Kalaniopuu

Kalaniōpuu-a-Kaiamamao was a Hawaiian monarch, the 6th Alii (tribal chief) of Kohala, 4th Alii of the Kona district and 2nd Alii of the Kaū district on the island of Hawaii. He was born about 1729 as the son of Kaiinamao Kalani-nui-i-a-mamao, the eldest son of Keawe-i-Kekahi-alii-o-kamoku II, and his wife Kamakaimoku. He died at Waioahukini, Kaū, in April 1782.

He was the king of the island during the times Captain James Cook came to Hawaii and went aboard his 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 ahu ula (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 and Cook's death.

He was succeeded by his son, Kiwalao, 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.