Paumakua

Who is Paumakua?

Paumakua is a name of one ancient chief who lived in ancient Hawaii and was a Moʻi of Maui. He is described in legends as a ruler of the island of Maui. His genealogy is given in ancient chant Kumulipo.

Because of his father, he is also known as Paumakua-a-Huanuikalailai.

He was an ancestor of many kings of Maui and is believed that he never had any control over any significant portion of Maui. He was a descendant of Hema of the Ulu line.

It is mentioned by Abraham Fornander that Paumakua probably did not arrive on Maui earlier than the time of his father. He is also mentioned by physician Nathaniel B. Emerson.