They were sometimes referred to as Mōʻī beginning in the mid 19th century, and would later become commonly translated from the Hawaiian language into English as the word "king".
Kahekili II expanded his empire by conquering the neighbouring island of Oʻahu in 1783 and through marriage of his brother allied himself with the Queen of Kauaʻi.
The much larger western side was under the rule of the descendants of Paumakua, and East Maui, comprising the districts of Koolau, Hāna, Kipahulu, and Kaupo, was at times under independent rulers.
From Eleio to Hoolae the aliʻi of Hāna remained mostly free from West Maui under Kakaalaneo to Kawaokaohele.
The main strategic advantage of the aliʻi of Hāna was their command of the fortress of Kauwiki, considered impregnable.