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Keaunui

Ancient Hawaiian high chief

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About Keaunui

Keaunui (Hawaiian for "Keau the Great") was a High Chief of ʻEwa, Waiʻanae and Waialua in ancient Hawaii. He was a member of the Nanaulu line and is also known as Keaunui-a-Maweke.

His mother was High Chiefess Naiolaukea, also known as Naiolakea. (In ancient Hawaii, it was common for nobles to have many names.)

His father was a high chief and “wizard” called Maweke, an Aliʻi of "the blue blood".

He had brothers named Mulielealiʻi and Kalehenui.

Keaunui married a woman named Wehelani (Hawaiian: lani = "sky"), and their children were: High Chief Laakona of ʻEwa High Chiefess and "witch" Nuakea of Molokai High Chief and "wizard" Moʻi

Keaunui had a granddaughter, Chiefess Kapau-a-Nuʻakea of Molokai.

Keaunui is traditionally credited with opening a navigable channel at Pearl Harbor.

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Important facts

Also known as
Keaunui-a-Maweke

Frequently asked questions

Who was Keaunui?

Ancient Hawaiian high chief

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Keaunui

· Wikidata: Q12634387

· DBpedia: Keaunui

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Keaunui. https://biography.guide/keaunui/

MLA: "Keaunui." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/keaunui/.

Chicago: "Keaunui." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/keaunui/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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