The Aipuupuu was the chief cook, and, besides, performed functions similar to those of steward or purveyor.
There were, besides, other inferior chiefs, as the _Puuku_, attendants of the house or palace; _Malama ukana_, charged with the care of provisions in traveling; _Aialo_, who had the privilege of eating in the presence of the chief; and, at the present day, the _Muki baka_, who had the honor of lighting the king's pipe and carrying his tobacco-pouch.
Although the people considered these last four orders as belonging to the nobility, it seems that they were of lower rank than the citizens favored by the chiefs.
Finally, the king had always in his service the _Hula_, who, like the buffoon or jester of the French kings, must amuse his majesty by mimicry or dancing.

The _Kahu alii_, or _Kaukaualii_, as they are now styled, are attendants or followers of the high chiefs by right of birth.

They accompany their masters everywhere, almost in the same manner that a governess follows her pupil.[4] From the throne down nobility was hereditary.

The right of primogeniture was recognized as natural law.
Nobility transmitted through the mother was considered far superior to that on the father's side only, even if he were the highest of chiefs.
This usage was founded on the following proverb: _Maopopo ka makuahine, aole maopopo ka makuakane_ (It is always evident who the mother is, but one is never sure about the father).

Agreeably to this principle, the high chiefs, when they could not find wives of a sufficiently illustrious origin, might espouse their sisters and their nieces, or, in default of either of these, their own mother.