Hikawai

Hikawai (also spelled as Hīkawai) was an ancient Hawaiian noble lady and a High Chiefess of the island of Maui. Also known as Hiilani-Hiileialialia, Hikawai was an ancestress of Chief Pilikaaiea. When her soubriquet is used, Hikawai is called Hikawai Nui/Hikawainui[1] (nui = "great").

Life

Hikawai was a daughter of Kauilaʻanapa (Kauilaianapu) and her husband Limaloa-Lialea.[2] Kauilaʻanapa was also married to her brother, Chief Haho of Maui, and their son was Chief Palena of Maui, the successor of his father.

Palena married Hikawai,[3] and since they were half-siblings, their marriage was a sacred union, according to the customs in Ancient Hawaii.

Palena and Hikawai were the parents of Hanalaa, who became chief after his fatherʻs death.[4]

It is unknown did Hikawai become a widow. Her husband was buried on Oahu,[5] so it is possible she was buried there, too.

See also

References
  1. Rubellite Kawena Johnson (1981). Kumulipo, the Hawaiian Hymn of Creation. Ku Pa'a Publishing.
  2. Family tree of Hikawai
  3. Samuel Kamakau. Tales and Traditions of People of Old.
  4. It is not clear how many children did Hikawai have. There is a view that she had two sons, who were twins. One was called Hanalaa Iki, whilst another was Hanalaa Nui.
  5. Family tree of Chief Hanalaʻa
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