Aliʻi nui of Hawaii

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/alii-nui-of-hawaii

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the divine right of rule?Legitimacy derived from genealogical links to gods, embodying mana and spiritual authority
2. What is an Aliʻi nui?The Aliʻi nui were the top chiefs or kings of ancient Hawaii. They were seen as leaders who had a special connection to the gods. They ruled the islands and made big decisions.
3. Why were Aliʻi nui considered special and powerful?They were special because their family line could be traced back to the gods, giving them a sacred power called mana. This mana made them leaders who were believed to have the gods’ help. It also gave them authority over people and nature.

Aliʻi nui: The supreme chiefs of ancient Hawaii, possessing divine lineage and significant spiritual and political authority.
Mana: A supernatural force or spiritual power believed to be inherent in individuals, objects, and places, particularly potent in the Aliʻi nui.
Kapu: A comprehensive system of sacred laws, prohibitions, and taboos that regulated all aspects of ancient Hawaiian life and reinforced social hierarchy.
Mokuʻāina: An island or a distinct administrative district within an island, ruled by an Aliʻi nui or a lesser chief.