Kalauao is an ahupua‘a with the famed wahi pana, Kūki‘iahu. Kūki‘iahu was once the house site of Kalaimanuia, a chiefess of O‘ahu who had resided there most of her life. This is also the site of a battle fought in late 1794 between the warriors of Kā‘eokūlani and Kalanikūpule in which Kā‘eokūlani and his followers lost their lives.