Piliwale facts for kids

Piliwale (pronounced Pee-lee-wah-leh) was an important leader, known as a High Chief, on the Hawaiian island of Oahu long ago. He belonged to the Maʻilikākahi family line. Piliwale likely lived during the 16th century, which means around the 1500s.

About Piliwale

Chief Piliwale was born on the island of Oʻahu. This was probably sometime in the 1500s. His father was High Chief Kālonaiki of Oʻahu. His mother was Kikinui-a-ʻEwa.

Piliwale had an uncle named Kalamakua, who was also a High Chief. Kalamakua was from a place called Halawa. Piliwale also had a brother, Prince Lō-Lale.

Becoming a Chief

After his father, Kālonaiki, passed away, Piliwale became the new ruler of Oʻahu. He took on the important role of High Chief.

Piliwale married a woman named Paʻakanilea. Together, they had two daughters. Their daughters were Princess Kūkaniloko and Princess Kohepalaoa.

His Successor

It was Princess Kūkaniloko who became the next ruler of Oʻahu after Piliwale. She was a very important figure in Hawaiian history. Many believe she was the first female chief to rule an entire Hawaiian island on her own.

However, there were other important female chiefs before her. These included Hinakaimauliʻawa and her daughter Mualani. Piliwale's own ancestor, Maelo, was also a female chief.