Koahou

Who is Koahou?

Koahou was a Hawaiian high chief who succeeded his father Kamanawa as one of the chief counselors of Kamehameha I.

He was the son of High Chief Kamanawa and High Chiefess Kekelaokalani. His father Kamanawa, along with Koahou's uncle Kameʻeiamoku, were known as the "royal twins" and helped Kamehameha I come to power and served him as advisors. His mother Kekelaokalani was the daughter of High Chief Kauakahiakua, son of Lonomakahonua and Kahapoohiwi, and High Chiefess Kekuʻiapoiwa I, the former wife of King Kekaulike of Maui. His siblings included two brothers: Noukana and Amamalua, a sister Peleuli, who became one of the wives of Kamehameha I, and a half-sister Piʻipiʻi Kalanikaulihiwakama.

After the death of his father and the passing of the last of the four warrior chiefs that supported Kamehameha I, the sons of the four were chosen to replace them in the Council of Chiefs. They included Koahou, son of Kamanawa, Hoapili, son of Kameʻeiamoku, Kahekili Keʻeaumoku, son of Keʻeaumoku Pāpaʻiahiahi and Naihe, son of Keaweaheulu. They were given the same honors, rights and powers that their fathers had held including any lands that were originally awarded to them as spoils of Kamehameha's conquest.