Who is Lanikaula from Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior and what is their importance?

The guardian of the sacred cemetery of the kanunas on Molokai, Lanikaula has kept watch since his death four centuries earlier. Mama Chia brings Dan Millman to the cemetery to face his fears by performing an ancient Tibetan ritual. Dan must first ask permission from Lanikaula, who appears fierce but loving, like the Hindu god Shiva. The large Hawaiian smiles, nods, and disappears. The atmosphere changes and Mama Chia says Lanikaula seems to like Dan. When Mama Chia dies, Lanikaula welcomes her body into the sacred cemetery, where she will help him stand guard.