Kawelo-ʻai-kanaka was the 18th Alii Aimoku of Kauai. He ruled as titular King or chief of Kauai. He was born about 1680. He was the son of Kawelomakualua, 17th Alii Aimoku of Kauai by his sister-bride Kaawihiokalani. His twin brother was High Chief Kawelo-a-Peekoa, who is not heard of in the legends after the death of his brother. His brother appears to have but fathered one child, a daughter, named after her uncle, High Chiefess Kauakaweloaikanaka who married a Molokai chief named Kanehoalani, a grandson of Kalanipehu of that island, and grandfather to the, in later times, well-known Kaiakea.
Kaweloaikanaka married high chiefess Naki, but of what lineage is equally unknown at the present time. He was defeated by cousin, Kawelo-a-Maihunalii, a.k.a. Kaweloleimakua, son of Malaiakalani his aunt. He did not inherited the fortification and defensive skills of his ancestors Kukona, and his son Manokalanipo, Kings of Kauai who stopped the onslaught of the combined forces of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu with a mere 500 Kauaian men. It is not known what happened to family after his death. The probability is that he left no sons to avenge his death or reclaim the dignity of King after the death of Kawelo-a-Maihunalii. His cousin's usurpation would proved later to be terrible for the Kawelo family because it allowed the Oahu chiefs to succeed them.[1]
| Preceded by Kawelomakualua |
Alii Aimoku of Kauai | Succeeded by Kaweloleimakua |