LanakawaiâÂÂalso known as Lanaikawai and LonokawaiâÂÂwas an ancient Hawaiian nobleman, who was a Prince of the island of Maui. He became a High Chief of the island of Hawaiûi (the Big Island). His grandson was the founder of the Pili line, a dynasty of the chiefs of the Big Island.
It is likely that Lanakawai was born on Maui. He was a son of the High Chief Hanalaûa, ruler of Maui. The mother of Lanakawai was Mahuia, Lady of Maui, and she is also called Mahuie, whilst the brother of Lanakawai was High Chief Mauiloa. Mauiloa became a ruler of Maui, whilst Lanakawai became a ruler of Hawaiûi.
Lanakawai married his sister, Lady Kalohialiûiokawai, who was also called Kolohialiûiokawai. They had at least two children:
Laûau and his sister were married, and they went to Kahiki (Tahiti), where their children were born. Their son was Pilikaûaiea, whilst their daughter was Hina-au-kekele.
Lanakawai was succeeded by Kapawa, a man who was a usurper, but who was deposed by Lanakawai's grandson Pilikaûaiea.