Kahekili, great chief of Maui

Aloha mai e nā makamaka, nā hoa aloha o Maui nui a Kama! There are many noted ali'i in Hawaiian history and many of them are from our island, Maui. Let’s look at one particular ali'i, the great chief, Kahekili. Kahekilinui'ahumanu was born at Häli'imaile to high chief Kekaulikekalaniku’ihonoikamoku and high chiefess, Keku'iapōiwanui. Like other great chiefs he excelled in Hawaiian sports and was particularly known for lele kawa, the art of cliff diving. Kahekili stood 7 feet tall and weighed over 300 lbs. Imagine how intimidating it must have been to stand in his presence. Adding to this was the fact that he tattooed the entire right side of his body black, in honor of his God, Kānehekili. In 1775 Kahekili becomes the successor to his brother Kamehamehanui'ailū'au, inheriting the islands of Maui, Moloka'i, Lāna'i and parts of O'ahu under his rule. Through his many undefeated battles, Kahekili proves to be a great and powerful chief and rules supreme for almost 30 years. He truly was the manifestation of mana. We'll be learning more about this great chief over the next few days. Tune in tomorrow as we learn more about the art of Lele Kawa, cliff diving and Kahekili’s role in this sport. Aloha nō, a hui hou. CLICK HERE to listen to and download the Morning Mana'o Podcast.