Kamalālāwalu


Kamalālāwalu was the supreme ruler Aliʻi-ʻAimoku of Maui in ancient Hawaii, known to us today from the old chants. He was a great warrior chief and highly regarded for his leadership and resource management. Kamalālāwalu invaded Hawaiʻi Island and engaged in a disastrous battle in Kohala. Kamalālāwalu was killed and his invasion force was decimated. His son Kauhi-a-Kama survived, returned to Maui and became its next ruler.
He was the successor of his father, High Chief Kiha-a-Piʻilani and Queen Kumaka and grandson of Piʻilani and nephew of Queen Piʻikea.
Kamalālāwalu married a woman called Piʻilaniwahine I and their children were:
  • Kalakauaʻehu
  • Paikalakaua
  • Piʻilani-Kapokulani
  • Kekaikuihaiaokekuʻimanono
  • Umikalakaua
  • Kaunoho I
  • Kauhiakama
It was Kamalalawalu who gives the name Maui-of-Kama to the island.
Petroglyphs thought to depict the defeat of Kamalalawalu by Lonoikamakahiki can be viewed at low tide near the temples on Kahaluu Bay.