Cognates of the word aliʻi have a similar meaning in other Polynesian languages; in Māori it is pronounced "ariki" and in Tahitian ari'i.
These included the kahuna (priestesses and priests, experts, craftsmen, and canoe makers) as part of four professions practiced by the nobility.
Historians David Malo, Samuel M. Kamakau[10] and Abraham Fornander wrote extensively about the different aliʻi lines and their importance to Hawaiian history.
[11] One kaukaualiʻi line descended from Moana Kāne, son of Keākealanikāne, became secondary aliʻi to the Kamehameha rulers of the kingdom and were responsible for various hana lawelawe (service tasks).
[16] During the monarchy some of these chiefs were elevated to positions within the primary political bodies of the Hawaiian legislature and the king's Privy Council.