Monarchs of the Hawaiian Islands

[1] The caste system of ancient Hawaiian society was established around 1200 AD and separated the people into 4 distinct ranks that were all below the supreme ruler (ali‘i nui) of the island.

The ali‘i nui would also ultimately be responsible for the sacred kapu, a system of rules designed to control social order.

The history of the ancient Polynesians was passed down through oral genealogy chants that were recited at both formal and family functions.

The ali‘i were the royal nobles with the kahuna (priests) below them, the maka‘āinana (commoners) next, and the kauā as the lowest social caste.

The mokupuni (island) was split into several ʻāpana districts with boundaries running from the highest mountain peak to the beach and about a mile out to sea.

The ali‘i nui were responsible for making sure the people observed a strict kapu (a code of conduct relating to taboos).

[6] The ali‘i had a number of specific items, tokens and other regalia that identified them as divine, powerful, high ranking and wealthy by ancient Hawaiian standards.