Kumuhonua facts for kids

Kumuhonua was an important leader, known as an Aliʻi Nui (which means "king"), in ancient Hawaii. He ruled over Oahu, one of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. His name comes from the first man in Hawaiian myths.

Life of Kumuhonua

Kumuhonua was the son of a powerful chief named Mulielealiʻi from Oahu. His grandfather was the famous wizard Maweke, who came from Tahiti.

Kumuhonua's mother was Wehelani. He had several brothers and sisters. His siblings were Chief Moʻikeha of Kauai, Chief ʻOlopana, and Princess Hainakolo. His brother ʻOlopana later traveled to Tahiti.

It is believed that Kumuhonua was the oldest child of his parents. His mother, Wehelani, was also married to his father's brother, Keaunui of ʻEwa. With Keaunui, she had a daughter named Nuʻakea of Molokai. Kumuhonua was also related to Chiefess Mualani from the Koʻolau Range.

Chief Kumuhonua started his own family line of rulers on Oʻahu. According to a judge named Abraham Fornander, Kumuhonua had four sons. We do not know who their mother was.

Kumuhonua's sons were:

• Elepuukahonua, who also became a Chief of Oʻahu
• Molohaia
• Kahakuokane
• Kukawaieakane

Kumuhonua in Myths

Some important leaders from ancient Hawaii also appear in old myths and legends. One story tells that Kumuhonua was upset with the goddess Haumea. This was because Haumea took the god Wākea away from Kumuhonua's warriors. The warriors had captured Wākea in Kalihi Valley after he took some wild bananas.