʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku," means "the chief of the island."

A Strong Leader

King Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku was a very strong leader. He ruled over most of the Big Island. He was known for being brave and smart. He traveled to all eight Hawaiian islands. This helped him gain a good reputation.

Bringing Peace to Hawaii

During his mother's rule, there were some problems. There was a conflict with the independent ʻI family in Hilo. King Keawe helped to bring peace to the island. He did not use force or fight wars. Instead, he used diplomacy. Diplomacy means solving problems through talks and agreements.

He married Lonomaʻaikanaka, who was the daughter of Ahu-a-ʻI. This was an important step. Later, he arranged for his son, Kalaninuiomamao, to marry Ahia. Ahia was related to the ʻI family. These marriages helped secure peace. They also made sure the Hilo chiefs supported the king.

Family and Succession

King Keawe ruled alongside his half-sister and wife, Kalanikauleleiaiwi. She had a very high rank, called kapu. After King Keawe died, a civil war started. His sons, Keʻeaumoku and Kalaninuiʻamamao, fought for control. They also faced a rival chief named Alapaʻinui. Alapaʻinui was King Keawe's nephew.

Alapaʻinui won the civil war. He took control of the island. King Keawe's sons and their children joined Alapaʻinui's family. This included Kamehameha I's father.

His Burial Place

The Hale o Keawe was a special ancient Hawaiian temple. It was built to be the burial site for King Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku. Today, a rebuilt version of this temple is part of the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. It is a place where people can learn about Hawaiian history.

His Legacy

King Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku is an important figure in Hawaiian history. He is sometimes called the "father of Hawaii." The House of Kalākaua and the House of Kawānanakoa are royal families. They are descended from his eldest son, Kalaninuiʻamamao.