Piʻilani facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Piʻilani |
|
|---|---|
| Mōʻī of Maui | |
| Spouse | Laielohelohe Mokuahualeiakea Kunuʻunuiakapokiʻi |
| Issue | Lono-a-Piilani Kiha-a-Piilani Piʻikea, Chiefess of Maui and Hawaiʻi |
| Father | Kawaokaohele |
| Mother | Kepalaoa |
| Religion | Hawaiian religion |
Piʻilani, whose name means "ascent to heaven," was a powerful ruler of the island of Maui in the late 1500s. He was known as the Mōʻī, or King, of Maui. Back then, Maui was an independent kingdom within the Hawaiian Islands.
Piʻilani was very important because he was the first leader to unite the entire island of Maui under one rule. Most of his time as king was peaceful. His father was Kawaokaohele and his mother was Kepalaoa.
Piʻilani's Legacy
Piʻilani and his children are famous in the stories and legends of Maui. They are as important to Maui's history as Līloa and his son ʻUmi-a-Liloa are to the island of Hawaiʻi. The families of Piʻilani and Līloa were connected, even though they lived on different islands. For example, ʻUmi helped Piʻilani's son, Kiha-a-Piilani, during a war.
Uniting Maui Island
Piʻilani's father and grandfathers were from the western part of Maui. But Piʻilani was the first in his family to control the eastern side of the island too. This meant he brought the whole island together under his leadership.
Building the Piʻilani Road
Piʻilani started building a special road that would go all the way around the island. This was the first road of its kind in the Hawaiian Islands! It was wide enough for eight men to walk side by side. His son finished building this amazing road. Today, some parts of the modern Piʻilani Highway still follow the path of his ancient road. You can even see some of the old stones in certain places.
After Piʻilani passed away, there was a struggle over who would rule next. This was similar to what happened on Hawaiʻi island after ʻUmi's time.
