Kawaokaohele was the 14th Mo'i of Maui. He was the titular chieftain or king of the island of Maui.
He was the son of Kahekili I and Hau-Kanuihoniala, Chiefess of Kauai. Kawaokanele's name means, Our-Days-of-Poverty to commemorate the impoverishment of his father's kingdom. During the reign of Kawaokaohele, the island of Maui appears to have been prosperous and tranquil. No wars with neighbouring island or revolts of turbulent chieftains at home have left their impress on the traditional records. The only skirmish with any of the island in his reign was the abduction of his sister Kelea by the island of Oahu. No war occurred from this incident and Kelea married into the noble family of Oahu.
His wife was Kepalaoa, whose pedigree is not remembered, but who was probably a Maui chiefess or an Oahu princess. In order to assured the parentage of a royal child, especially the first born, he ordered that his bride be secluded from all male company except himself until her pregnancy was assured. As the ancients tell that during this hymeneal seclusion of the Princess Kapa-laoa of O'ahu, Queen Consort of Maui, a strange incident occurred. In the early evening, the peace of the nuptial bower was shattered by the screams of Kapalaoa.
Under Hawaiian kapu warrior guards were forbidden (except under pain of death) to approach the Princess, only her ladies-in-waiting could come to the aid of their queen. As they entered the darkened room, they beheld a fearsome sight. Resting upon the prostate princess was a huge dragon-like lizard. This form was one traditionally used by the dreaded God of Power and Destruction. It was Kū in his physical manifestations. Even as the women watched, the dragon slowly rose in the semi darkness and disappeared. They were struck blind for their sacrilege in daring to behold a god.
When the Princess Kepa-laoa gave birth to a child - a son he was given the name of Pi`ilani, the Ascent to Heaven, to memorialize the visitation of the divine Ku. This tradition bequeathed to the royalty of Maui their claim of divine descent and also the belief that their kingdom could never be conquered except by a descendant of Kane, God of Life and Creation. Kawaokaohele was succeeded as Moi of Maui by his son Piilani.
| Preceded by Kahekili I |
Moʻi of Maui | Succeeded by Pi'ilani |