The death of Kohaokalani is attributed chiefly to the Kahuna.
THE HISTORY OF KOIHALA.
Koihala reigned at Ka'u.

He was a very great chief--perhaps the entire island recognized his authority.

An abuse of power hastened his death.
He had commanded the people of Ka'u to bring him food upon the plain of Punaluu, at the place known under the name of Puuonuhe.

A party of men set out with pounded kalo (_paiai_, differing from poi in not being diluted), bound up in leaves of ki, called _la'i_ (a contraction for _lau-ki_).

When they arrived at the top of the plateau, which is very elevated, they found that the chief had set out for Kaalikii, two leagues from Puuonuhe, and that he had left orders for them to bring him the provisions in this distant place.