Aliʻi refers to the chiefly or noble rank in Hawaiian society. In indigenous Hawaiian culture, aliʻi are the highest class, ranking above both kahuna (priests) and makaʻainana (commoners). State nickname: The Aloha State Other U.S. States Capital Honolulu Largest city Honolulu Governor Linda Lingle (R) Official languages Hawaiian and English Area 28,337 km² (43rd)  - Land 16,649 km²  - Water 11,672 km² (41. ... Social class describes the relationships between people in hierarchical societies or cultures. ... Originally, Kahuna was the Hawaiian title for a shaman, and the term is still used in that context by some native Hawaiians. ...

Aliʻi are full of mana and can place and remove kapu on objects. Aliʻi continued to rule the Hawaiian islands until 1893 when Queen Liliʻuokalani was deposed in a coup arranged by filibusters. Mana refers to a supernatural force said to exist within all things, sometimes associated with maternal or lunar magic in mythology. ... KAAPU Kaapu or kapu means protector and usually it is taken to be protector of a village or region. ... 1893 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... Her Majesty Lili‘uokalani, Queen of Hawai‘i Queen Lili‘uokalani of Hawai‘i (September 2, 1838 - November 11, 1917), given the Christian name Lydia Lili‘uokalani and later named Lydia K. Dominis, was the last monarch of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i. ... For the legislative tactic, see filibuster (legislative tactic). ...

The term is also used in Samoa to refer to the highest leaders in traditional society, sometimes called "High Chiefs" or "Chiefs" in English. A Samoan Ali'i would traditionally have a tulafale or "Talking Chief" or "Orator" who would act as his spokesman. It is most likely that the Hawaiian and Samoan terms are related.