Kamakahelei was one of three daughters of High Chief Kaumeheiwa, the son of High Chief Lonoikahaupu and High Chiefess consort Kamuokaumeheiwa, and his wife, High Chiefess consort Kaapuwai, possibly the daughter of
Peleioholani,
Alii nui of Oahu and
Alii nui of Kauai. According to tradition, her grandfather Lonoikahaupu was five generations in descent from the 13th
Alii Aimoku of Kauai,
Kalanikukuma. His family had traditionally ruled in
Waimea and the south-western section of the island, although always in subordination to the elder line of Kauaian chiefs. It is unclear why Kamakahelei succeeded Peleioholani as the
Alii of Kauai. It is not certain that she was his granddaughter or a close relative. The legends remain silent between the transaction of rule between the two dynasties. She first married Kaneoneo, Peleioholani's grandson and the pretender to the throne of Oahu of the
Kūalii line. He had rights to the succession to Kauai, but it is not known if he contended with his wife over the rule of the island. Kaneoneo's father,
Kūmahana, was deposed by the
Ewa chiefs, who replaced him with
Kahahana. The latter was the last chief of Oahu. She and her first husband had two daughters: Lelemahoalani and Kapuaamohu. Kaneoneo died during the rebellion on Oahu against Maui chief
Kahekili II in the year 1785 or 86. Kamakahelei next married Kāʻeokūlani, a prince of
Maui and brother of Kahekili II. They had a son
Kaumualii. Together they united rule of the island of
Niihau, her husband's domain, and the island of
Kauai. == Successors ==