Kamalālāwalu

Kamalālāwalu (Kama-lālā-walu = "Son of eight branches")^[1] was the supreme ruler Aliʻi-ʻAimoku of Maui in ancient Hawaii,^[2] known to us today from the old chants.^[3] He was a great warrior chief and highly regarded for his leadership and resource management.^[4] 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.^[5]

He was the successor of his father, High Chief Kiha-a-Piʻilani^[6] and Queen Kumaka and grandson of Piʻilani^[7] and nephew of Queen Piʻikea.^[8]

Kamalālāwalu married a woman called Piʻilaniwahine I^[9] and their children were:

• Kalakauaʻehu (son)
• Paikalakaua (son)
• Piʻilani-Kapokulani (daughter)
• Kekaikuihaiaokekuʻimanono (daughter)
• Umikalakaua (son)
• Kaunoho I (son)
• Kauhiakama (son and successor)

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.