Keaunui
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Keaunui (Hawaiian for "Keau the Great") was a High Chief of ʻEwa, Waiʻanae and Waialua in ancient Hawaii.[1] He was a member of the Nanaulu line and is also known as Keaunui-a-Maweke.[2]
His mother was High Chiefess Naiolaukea, also known as Naiolakea.[3] (In ancient Hawaii, it was common for nobles to have many names.)
His father was a high chief and “wizard” called Maweke, an Aliʻi of "the blue blood".[4]
He had brothers named Mulielealiʻi and Kalehenui.[5]
Keaunui married a woman named Wehelani (Hawaiian: lani = "sky"), and their children were:
- High Chief Laakona of ʻEwa
- High Chiefess and "witch" Nuakea of Molokai[6][7]
- High Chief and "wizard" Moʻi
Keaunui had a granddaughter, Chiefess Kapau-a-Nuʻakea of Molokai.
Keaunui is traditionally credited with opening a navigable channel at Pearl Harbor.[8]