About Kalaniʻōpuʻu
Lived 1729 – 1782 (aged 52–53). Kalaniʻōpuʻu was a military personnel.
Kalaniōpuu-a-Kaiamamao (c. 1729 – April 1782) was the aliʻi nui (supreme monarch) of the island of Hawaiʻi. He was called Terreeoboo, King of Owhyhee by James Cook and other Europeans. His name has also been written as Kaleiopuu.
Kalaniōpuu-a-Kaiamamao was the king of the island when Captain James Cook came to Hawaiʻi, and the king went aboard Cook's ship on November 26, 1778. After Cook anchored at Kealakekua Bay in January 1779, Kalaniōpuu-a-Kaiamamao paid a ceremonial visit on January 26, 1779, and exchanged gifts including a ʻahuʻula (feathered cloak) and mahiole (ceremonial helmet), since it was during the Makahiki season. Cook's ships returned on February 11 to repair storm damage. This time relations were not as good, resulting in a violent struggle when Cook tried to take Kalaniʻōpuʻu hostage after the theft of a longboat, which led to Cook's death.
Kalaniōpuu-a-Kaiamamao died at Kāʻilikiʻi, Waioʻahukini, Kaʻū, in April 1782. He was succeeded by his son, Kīwalaʻō, as king of Hawaii island, and his nephew, Kamehameha I, who was given guardianship of Kū-ka-ili-moku, the god of war. His nephew would eventually overthrow his son at the battle of Mokuōhai. The island of Hawaii was then effectively divided into three parts: his nephew Kamehameha ruled the western districts, his younger son Keōua Kuahuula controlled Kaū, and his brother Keawemauhili controlled Hilo.
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Important facts
Family & relationships
People in Kalaniʻōpuʻu's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Kalaniʻōpuʻu's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Kalaniʻōpuʻu?
18th-century Hawaiian monarch
When was Kalaniʻōpuʻu born?
Kalaniʻōpuʻu was born in 1729.
When did Kalaniʻōpuʻu die?
Kalaniʻōpuʻu died in 1782.
What was Kalaniʻōpuʻu's occupation?
Kalaniʻōpuʻu was a military personnel.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Kalaniʻōpuʻu. https://biography.guide/kalani-opu-u/
MLA: "Kalaniʻōpuʻu." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/kalani-opu-u/.
Chicago: "Kalaniʻōpuʻu." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/kalani-opu-u/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence
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