Alii nui of Molokai


The Alii nui were high chiefs of the four main Hawaiian Islands. The rulers of Molokai, like those of the other Hawaiian islands, claim descent from god Wākea.

Overview

The traditional history of Molokai is fragmentary. The island was not of major political importance. Its importance lay in the connections its royal family made by marriage, and, in later years, the reputation of its sorcery and kahunas. Molokai was the fifth largest of the eight main Hawaiian isles, and its size hindered it in its struggle for power and survival among the other islands of Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii. Its main enemies were the chiefs of Oahu and Maui.
By the end of the 17th century, as interisland conflict grew worse and worse, and Molokai suffered many blows from the powerful monarchs of other isles; notably Kapiiohookalani, Peleioholani and Kahekili II. Molokai finally, and completely, succumbed to the might of Maui prior to the end of the ancient Hawaiian era.

List of ''Alii Aimoku'' of Molokaʻi