She was the daughter of Piliwale, 10th Alii Aimoku of Oahu, and his wife Paakanilea, whose descent is now not know. Her only sibling was a sister named Kohipalaoa, who married Kaholi-a-Lale], her cousin, and son of Lo-Lale and Keleanohoanaapiapi. She succeed to the postition of Moi of Oahu after her father's death. She was the first Mo'i Wahine (Female Sovereign) or Queen regnant in Hawaiian history because her father, Piliwale, chose her as his successor rather than let the position fall to a male of junior lineage. Of her reign the legends of Old Hawaii are equally meagre and those of her father's. Although, she is frequently referred to as a great and powerful queen, who kept the Kingdom of Oahu quiet and orderly.
Her husband was a Maui chief named Luaia, grandson of Kaka'alaneo. Luaia was the great-great-grandson of Hanalaa, the 4th Alii Aimolu of Maui. They had two children, Kalaimanuia, a daughter, and Kaiiwahimakaweo, of who, nothing further is known. Her daughter Kalaimanuia succeed as the Queen of Oahu.