Monarchs of the Hawaiian Islands facts for kids

The original rulers of the Hawaiian islands (called noho aliʻi o ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻAina) were independent leaders of different parts of the land and islands of Hawaii. Their family history goes back to people like Hānalaʻanui. Around 1200 AD, a special social system was set up in ancient Hawaii. It divided people into four main groups, all below the supreme ruler, known as the ali‘i nui.

The ali‘i nui would share land with lower-ranking chiefs. These chiefs would manage the land and collect offerings and taxes. The ali‘i nui was also in charge of the sacred kapu system. This was a set of rules meant to keep social order. The noho ali‘i were famous for their bright and detailed battle clothes. These included feathered capes (called ʻahu ʻula) and helmets (called mahiole).

History of Hawaiian Rulers

The history of the ancient Polynesians was passed down through special chants. These chants told family histories and were recited at important events. The family lines of the high chiefs were believed to go back to a time when gods lived among people. These high chiefs, known as pua ali‘i, were even thought to be living gods themselves.

The first Polynesians started settling the islands sometime before 600 AD. By about 1000 AD, settlements along the edges of the islands began growing their own food in gardens. By 1500 AD, people started moving further inland. At this time, religion became even more important.

Around 1200 AD, a Tahitian priest named Pā‘ao is said to have brought new rules to the islands. This new system included new laws and a new way of organizing society into different classes.

• The Ali‘i Nui was the king or supreme ruler.
• Just below the king was his ‘aha kuhina.
• The ali‘i were the royal nobles.
• Below them were the kahuna (priests).
• Next were the maka‘āinana (common people).
• The kauā were the lowest social group.

How Land Was Divided

Land was divided very carefully based on the wishes of the Ali‘i Nui.

• Each mokupuni (island) was split into several ʻāpana districts. These districts stretched from the highest mountain peak to the beach and about a mile out to sea.
• An Aliʻi ʻAikapana ruled each district. This chief was chosen by the main ruling chief (the Alii 'Aimoku).
• The ʻāpana were then divided into smaller areas called ahupua'au. These were named after a special altar where local taxes were collected during the Makahiki festival.
• An Alii 'Ai Ahupua'a ruled each ahupua'a. A headman called a Konohiki managed it.

Each ahupua'a was also cut into even smaller strips of land called 'Ili Ahupua'a. An Alii 'Ai 'Iliahupua'a ruled each of these. These smaller divisions were where commoners (maka'ainana) lived. Even though the chiefs formally owned the land, the commoners were allowed to use it as their tenants.

Important Duties and Rules

The ali‘i nui were in charge of making sure people followed a strict kapu system. This was a code of conduct with many rules. It covered many parts of Hawaiian social life, including fishing rights. It even had rules about where women could eat. After the death of Kamehameha I, this system was ended. The Hawaiian religion was also given up at that time.

Special Clothes and Symbols

The ali‘i had many special items and symbols. These showed that they were divine, powerful, high-ranking, and wealthy in ancient Hawaii. Many of these items were important because they were rare, valuable, or very beautiful. After people from other countries started visiting regularly, these items were also designed to look like the royal items of European kings and queens.

The mahiole (helmet) and ʻAhu ʻula (cloak or cape) were only for the highest-ranking chiefs. They were made using very detailed feather work. The designs showed the chiefs' divine power. A single ʻahu ʻula needed feathers from thousands of birds. These special clothes were only worn during battles or important ceremonies.

When Captain James Cook first arrived in the islands, he was given several ʻahu ʻula and a mahiole as gifts from Kalaniʻōpuʻu.

The Niho Palaoa is a tooth from a sperm whale carved for the ruling chiefs. It was worn around the neck, hanging from finely coiled human hair. When worn, it is called a lei niho palaoa.

The kāhili was the royal standard of the ali‘i. It was a long pole with bundles of feathers. Attendants carried it as a symbol of the ruling chiefs.

Images for kids

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  Hawaiian ruling chief's feathered 'ahu 'ula and mahiole in the Bishop Museum Oahu, Hawaii.

See also

In Spanish: Gobernantes de las islas Hawái para niños