High Chiefess Keakealaniwahine

Keakealani-wahine 1640 - 1695, was the 20th Aliʻi Aimoku of Hawaii from 1665 - 1695. She was the sovereign queen or chieftess of The Big Island.

She was born the daughter of Queen Keaka-mahana, 19th Alii Aimoku of Hawaii, by her husband and cousin, Alii Iwikau-i-kaua, of Oahu. She succeeded on the death of her mother, 1665. She married first her first cousin, Alii Kanaloa-i-Kaiwilena Kapulehu, son of Alii 'Umi-nui-kukailani, by his wife, Alii Kalani-o-Umi, daughter of Kaikilani, 17th Alii Aimoku of Hawaii. She married second her half-brother, Alii Kane-i-Kauaiwilani, son of her father, Alii Iwikauikaua, of Oahu, by his second wife, Kauakahi Kua'ana'au-a-kane. She married third Kapa'akauikealakea.

She had a son Keawe-i-Kekahiali'iokamoku by Kanaloa-i-Kaiwilena Kapulehu, who would succeed her as the 21st Alii Aimoku of Hawaii.

She died ca. 1695, having had issue, two sons and two daughters.

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Chiefs of Hawaii

Keakealani-wahine 1640 - 1695, was the 20th Aliʻi Aimoku of Hawaii from 1665 - 1695. She was the sovereign queen or chieftess of The Big Island.

She was born the daughter of Queen Keaka-mahana, 19th Alii Aimoku of Hawaii, by her husband and cousin, Alii Iwikau-i-kaua, of Oahu. She succeeded on the death of her mother, 1665. She married first her first cousin, Alii Kanaloa-i-Kaiwilena Kapulehu, son of Alii 'Umi-nui-kukailani, by his wife, Alii Kalani-o-Umi, daughter of Kaikilani, 17th Alii Aimoku of Hawaii. She married second her half-brother, Alii Kane-i-Kauaiwilani, son of her father, Alii Iwikauikaua, of Oahu, by his second wife, Kauakahi Kua'ana'au-a-kane. She married third Kapa'akauikealakea.

She had a son Keawe-i-Kekahiali'iokamoku by Kanaloa-i-Kaiwilena Kapulehu, who would succeed her as the 21st Alii Aimoku of Hawaii.

She died ca. 1695, having had issue, two sons and two daughters.

Her reign was a troubled one. The house of ʻI had controlled the Hilo district since the days of their ancestor Prince Kumalae, the son of King Umi. had grown to such wealth and strength, and importance, as to be practically independent of even the very loose bonds with which the ruling district chiefs were held to their feudal obligations. The representative of this house of the district chief of Hilo at this time was Kuahuia, the son of Kua-ana-a-I, and grandson of ʻI. What led to the war, or what were its incidents, has not been preserved in the oral records, but it is frequently alluded to as a long and bitter strife between Kuahwia and Keakealaniwahine; and though tradition is equally silent as to its conclusion, it may be inferred that the royal authority was unable to subdue its powerful vassal. Mahiolole, the powerful district chief of Kohala was the chief counselor and supporter of Keakealani.

She was married two or three times, first to her cousin, Chief Kanaloaikaiwilewa, or as he is called in some genealogies, Chief Kanaloa-i-Kaiwilena Kapulehu, son of Chief ʻUmi-nui-kukailani, by his wife, Chiefess Kalani-o-Umi, daughter of Kaikilani, 17th Aliʻi Aimoku of Hawaii. She married second her half-brother, Chief Kane-i-Kauaiwilani, son of her father, Chief Iwikauikaua, of Oahu, by his second wife, Kauakahi Kuaʻanaʻau-a-kane. She might have also married married Kapaʻakauikealakea.

She had a son Keaweikekahialiʻiokamoku by Kanaloa-i-Kaiwilena Kapulehu, who would succeed her as the 21st king of Hawaii. She died about 1695, having had two sons and two daughters. One of them was Queen Kalanikauleleiaiwi. She was the great-great-grandmother of Kamehameha I through five different relationships.

Christopher Buyers. "The Kamehameha Dynasty Genealogy (Page 2)". Royal Ark web site. Retrieved 2009-12-28.

Martha Yent (February 15, 2003). "Hōlualoa 4 Archaeological District nomination form for site 05000542". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. Retrieved 2009-12-28.

Abraham Fornander (1996) [1880]. An Account of the Polynesian Race: Its Origin and Migrations, and the ancient history of the Hawaiian people to the times of Kamehameha I. Volume II. Trubner & company, republished by Mutual Publishing. p. 129. ISBN 978-1-56647-147-3.

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Anyone desiring to know more about this ancient kupuna, and her beloveds,....

should visit Dean Kekoolani's ohana database! There is an ancient tragedy in more ways than one, that we know of but seldom speak of on the internet.

Dean does a great job dealing with mo'olelo in a professional manner. Lptm

Predecessor: Keaka-mahana

Successor: Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku

Born: c. 1640

Died : c. 1695

Spouse: Kanaloaikaiwilewa

Kaneikauaiwilani

Issue: Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku, Kalanikauleleiaiwi

Father: Chief Iwikau-i-kaua of Oʻahu

Mother: Queen Keakamahana of Hawaiʻi

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keakealaniwahine

marriages:.

KANALOAIKAIWILENAKAPULEHU, Kanaloa of the sacred shadows, great grand uncle/cousin, son of Chief ʻUmi-nui-kukailani, by his wife, Chiefess Kalani-o-Umi, daughter of Kaikilaniali'iwahineopuna, hanau Keawe-i-Kekahialiʻiokamoku (k); Ha Ao marriage

KANEIKAUAIWILANI, Kane who is mounted on the sacred bone that is the life of heaven, half brother, son of her father Iwikauikaua, of Oahu, by his second wife, Kauakahi Kuaʻanaʻau-a-kane, hanau Kalanikauleleiaiwi (w);

KAPA'AKAUIKEALAKEA, the firm one who mounts the path of stars, cousin hanau Keaweuhiikealakea (k) (Keawe Crowned with Starlight); Kauhiokealakea (w) the coverlet of stars?

UNKNOWN - daughter (w)

She died about 1695, having had two sons and two daughters. She was the great-great-grandmother of Kamehameha I through five different relationships

Her mother was Queen Keaka-mahana, 19th Aliʻi Aimoku of Hawaiʻi island. Her father (and mother's cousin) was Chief Iwikau-i-kaua of Oʻahu. She became ruler of the island on the death of her mother, 1665.[1] She and her mother are association with the massive royal complex built at Holualoa Bay on the west side of the island.

Her reign was a troubled one. The house of ʻI had controlled the Hilo district since the days of their ancestor Prince Kumalae, the son of King Umi. had grown to such wealth and strength, and importance, as to be practically independent of even the very loose bonds with which the ruling district chiefs were held to their feudal obligations. The representative of this house of the district chief of Hilo at this time was Kuahuia, the son of Kua-ana-a-I, and grandson of ʻI. What led to the war, or what were its incidents, has not been preserved in the oral records, but it is frequently alluded to as a long and bitter strife between Kuahwia and Keakealaniwahine; and though tradition is equally silent as to its conclusion, it may be inferred that the royal authority was unable to subdue its powerful vassal from the fact that at the death of Keaweikekahialiiokamoku, Keakealani's son and successor, Mokulani, the son of Kuahuia was still the principal chief of Hilo. Mahiolole, the powerful district chief of Kohala was the chief counselor and supporter of Keakealani, which in fact, independent of other causes, may account in a measure for the intimacy of Keakealaniwahine's daughter, Kalanikauleleiaiwi, and the Mahiolole's son, Kauaua-a-Mahi. [3]

http://www.coffeetimes.com/sacred.htm

Sacred Grounds Preserving the Historic Keakealaniwahine Complex in Kona by Lance Tominaga

Left to right: Judy Grayham, Nancy Pisicchio and Joe Castelli stand on the platform of the Queen’s hale aina (eating house) of Keakealaniwahine complex. Fifteen years ago, in 1985, Kona resident and Hawaiian history lover Joseph Castelli traveled to Honolulu for a leisurely research session at the Bishop Museum. Although he didn’t know it at the time, that visit led him to one of the greatest challenges—and victories—of his life.

“I was doing research on the Lonoikamakahiki residence (a private home on the Big Island),” recalls Castelli, 73. “Then I found a detailed map by Henry Kekahuna of the Keakealaniwahine Complex. That’s how it all started. I just happened to come across the map, and I said, ‘Wow, where is this?”

The Keakealaniwahine Complex, a 16.4-acre parcel located about 2.75 miles south of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, is considered one of Hawai‘i’s most significant ancient sites. It was built in 1650 by Chiefess Keakealaniwahine, the great-great-grandmother of Kamehameha I and the highest ranking ali‘i of her time. She and her mother, Keakamahana, are thought to be the only two women to rule the Big Island.

Roughly the size of a football field, the complex contains a series of heiau, stone walls, platforms and archaeological deposits. Included is a walled enclosure which is believed to have been the residence of Keakealaniwahine.

The fight to save the Keakealaniwahine Complex began in earnest in 1994, when Castelli discovered that the route for Hawai‘i County’s proposed Ali‘i Highway would run straight through the parcel. “It was nobody’s fault, because (the route) was the shortest distance between two points,” he says. “But it would be our fault if we allowed that to happen.”

Castelli, a Boston native whose first exposure to the Islands came during World War II as a 17-year-old sailor, became a fixture in West Hawai‘i Today’s “Letters to the Editor” section, pleading for the preservation of the complex and arguing for a re-routing of the highway. He visited the complex, noted its features (“They were all exactly as shown on the map,” he marvels) and took more than a hundred photos of them. Through Pulama Ia Kona, an organization dedicated to the preservation of archaeological and historic sites in Kona, Castelli led a series of slide show presentations in the community, and urged residents to take up the cause and write to their representatives.

Castelli’s efforts paid off handsomely last year. In May, First Hawaiian Creditcorp, which had acquired the land parcel containing the complex through foreclosure in late 1997, donated the land to the state of Hawai‘i. Then, in the summer, the county of Hawai‘i announced a new routing plan for the Ali‘i Highway, moving the route 500 feet eastward, completely circumventing the Keakealaniwahine Complex.

Corbett Kalama, Senior Vice President of First Hawaiian Bank (and manager of the bank’s Branch Banking, O‘ahu Region), is a direct descendant of Keakealaniwahine. “I think First Hawaiian has always been committed to supporting the Hawaiian culture,” he says, “and this was an excellent opportunity for us to do what was right with respect to the land and the significance it has to the Hawaiian community. It was simply the right thing to do.

“And personally, I’m glad to see that recognition has been given to our predecessors. There is a lot of significance with respect to that area.”

At present, the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources is hoping to develop the site and the adjacent Keolohahihi State Historical Park into a larger cultural center. Castelli himself envisions a restored complex with restabilized heiau, hale, pu‘uhonua, drum houses, guard houses and eating houses. A medical school that the complex once contained, he says, can come alive once again with “a medical doctor, dressed in the ancient way, describing to visitors the Hawaiian trees and plants and how they were used.” (The school was used to train kumu la‘au lapa‘au, priests who cured medical problems through the use of trees and herbs.)

Adds Castelli, “This place would be of tremendous interest for both residents and visitors. It will enhance our knowledge of and respect for the ancient Hawaiian people and the Hawaiian culture.”

Before that can happen, however, the complex needs a thorough clean-up. “The first step is to have people go in there to clear the underbrush and overgrowth while being sensitive enough to ensure that they preserve the historic sites,” says Kalama. “There are various stages that will have to take place, and it will involve not only the state but other parts of the community, with the Hawaiian community probably at the forefront and some private entities providing some assistance as well.”

Kalama credits Castelli for all his efforts. “The community really appreciates what Mr. Castelli has done,” he says. “He’s put in a lot of time, energy and effort. We need to see more of that from all members of the community.”

Castelli, no doubt, appreciates such kudos, but his greatest satisfaction comes from a mission accomplished. “We may never see it as a functional historic park in our lifetime,” he concedes, “but the complex is now preserved in its entirety for future generations.”

http://www.historichawaii.org/MostEndangered/2005_HMEP/Konacomplex....

http://www.northwesthawaiitimes.com/Moolelo/moofeb07.htm

The reign of Keakealaniwahine as ali‘i nui of Hawai‘i island was a challenging one. The family of ‘Ī independently ruled the Hilo district since the time of their ancestor Kumulae, the son of ‘Umi. The ali‘i of this family had grown wealthy, powerful, and stood alone amongst the other ruling ali‘i of the districts. There were long and bitter battles between the family of ‘Ī and Keakealaniwahine. During one of her traditional tours around the island conducting religious ceremonies at various heiau, the ali‘i ‘Ī and his son, Kua‘anaa‘Ī, accompanied her, when ‘Ī died during the tour. In order to prevent any defilement of his father’s remains, Kua‘anaa‘Ī left the traveling party to ensure the burial rituals for his father was preserved. Keakealaniwahine interpreted the leaving of Kua‘anaa‘Ī as an act of revolt. Although there were failed attempts to kill him, Kua‘anaa‘Ī and his supporters were able to take Keakealaniwahine hostage in Waipi‘o Valley and banished her to Moloka‘i for two years. Kua‘anaa‘Ī placed himself and his son Kuahu‘ia in control of Hawai‘i island. After two years, Keakealaniwahine returned and ruled over Ka‘ū, Kona, and Kohala districts.

The battles between the Mahi and ‘Ī families reflect examples of power and political struggles without separate kingdoms being established on Hawai‘i island. The ongoing disputes between these families eventually ended with the marriage of Keawe or Keawe‘ikekahiali‘iokamoku, son of Keakealaniwahine, to Lonoma‘aikanaka, a granddaughter of Ahu-a-‘Ī. According to the mo‘olelo, Keawe was able to maintain peace throughout the island not by force or conquest but through diplomatic means as seen by his marriage. Later, his son married Ahia, the granddaughter of Kua‘anaa‘Ī mentioned above. This seemed to further secure peace and bring the families together in unity.

As the ali‘i nui of Hawai‘i island, Keawe was known to have been an enterprising and energetic ali‘i. He traveled throughout the islands and apparently had a reputation of bravery. In addition, his land management style followed practical means while politically the districts were controlled by ali‘i appointed by him thus showing the strength of the Mahi family.

Keawe resided at several places; Hōnaunau in central Kona was his favorite. His home sat on the south end of the small bay among a coconut grove and surrounded by pools of brackish water. Besides other hale within the royal compound, there were several hōlua slides and a large walled enclosed pu‘uhonua with several heiau located within. In February 1793, Archibald Menzies, surgeon and explorer, spent a night at the residence and observed that as there was “a large marae [heiau] close to us, we now and then heard the hollow sounding drums of the priests who were up in the dead hour of the night performing their religious rites,” a ritual indicative of human sacrifice. Archaeological excavations also support Menzies early observations.

Keawe had at least 6 wives identified in the mo‘olelo: Lonoma‘aikanaka of the ‘Ī family, Kalanikauleleaiwi (his half-sister), Kāne‘alae (daughter of a powerful chief on Moloka‘i), Kauhiokaka (daughter of his wife Lonoma‘aikanaka and her husband Hulu), and two others whose name are unknown. His half-sister, Kalanikauleleaiwi also married several other ali‘i. It is apparent that her marriages were unions of political intent to solidify the power of her mother Keakealaniwahine and her husband Keawe.

GEDCOM Note

Keakealaniwahine (1640-1695), was a High Chiefess and ruler Queen of Hawaii Islands

Her reign was a troubled one. The great house of 'I, in whose family the chieftainship of the Hilo district had been vested since the days of their ancestor Prince Kumalae the son of King Umi, had grown to such wealth and strength, and importance, as to be practically independent of even the very loose bonds with which the ruling district chiefs were held to their feudal obligations. The representative of this house of the district chief of Hilo at this time was Kuahuia, the son of Kua-ana-a-I, and grandson of 'I. What led to the war, or what were its incidents, has not been preserved on the traditional records, but it is frequently alluded to as a long and bitter strife between Kuahwia and Keakealani-wahine; and though tradition is equally silent as to its conclusion, it may be inferred that the royal authority was unable to subdue its powerful vassal from the fact that at the death of Keaweikekahialiiokamoku, Keakealani's son and successor, we find that Mokulani, the son of Kuahuia was still the principal chief Ali'i Ai Moku of Hilo. It is on record that Mahiolole, the powerful district chief of Kohala was the chief counselor and supporter of Keakealani, which in fact, independent of other causes, may account in a measure for the intimacy of Keakealani-wahine's daughter, Kalanikauleleiaiwa, and the Mahiolole's son, Kauaua-a-Mahu.

She married two times. First to her cousin, Ali'i Kanaloaikaiwilewa, or as he is called in some genealogies, Alii Kanaloa-i-Kaiwilena Kapulehu, son of Alii 'Umi-nui-kukailani, by his wife, Alii Kalani-o-Umi, daughter of Kaikilani, 17th Alii Aimoku of Hawaii. She married second her half-brother, Alii Kane-i-Kauaiwilani, son of her father, Alii Iwikauikaua, of Oahu, by his second wife, Kauakahi Kua'ana'au-a-kane. She married third Kapa'akauikealakea.

She had a son Keawe-i-Kekahiali'iokamoku by Kanaloa-i-Kaiwilena Kapulehu, who would succeed her as the 21st Alii Aimoku of Hawaii.

She died ca. 1695, having had issue, two sons and two daughters.