Chapter II (8)

[327] Maui, an ancient celebrity of fabulous deeds; said to have been born in Waianae, Oahu.

[328] Kane and Kanaloa, creative gods from Kahiki (foreign land).

[329] Kauakahi and Maliu were also two of the original gods, according to the Kumu-Uli genealogy. Kauakahi is said to have sprung from the head of Haumea, while Maliu is credited with originating idol worship.

[330] Hapuu, the god who revealed truth to the priest Maliu, and he to the king.

[331] Name of the great hook (power of heaven) which could hook up all lands, as in New Zealand mythology.

[332] Ka’a, the knot fastening the hook to the line.

[333] Kauiki (frequently given as Kauwiki), the bluff at Hana, was the hook.

[334] Hanaiakamalama (adopted of the moon), a woman who had her refuge on the summit of Kauiki.

[335] Alae (Fulica alai), the mud-hen from whom Maui learned the art of making fire by rubbing sticks.

[336] Pu, back part of the bait.

[337] Haoa, dire, evil; hence the unlooked-for result.

[338] Nono or Lononuiakea, the base of the island foundations.

[339] As in New Zealand’s “Ika a Maui”, his hook drew up the land from under the sea; Hawaii in one case and New Zealand in the other.

[340] Hina lived in the sea and spoiled the bait, the alae, so that the islands were not drawn together by the fish-hook as Maui desired.

[341] The vast unbroken bottom of the sea, thus broken up into islands and drawn to the surface by the hook.

[342] Kea, abbreviation for Lononuiakea, god of the lower land under the sea.

[343] Hawaii is the ulua, makele referring to the size of the island.

[344] Luaehu, name of an ulua. A species of Carangus.

[345] Lani, a common title of the chiefs, referring here to Kualii.

[346] The first created pair. Kane is said to have created the first man, Hulihonua, out of the earth on the seashore; and Keakahulilani, the first woman, was made from the spirit, aka, of the man when asleep. Lines 21 to 70 give a genealogy from this pair to Wakea.

[347] Kowili, a word applied to abundant fruit.

[348] Lani paa, undisputed chieftainship.

[349] He inoa, a suitable description.

[350] I ona, ilaila, i.e., at that point in rank.

[351] Makalani, keen edge.

[352] Maueleka means the clouds in line. Aha here refers to the horizon.

[353] Kohia, from ko, to draw. The line refers to the apparent variation in the height of the horizon at different times.

[354] The order of the monthly calendar of the different islands varied materially, so that it is not an easy matter to define the season referred to. The order here given is that of Molokai’s, to bring Makalii in “fruit-bearing leaf,” April; Kaelo being May, and Ka’ulua June. Oahu’s calendar would bring these all into the winter months, October to December.

[355] Pokipoki, a small crab found at sea by those foundering in their canoes. Kualii is all-destroying like these animals which eat to the bone the shipwrecked people, Alapoki.

[356] Niele, Lauineniele, a climatic form.

[357] Kanaka o ka wai—ka wai, Kauai; a play on words.

[358] Hoahoa, an unusual term for kiekie, high.

[359] A mountain of Kauai.

[360] Islands far distant at sea.

[361] The Kauiki stronghold at Hana, a bluff famous in many wars.

[362] Hono, here thought to refer to joining together of the islands at the base.

[363] Kala’ina—kala ia ana e hina, loosened that it fall.

[364] Kuapapa, an inheritance or fixed residence.

[365] The northwesterly point of Oahu.

[366] Kaala, the high mountain of the Waianae range; the ridge running down to the sea, suggesting the form of a shark.

[367] Lawalu is to cook in ti-leaf.

[368] The oopu (gobies) of Kawainui were famed for not swimming away from the hand of the fisher, but rather clinging to one’s skin in the water.

[369] Referring to the wreaths of hala, or pandanus fruit.

[370] Wakea, Kea, the god of below; not Wakea the king. Tahiti is used here in a double sense, as referring not only to foreign lands, but also to the east (hikina), i.e., the coming or rising of the sun.

[371] Kolohia—konoia, i.e., the sun is invited. Kona, on Hawaii, suggested by the above allusion to the east.

[372] Papa, the foundation table of Lonononuiakea.

[373] Kuhia—kuhiia, muo the upper portion, the rays pointing upward at sunrise; same word as the budding of plants.

[374] Ke Maele in former published versions, rendered darkness, is here given as ke moe la which, in contrast to Kona plainly seen, is, Kohala stretches forth in the dim distance.

[375] Olopana, a foreign chief who visited Hawaii and left again.

[376] Aloalo, the receding of the sun far to the south; evidently referring to some voyagers who had been to the north. This is a most remarkable passage of ancient poetry.—C. J. Lyons. If aloalo is the elusive, mirage idea, suggested by Fornander, it would imply that the Tahiti dealt with here was a mysterious receding island, not borne out by the context.

[377] Kualii had been to foreign lands.

[378] Kuamoo, lizard back—path. Compare the old story of Phæton.

[379] This is supposed to be the first reference to foreigners.

[380] A lone voyager in a strange land of stranger people. The foreign land referred to as Tahiti is often confused with Tahiti of the Society Islands.

[381] Lines 161 to 164 are thought to refer to a voyage where they suffered from short rations.

[382] The north star.

[383] Contrasting the ill conditions of Puna with victorious Hana.

[384] Conditions attributed to the wrath of Pele, goddess of the volcano.

[385] Laamaomao, the Hawaiian Eolus; god that caused the winds.

[386] Ahe, breeze. Koolauwahine, a wind from the north on Kauai.

[387] Aoa, the west wind when violent.

[388] In heavy rain-storm and freshets.

[389] Lonomuku, the woman that leaped up to the moon from Hana, Maui.

[390] Wailua, Kauai.

[391] Puanalua, on Hawaii.

[392] The three stars in the belt of Orion were called na kao. Kao was a sharp-pointed stick like a fid, or marlinspike. The goat is so named from its sharp horns. These three stars were supposed to be sharp points in the heavens which pierced the clouds and let forth the rain.

[393] Ke kai’na, marching.

[394] Moea, referring to the long drifts of rain-cloud. Kunaloa, on the Waimea-Waipio road, Hawaii.

[395] Pakakahi, paka, a drop of rain.

[396] Kananaola, as also Mahiki, on the same Waimea-Waipio road, Mahiki being noted for its muddy, slippery condition, causing the traveler to fall.

[397] Punohu, the rain-clouds gathering around a peak. Kahalahala, on Kauai.

[398] Pokii o ka ua, the light rains clinging to the woods.

[399] Kauiki, the bluff at Hana.

[400] Hawewe, burning in Kailua, Oahu.

[401] A play in which children dare each other at sunset to hold their breath until the sun has disappeared entirely.

[402] Sunrise, seen through the bushes, compared to a net, kieke, full of lehua blossoms.

[403] Lehua, islet to the southwest of Kauai.

[404] Tahiti in its broader, foreign sense; not Tahiti of the Society group.

[405] Miha, the calm in the lee of the land.

[406] Kiki, the stiff way of dressing the hair called keohopukai, the one-time stylish waterfall; oho—lauoho.

[407] Kai liu, the sea in hollows on the rocks.

[408] Kai loa, the great or open sea; the long swell of the ocean.

[409] Lelo, bleached to reddish brown. Kai kea, foamy sea.

[410] Kuhinia, savory richness. Lines 229 to 233 are a play upon the word kai in its double meaning of salt water and gravy.

[411] Palani, sturgeon (Teuthis matoides), a kind of strong-tasting fish.

[412] Kahaloa at Waikiki. The localities mentioned here follow one another Ewa-wards from Waikiki.

[413] Kohana, naked. Mamala, the entrance to Honolulu harbor. The natives often traveled along the reef, especially in time of war, to avoid their enemies on the land. Coming to the break in the reef at Mamala they were obliged to swim across.

[414] Kaha, to move sideways as the shying of a horse. The bending surf of Makaiwa, Kauai, is famed in song and story.

[415] Ka anae, mullet (Mugil cephalus) scoop net.

[416] Alamihi, a small crab.

[417] Indicative of the various arms comprising the Pearl Harbor lochs.

[418] Nehu, silversides (Atherina); lala, small bait fish.

[419] Laakona, a chief of Ewa; a district embracing many lands.

[420] Kualii.

[421] Apukapuka, many-colored; suggested by the varied hues in Kaneohe waters abreast of Heeia.

[422] Ohaiki, applied to the fisherman lifting up his head often when looking down as he fished.

[423] Ahiu, wild; also name of a wind, fitting naturally to a wild sea condition at Kahana.

[424] Kai o Paao, sea of Paao, another name for Kaiakahinalii, the flood. Also called kai a ka hulu manu—birds lost all their feathers in the flood.

[425] Hiwa, applied to what is sacred and hidden; hiwahiwa.

[426] Kona, a term for the lower regions of the earth.

[427] Different parts of the ancient Hawaiian stone adze.

[428] Hoa, to wind around in order to fasten. Lanalana, to bind; compare the same term for a spider.

[429] Kuee nei na opua, clouds in conflict. Maheleana, the place off the east point of Hawaii where the trade wind divides and becomes an east wind down the Hamakua coast, and N.N.E. down that of Puna; hence the name.

[430] The long days of summer marked by steady trades.

[431] Haiki, narrow, cramped; suffering occasioned by the rain.

[432] Hakookoo, strive, struggle.

[433] Ancient characters; progenitors of the Opuukahonua genealogy.

[434] Naupaka, a thick-leafed shrub growing where the sea spray falls.

[435] Ena, anger, glow of fire, jealousy. Anaia, knocked or struck down.

[436] Mehepalaoa, resembling the royal palaoa ornament made of ivory, worn around the neck. Its application is not clear.

[437] Olohia, calm and broad. Manu or Manua, the one who had power to induce this calm, the priest’s kapu or ordinance, when the people marched in perfect silence through the heiau and prostrated themselves, not daring to stir for fear of death.

[438] Alakai honua, earthly leader. The several following lines in the original Hawaiian are ancestors in the Opuukahonua line though not in regular order. Several of the names, however, are used suggestively at this point.

[439] Lanipipili refers to holding one’s breath. Lanioaka, the talking of the priests alone.

[440] Lanikahuli, the sacredness began to break up. Omealani, the storm clears up, i.e., the sacred scene closes.

[441] Lonohekilikaaka, the god Lono is thundering.

[442] Nakolo, to rumble along. Ailani, heaven-devouring.

[443] Iloli, the loathing of food by pregnant women; applied here to the disturbed state of the sea in a storm.

[444] Hikapoloa, a wicked king who killed his nephews; his evil deeds compared to the darkness suggested by the word po in his name.

[445] Kane, on the contrary, beneficent and good.

[446] Kaneimakaukau, a god skilled in all work, and so a title to anyone who was ready at anything.

[447] Anahulu, term used for ten, as we say “a dozen” for twelve. The writer of the song with Kualii for this length of time.

[448] Paia, the pearl fish-hook used for aku, or bonito. Kapaau, a land in Kohala, name used here with allusion to its meaning as denoting a strong, steady man, viz., Kualii.

[449] Men of Wawa, awkward men. Kapua is at the north point of Kohala. An unskillful fisherman in trying to weather the point and keep along with the fleet of canoes would often be obliged to put in there and give up; hence the saying, “Kau i Kapua ka auwaa panana,” panana—hawawa, a saying frequently quoted nowadays. There is also a similar Kapua at Waikiki.

[450] A double allusion to the proper name Kukuipahu, a place in Kohala; a great torch, also called lamaku.

[451] Ina, a sea urchin used for food.

[452] Haka ulili, the rude ladders of precipitous coasts of the fishermen and bird-catchers. Nanualolo, doubtless the pali Nuololo, on the northwest coast of Kauai.

[453] Kiakia, catching birds with a pole at the end of which was either bird-lime or a noose. At the islet of Lehua, near Niihau, was a variety of sea birds, the o’u (Psittirostra olivacea), prized for its green feathers, being especially sought after there.

[454] Ridiculing unskilled bird-catchers who stand still and gaze, ku hoaa, through the double meaning of these proper names.

[455] The famed weapon of Kualii, whereby he gained the victory at Kalaupapa.

[456] Naenae, name of the plant called “pewter-sword”, and resembling the silver-sword of the mountain.

[457] Hinihini and pololei, insects that sing in the mountain woods.

[458] Wae mua, the front seat of honor on a canoe.

[459] The deep gorge on north side of Molokai, near Pelekunu, attributed to the god Kana.

[460] Ieie (Freycinetia arnotti), a woody climber.

[461] Keaau in Puna, and the road through the woods of that region being very muddy the poet is led off into reflections thereupon.

[462] Probably likened from its straight and narrow restrictions.

[463] The muddy Waipio-Waimea road.

[464] Nalu, wave. Inaina, seat of anger.

[465] A proper name with a meaning; one of those provoking double entendres so common in this string of allusions.

[466] Still another; name of a woman, alluding, however, to a paddle—kapeau, to turn the paddle from one side of the canoe to the other.

[467] Ukinohunohu refers to the simultaneous bending of the rowers to their task.

[468] Ukinaopiopio, the steerers of the canoe.

[469] Terms indicating peculiar wave action.

[470] Hulikeeaea, etc., terms applied to shivering with cold. Naholoholo, the crawling on the skin of shivering.

[471] Hau-ii, etc., terms indicating cold conditions to the mariner. Kai apo kahi, the sea nearer the shore where the waves grow less.

[472] Coming to shore a dry malo (loin cloth) is put on.

[473] Compares the effect of Ku’s appearance in war upon his enemies to the crushing down of the stone arch of an imu, or oven.

[474] Haili at Hilo. In the lines following Ku is compared to a bird-catcher watching the flowers where he has prepared his snare for the birds—lahui pua o lalo, the crowd, common herd.

[475] Another comparison: Paiahaa, in Kau, flowers, as symbols of love, thrown into the sea in Puna were carried by the current to Paiahaa, where the loved one awaited their coming to the shore.

[476] The effect of Kualii’s slaughter; the people are killed and ghosts come in their places. Apua, an uninhabited land on the Kau boundary of Puna.

[477] Effect of the slaughter.

[478] Papa o kukalaula, a vast expanse of sun-scorched pahoehoe lava in Apua. “Make ka iole i Apua”—even the mice are killed by the heat.

[479] Uliuli, the name of a kapu of Kualii, otherwise called kaihehee. The victims of this kapu, i.e., those who broke it, were held in the surf till drowned, and then burnt with fire.

[480] Maihea, the name of a mysterious visitor of ancient time from the heavens; also his wife Kahakapolani. This name has a double meaning: haka, the frame upon which the kapa, wearing apparel, was thrown; and polani, a sacred shrine or retreat in the inner recesses of royal habitations.

[481] Kaukeano, ano, fear inspired by great sanctity, or sacredness.

[482] Wawa, walaau, a boisterous, tumultuous noise.

[483] Inaina, preceding travail. The succeeding terms apply to the throes of childbirth, to which the stormy month of Hinaiaeleele is compared.

[484] Ouou, a small bird; kuaola, applied to inaccessible, remote regions of the mountains.

[485] Referring to his victory at the temple dedication of Kawaluna, upper Nuuanu.

[486] Pule-e originally meant to talk at random as if uttering a prayer.

[487] Lala aala refers to all good gifts, rewards, uku, of those who are lono, who hear. Lono, to hear uncertainly, as a report.

[488] Kona, of Oahu, once included Ewa and Lihue.

[489] Maunauna is the name of the locality where the following incident took place. Kuiaia, the chief of Waianae, came with his forces to meet Kualii on the battle ground here mentioned. His kahu, forewarned, told him when in coming to battle he should find a knotted ti leaf in the road he would know he was in danger and surrounded by an ambush which would cut off his whole force. On finding this knotted ti leaf, he began and chanted this mele from beginning to end, to the honor of Ku. All on both sides laid down in reverence. Ku gave the signal of reconciliation, and the slaughter was averted.

[490] Hau’na, hahau ana, battle-club strokes; aui, epithet applied to Kualii’s military scourgings of his enemies.

[491] Ahuula; all the feather robes, capes and cloaks come under this title. Halakea, the adjective applied to the yellow ones, sometimes two or three yards in length. The bird mamo held on its black body feathers a layer of several orange-colored, while the o-o—of glossy black—had a tuft of yellow feathers under the wings.

[492] Ka wela o ka ua may refer either to the rainbow or to showers lit up by the evening sunlight, or any spectral illumination of vapor in the heavens, to which the warriors in their bright cloaks are compared.

[493] Kauakahi hale, the name of the royal residence of Kualii. Ka la, the day set apart for display.

[494] The mamane (Sophora chrysophylla), a mountain acacia, said to turn like the autumn woods. The blossom is abundant of a rich yellow.

[495] Koai (Acacia koaie), a hard, scrubby species of koa, used for weapons. A rich furniture wood.

[496] The term pili kai, sea clingers, conveys the idea of shore forces flayed, speared, ihi ia, by Ku.

[497] Kahala, threatening, towering. Maihiwa, a place off Waikiki.

[498] Pania, pani ia, the waters stopped; i.e., the forces of the enemy are checked.

[499] The vanquished ask for quarter—like a man in Hilo, overwhelmed with rain from Puna-wards begs for a cessation.

[500] Kui ka lono, repeated tidings striking one like waves. Haalilo, a chief of Hilo defeated by Kualii in the battle at Laupahoehoe.

[501] The vanquished chief, a branch of the same race.

[502] Of the other side.

[503] Ila, a mole or dark spot on the skin, regarded by Hawaiians as signs, as among fortune tellers of other countries.

[504] Malanai, a wind from the sea at Kailua, Oahu; the appended haehae indicates it as fierce; boisterous.

[505] Niheu, a chief and ancestor of Kualii, remarkable for his small size and yet great strength. It is said that with his brother, Kana, they fought a battle at Molokai, and treading violently a hill on the sea coast, the fragments flew off in the shape of small islets which now stand in the sea near Pelekunu.

[506] Mee has a peculiar use; anything remarkable is mee, but the phrase is as follows: “He mee keia no ka i-a nui.” A wonderful example of a great fish. “He mee keia no ke alii akamai.”

[507] Pu for hipuu, a knot or fastening.

[508] Brandishing weapons before fighting.

[509] Laulau, to bind up. The weapon is caught in the folds of Ku’s robe.

[510] Lilo is a play on the name Haalilo, the transfer of power to Ku.

[511] Waving leaves in the wind compared to beckoning.

[512] Make nonu, partly dead.

[513] Koolau, or kookoolau, the Hawaiian tea plant (Campylotheca).

[514] O lalo, the surf of Waialua below, heard from upon the highlands above.

[515] Kupukupu, a fragrant, fine-leafed plant. Kauwewe, the covering of an imu, or oven.

[516] Luukia, binding; also sealing.

[517] The spear called by the same name as the rafter of a house.

[518] Kualii destroying his enemies piece-meal.

[519] Anea, making lazy; unnerving; characteristic of the south wind, hema.

[520] Ualo, to call to one in the distance.

[521] Words uttered. Lines 461 to 465, the priest of the opposing side calling to Ku to be merciful.

[522] Ku is urged to spare his wrath at home.

[523] Aha, given here and in former versions, meaning a company of people, is thought by the context to be aho, the battens of the house, which, like the mat, kapa and robes, are incapable of responding to exhibitions of anger.

[524] Kaunuia, provoked to anger, or jealousy.

[525] In his palanquin.

[526] Referring to the self-styled priest Kapaahulani.

[527] Or one having supernatural powers.

[528] Keawekekahialiiokamoku, Keawe-a-certain-chief-of-the-land, who ruled Hawaii four generations preceding Kamehameha.

[529] A long series of comparisons from this point indicates the change in style and subject of the poet.

[530] Naio (Myoporum sandwicense), the bastard sandalwood of Hawaii.

[531] A white-fringed flower in Nuuanu.

[532] Keekeehia, or keehi ia, trodden or trampled.

[533] Hinahina (Geranium tridens), a fine silver-gray-leafed plant; the silver-sword of Haleakala.

[534] The ohia and lehua are the principal forest woods of the islands.

[535] Wao, very remote; eiwa, nine, hence ninth recess.

[536] Hao wale, applied to great trees standing alone in the ferns.

[537] Ekaha (Genus Acrostichum), a peculiar fern with an entire leaf, often used underneath bed-place mats, for warmth.

[538] Olapa (Cheirodendron gaudichaudii), a large tree; its bark or leaves furnished material for a blue dye.

[539] Kehau, morning land breeze, rather than dew, at this point.

[540] Kumomoku and Leleiwi were localities near Puuloa, Ewa, where the land breezes were said to be peculiarly cold.

[541] Lipoa, a fragrant kind of seaweed and favorite article of food.

[542] There is said to be a pond on the summit of Kaala in which is found a fresh-water crab.

[543] The effect of drinking awa is to crack the skin.

[544] Awa (Piper methysticum), the root of which furnished the intoxicant of Hawaii as also Polynesia generally.

[545] Aalii (Dodonæa viscosa), a forest tree of fine, durable wood; leaves were used for medicinal purposes.

[546] Maile (Alyxia, a genus of several species); its fragrant and glossy twinings are greatly favored for leis, etc., on festive occasions.

[547] Hoe, the peculiar whistle uttered by Hawaiians in climbing a pali.

[548] Kaluhea, lazily drooping.

[549] Kokio (Hibiscus kokio), a medicinal plant.

[550] Paka, the noise as of raindrops upon dry leaves.

[551] Kawau (Byronia sandwicensis), a forest tree.

[552] Kalia (Elæocarpus bifidus), a common tree in lower woods of Kauai and Oahu; scarce on other islands.

[553] Some philosophy here.

[554] Oo (Moho nobilis), a prince among Hawaiian birds, now scarce. This species, as also the rarer mamo, yielded the yellow feathers so precious to Hawaii’s alii.

[555] Certain pigs were held to have the power of identifying royalty, as in the case of Umi, where the priest Kaoleoku makes use of a “chief-searching” pig to confirm his suspicions aroused by the appearance of a rainbow. See page 188 for the incident, with note 2 thereon.

[556] A species of breadfruit said to have been introduced by Kakai from Upolo, Samoa, was planted at Puuloa.

[557] Pa’u ma’o, garment dyed yellow from flowers of the mao tree which were used in coloring kapa.

[558] Wiliwili (Erythrina monosperma); its various uses are given in the few succeeding lines. The lightness of its wood makes it preferred for surf-boards.

[559] The famous fish-hook of Maui. See note 7, page 370.

[560] Mamaki (Pipturus albidus), the bark of which furnished a choice quality of kapa.

[561] Ti (Cordyline terminalis), an essential article of Hawaiian household economy. Its leaves were their sole wrappers, especially for food, whether for conveyance or in cooking; it also covered the food placed in the ovens; it relieved headaches and cooled the brow of the feverish; it had uses also in net fishing, and worn around the neck was held to have the charm of warding off evil spirits. Its roots, baked, furnished a sweet, fibrous tuber from which an intoxicating drink called okolehao was made, though this name indicates it as a modern product since the improvised iron-pot and gun-barrel stills became known to them.

[562] Nuuanu, the principal valley of Honolulu with its famed precipice at the Koolau gap over which Kamehameha in later times drove the Oahu forces in conquering the island. The name implies a cold raised place.

[563] Waahila, in the mountain ridge at the head of Manoa Valley.

[564] Kou (Cordia subcordata) furnishes a rich cabinet wood and was the choice for calabashes, bowls, platters, etc., of the Hawaiians.

[565] Garlands made from the drupes of the pandanus were favorite wreaths, not only for their bright yellow-red blend of color, but also for their fragrance and being serviceable for several days.

[566] Makole is taken here to represent a worthy companion for Ku.

[567] Kualii, from his voyaging abroad is designated a foreigner—haole.

[568] The four primeval gods of the Hawaiian race.

[569] See Islander, Sept.–Oct., 1875.

[570] Kalani, a name given to high chiefs by those of lower rank.

[571] Kuikealaikauaokalani, Ku-who-stood-in-the-path-of-the-rain-of-the-heaven.

[572] Kalanikahimakaialii, Chief-who-combed-the-king’s-eye.

[573] Kauakahi, a warrior who was split in two.

[574] A play on the name Kuihewa.

[575] The defeated king of the Kona district at the battle of Kawaluna who disputed Kualii’s right to dedicate its temple.

[576] Koae, the white bos’n bird (Phaëthon lepturus).

[577] Kapiiohookalani, the curly-hair-of-the-heaven.

[578] Ai, not to eat, but to possess, or rule.

[579] Term for vanquished chief.

[580] A division between two localities. Pohakea, a rock in the sea off Kualoa.

[581] Uwau, a sea-gull of the petrel species (Puffinus cuneatus).

[582] Refers to the method of dislodging the ao birds.

[583] Bird-catchers likened to mice.

[584] Aukuu (Ardea sacra), a fish-hawk.

[585] Ununu, a certain grass that abounded at Peleula.

[586] Even the products of land and sea rejoice at Ku’s approach.

[587] The tribute to the god having been observed, therefore the hunger pangs—likened to a god, Kekiapololi—were appeased.

[588] Kalamahaaiakea, Kalama that-dances-to-Kea.

[589] The adjoining district is sought to kick out—peku—the revelers.

[590] An epithet of Ku.

[591] Refers to absorption of land.

[592] Kiu ahiu, lit. “wild spy”, is the name of a wind in several parts of the island of Oahu.

[593] Eye of the rain may refer to its beginning.

[594] Haao, a wind driving rain, said to be peculiar to Auaulele.

[595] Alaea, red rain.

[596] Halakua, a place where the pandanus grows in the sea, so that when the bunch is cut one has to dive down in the water to get it.

[597] Refers to the difficulty attending the gathering of lehua blossoms, owing to the dew and rain often drenching one and inducing cold, hence its burden.

[598] Referring to the shallow waters of Alapai.

[599] Ie waa; ie vine had various uses for tying, as also in basketry.

[600] Kuhoopepelaualani, Ku-conqueror-of-many-chiefs.

[601] Opana, cutting.

[602] Oio (Albula vulpes), a fish with very fine meat, and generally mashed before eating.

[603] Alahee (Plectronia odorata), a very hard wood, preferred for their o-o, or digger, as a narrow spade.

[604] Apane or apapane (Himatione sanguinea), a bird sought for its choice feathers.

[605] Summer season of Makalii.

[606] This has reference to a sportive season, not an instrument of the hard kauila wood.

[607] Pahipahi was an ancient game or pastime that had connection with hand manipulation of a small drum, as in the hula.

[608] Some personage.

[609] Wauke bark rendered pulpy in preparation for the beating process in kapa making.

[610] Ili, a piece of land.

[611] Ahu, a heap of stones.

[612] Ohiki, the sand-crab.

[613] Maile, a sweet-scented vine.

[614] Hooilo, the season of winter rains.

[615] Kini, from the word kinikini, many.

[616] Lau, four hundred; often used for unnumbered.

[617] Lama (Maba sandwicensis), name of a certain wood.

[618] Alae, the mud-hen.

[619] A long series of play on names of places ends here.

[620] Amama, from the word hamama, open, equivalent to our amen.

[621] Having an eye to self provision through a lucrative stewardship.

[622] The first man, according to this Kualii chant.

[623] The genealogy of Opuukahonua puts himself as the origin of the race.

[624] On the northerly side of Nuuanu Valley, now the Country Club.

[625] Reddened with men; the gathering armies.

[626] Kualii appears here to assume a hereditary royal right to this high service, though rival aliis were ruling Oahu’s several districts.

[627] Kauakahiakahoowaha, Kualii’s father, was a great-grandson of Kahuihewa, king of Oahu. Mahulua was Kualii’s mother.

[628] Taunting play on name of Lono, implying no strength.

[629] Taking the name of the fabulous fish-hook of Maui.

[630] Weapons of kauila wood, very hard and durable, were said to be the kind sought.

[631] Huli-moku-alana, victorious land turning.

[632] Ahupuaa, a division of land larger than an ili.

[633] This is certainly royal recognition and reward for faithful service.

[634] The mua house of the temple.

[635] A beneficent law which, on occasions, appears to supersede the established ordinance.

[636] The historian Kamakau here furnishes Kualii’s full name for the first time, though this latter appellation is used in the supplementary mele.

[637] A safeguarding against seeking to obtain benefits under this law by false representation.

[638] Under the old order mercy was unknown; death penalty for transgressions usually prevailed.

[639] The lua was like the strangle-hold in wrestling, giving one the complete mastery over the other. It is said that one getting this grip on his opponent could break his bones in mid-air as he threw him.

[640] An easy-going king, undeserving of the untiring efforts of his sons to rescue their mother and avenge her abduction.

[641] Hina in this story has been said to be Hawaii’s Helen of Troy. She has been a prolific inspiration of freaks and foibles in the folk-lore not only of these islands, but throughout Polynesia.

[642] This is a popular myth of great antiquity (judged by the references thereto in one way and another in Hawaiian legendary lore), of which there are several versions of various titles.

[643] Niheu, said to have special power or qualifications—Sampson like—through his long hair.

[644] Kana could thank his stars for grandmother Uli, not only for her supernatural powers in seeing his possibilities in a piece of rope, but directing his efforts to avenge the loss of his mother. This name, Uli, figures as the famed and powerful goddess of the anaana or sorcerer priests.

[645] The name Halauoloolo indicates a long shed kind of structure rather than a house.

[646] Kana apparently developed on the Jack and the Beanstalk principle.

[647] Haupu, also known in tradition as the “Rocks of Kana”, is a bold bluff on the north coast in the Pelekunu district of Molokai.

[648] Moi was one of the renowned priests of a period preceding the arrival of Paao in the twelfth century, from Samoa.

[649] Mokuola, or Coconut Island, forming the eastern portion of Hilo Bay.

[650] Paliuli, famed as the Hawaiian Paradise, appears by this and other legends to have been a favored spot in Puna, Hawaii.

[651] Laa, now known as Olaa, in Puna, Hawaii, identifies the location of Uli’s work.

[652] It will be noticed with all these kapas that ula (red) terminates the several names. There may have been designed significance in these as signals in distinction from other named kapas which are described such.

[653] Kanaloa (referred to again later), one of the major gods of ancient Hawaiian belief.

[654] Hulahula was a prayer of great solemnity in a dedicatory service, and is not to be confused with the Hawaiian dance of same name.

[655] On the Hilo side of the Wailuku stream.

[656] The temple of this priest was that of Maniniaiake, at Honokaupu, Pekunu. Moi is said to have preserved the ancient form of temple structure of Wakea’s time, which held until Paao’s system prevailed.

[657] The night of Kane was the twenty-seventh of the lunar month.

[658] Kupukupu, a vegetable plant of small moment.

[659] Prophetic utterances; one of Moi’s famed qualities.

[660] Kolea (golden plover) and Ulili (wandering tattler) were not a formidable pair of winged messengers.

[661] Name given to his swordfish.

[662] Ka-honu-nunui-ma-eleka, literally, the very large turtle at Eleka.

[663] Known as the “Rocks of Kana”.

[664] Meaning the overthrow of Haupu.

[665] This name, showing Pikoi’s descent, is a departure from the customary form, being not only of, or from, Alala, but is more definite as from ka (the) Alala.

[666] Kaulamawaho, outside rope; Kekakapuomaluihi, “the arrow shooting of Maluihi”.

[667] Ike ole laua, as translated here, may also mean “they did not know”, or “were unaware”, etc.

[668] Olohu, name of a stone disk for a rolling game, which takes the same name.

[669] Pahee, a favorite betting game of sliding a stick along a grass or gravel course.

[670] Koieie, probably the same as koieiei, a play at a flowing stream where the incoming tide or current will return the object thrown. The sport of sliding down the rapids, as in Samoa or other islands of Polynesia, takes the same name.

[671] E moe ana might mean simply “lying down”, from his exhausted condition.

[672] Rat shooting was a pastime of the aliis.

[673] Kaukau alii, probably a prince, since the term applied to a class of chiefs below the king.

[674] The kalolo prayer was a petition supplicating favors.

[675] Aweoweo, a shrubby plant at various altitudes (Chenopodium sandwicheum).

[676] Haumakaiole, an epithet applied to one who is blear-eyed, from old age.

[677] Hau, frost or misty; maka, eye; iole, rat.

[678] Kuaiole, the upper ridge-pole of a house.

[679] A stereotyped form of royal recompense.

[680] Auhuhu (Theprosia purpurea), a shrub used in poisoning or intoxicating fish that they may be caught.

[681] Awa, milk-fish (Chanos chanos).

[682] Anahulu a me helelei; ten days and scattering over and above the ten. That was the ancient method of Hawaiian counting.

[683] A sign indicative of knowledge by the king of transgression, as in the case of Kamehameha’s night visit to the camp of plotting chiefs at Halawa, Oahu, when he stuck his spear in the ground in front of their house of conference; a sure sign he had heard their scheme.

[684] Kakuhihewa, literally “the mistake”.

[685] Kalelealuaka, literally “the leap of two bailers”.

[686] Keinohoomanawanui, forbearing or enduring the wrong.

[687] Pueonui, large owl.

[688] This part of Honolulu is now known as Kawaiahao.

[689] Lapalapa, as used here is to indicate the blazing nature of Pumaia’s spirit in its directing movements.

[690] Huli ka ia, the turning fish, was the appearance of the Milky Way.

[691] Illustrative of the ancient custom of hiding dead bodies, despite hardships and difficulties.

[692] Mikiai, the term for the last fingerful of poi from the calabash.

[693] The full rendering of this line would be: “The number of the gods was: kini, 40,000 gods; lehu, 400,000 gods; mano, 4,000 gods; lalani, rows of gods.”

[694] Awa, the milk-fish (Chanos chanos).

[695] Kaahualii, the royal cloak.

[696] A novel method of averting the chase, drawing the scent across the trail, to enable the brother to gain breath.

[697] Puoa, a small, temporary cone-shaped structure, of poles, not enclosed.

[698] Lele was an ancient name of Lahaina.

[699] The day of the month of this name, Kane, was the twenty-seventh day of the moon, whereas the nights of Kane refers to the kapu period to that deity which fell on the night of Mohalu, the twelfth of the moon.

[700] Considered the champion liar of his time.

[701] Aku, bonito (Gymnosarda pelamis).

[702] See footnote 1, page 484.

[703] Noio, a small black bird (Microanous hawaiiensis).

[704] Puipuiakalawaia, meaning a well-built fisherman, as was also applied to Umi, of Hawaii.

[705] Another Umi-a-liloa identifying formula.

[706] Lei palaoa, necklace of braided human hair and a carved whale tooth.

[707] Ke-paka-ili-ula, the red-skinned paka.

[708] Hina, the favorite feminine character of Hawaiian story.

[709] Not shown whether brother or sister.

[710] Names indicating a stay-at-home, Kiinoho, and a traveler, Kiihele.

[711] Paliuli, the Hawaiian Paradise, located in certain legends as in Puna, Hawaii, as it does here.

[712] Cane of luxuriant growth that has bent over and curved upward.

[713] Bananas fell, or dropped, scattering from the bunch through ripeness.

[714] An anahulu is a ten day period. This term is never applied to any other counting.

[715] This phrase indicates the Hawaiian ideal of physical perfection, and is frequently met with.

[716] Hiwahiwa, beloved one, here refers to Hina.

[717] Keiki a kaua, our son, from adoption, or rearing as foster parents, though nephews in fact.

[718] As note 2.

[719] A deprecating comparison surely.

[720] A better rendering would be “a wife for you.”

[721] Poohiwi, literally “shoulder to rest on.”

[722] A customary form in a contest; courtesy giving the stranger the choice first.

[723] Lauawa, a Maui wind.

[724] Taking his name for adoption from fear. In many of the South Sea Islands an exchange of names was a bond of friendship.

[725] Halau, a long, open, flat-top structure of temporary character, of coconut leaves usually, for sheltering canoes, and a kind erected for semi-outdoor entertainments.

[726] Moa, a recognition of supreme sovereignty.

[727] Keaumiki and Keauka are sometimes referred to as gods of the tides.

[728] Virtually burning his bridges behind him.

[729] Perhaps figurative for the remains of the king’s food: the crumbs from the table.

[730] These are the two sailing masters of the Pakaa story who displaced him.

[731] Nana aku ka hana, an expression of wonderment or surprise, as we would say: Lo and behold!

[732] Namu, nawa, huhu; anger, and strange and confused speech.

[733] Pilikua, twin-bodied.

[734] His twin-bodied gift from Kaneapua.

[735] Lewanuu and Lewalani; two spheres of cloud land, Lewanuu being the highest.

[736] This has reference to a figurative power possessed by the hands, referred to here as upper and lower jaws.

[737] Momona, food; fat things of the land; although the term momona is generally used in qualification of food, not food itself.

[738] Kikoo-lia, or ia; same as pupuu-lia, or ia.

[739] Makalii, god of plenty.

[740] Ulu ana a manamana, growing and branching.

[741] Here perhaps is the origin of the term ia, fish, for the Milky Way, it being the spirit of Kukamaulunuiakea, the monster king of sharks.

[742] Ka, swinging by pulling, not pushing. The Hawaiian swing was a single rope, usually a cord of twisted convolvulus vine kowali, written also koali, hence its name.

[743] Opihi, a small limpet (Neritina granosa).

[744] Koko, a net for carrying or hanging calabashes.

[745] Inamona, a table delicacy from pounded kukui nuts.

[746] The banana bud, for smoothness, was the ideal of flesh condition to the Hawaiian mind; no skin could be smoother, nor firmer.

[747] Weleweka, velvet, borrows an introduced modern term for an ancient setting.

[748] Ala, a variety or species of taro (Colocasia antiquorum), tough and stringy; not a stone, as readily comes to mind. The former might be seized by hungry dogs while the latter would have no attraction.

[749] This wrapping of pukohukohu, a noni colored kapa, was likely one of the paus, or skirts of the grandmother, generally worn in several folds.

[750] Palama is used here in the sense of strict surveillance of secrecy under a sacred kapu. Elsewhere the word is used as one espoused; a fiancée.

[751] Kula, not a plain or open place, but a section of the ohia grove where the lehua blossoms are abundant, for the sake of which the birds assemble and sit.

[752] The bird elepaio (Chasiempis sandwichensis) is the favorite messenger or agent for carrying out the plots in Hawaiian myths more than any other. Prof. H. W. Henshaw observed: “No bird has a more important place in Hawaiian mythology than the elepaio, and omens and warnings were formerly read from its actions and notes.”

[753] Awa (Piper methysticum), usually of ground culture, appears to have a variety or species which thrives in tree stumps.

[754] Ua koko, literally red rain, is defined as “a cloud standing erect and having different colors, somewhat like the rainbow.”

[755] Puliki ke kino is more the folding the arms on the body, in distress.

[756] Hoa-make-i-ke-kula, companion in suffering in the plain.

[757] Olapa (Cheirodendron gaudichaudii).

[758] Ieie vine (Freycinetia arnotti).

[759] Kuu haku wahine, my mistress, yet more dignified in its meaning.

[760] Various disturbances of the elements and strange phenomena were ever interpreted as manifestations of the gods in favor, or recognition, of the alii. The more severe or pronounced the weather phenomena the higher rank it denoted.

[761] Another Ku and Hina contribution; the favorites of story writers.

[762] Hoo-kaa-kaa-i-ka-paka-ua, literally “to roll, or rolling in the rain drops.”

[763] Ka-pua-o-ka-ohelo-ai, literally “the blossom of the eatable ohelo” (berry). (Vaccinium reticulatum.)

[764] Nio, a variety of handsome kapa.

[765] Anuu kapu loa, the very sacred platform of the temple.

[766] Kukaniloko, the traditional favorite birthplace of royalty, at Wahiawa, Oahu.

[767] A duplicate of the Umi-a-liloa plot; apparently a familiar theme.

[768] Ihiawaawa, bitter spear.

[769] Not only the superior kinds or quality of kapa went to constitute the well-dressed man, but the fragrance helped its recognition materially.

[770] Even Nature is made to recognize beauty and rejoices at triumph over wrong.

[771] The resemblance of a husbandman to a paddler is in the way they use their implements, always towards themselves in their work.

[772] That section of Nuuanu Valley in the neighborhood of Wyllie Street.

[773] Its great value lay in the fact that it was specially attractive to the fish desired, the aku.

[774] That section of Honolulu above Beretania Street, from Nuuanu to the stream, as it used to run.

[775] Mamala, Honolulu harbor entrance. Kou was the harbor itself.

[776] Kuula was deified upon his death at the cruel hands of Hua of Maui, according to tradition, that he became the god of fishermen to whom the koas around Oahu, Maui, and other islands are dedicated, and though these outward evidences of idolatrous practice have passed away, the inward feeling of recognition of this god’s claim on their effort is still stronger among the old fishermen than they are willing to admit.

[777] Kaumakapili, roosting with closed eyes.

[778] Kapuukolo, from about the site of the present King Street market to River Street and the stream.

[779] Another interpretation of the ola na iwi expression.

[780] The expression maanei aku nei, further ahead from here, while not embodying direction would invariably be accompanied by a wave or motion of the hand to indicate the point in mind.

[781] Here appears to have been a system of coast guards for the execution of special orders of the king, chief or konohiki.

[782] Umu or imu, the underground oven of heated stones.

[783] This would seem to be a premium upon the practice of cannibalism, if such existed.

[784] Ahuawa, rushes from which cords were made; or, it may have been a heap of awa refuse.

[785] Opiko or kopiko, a firewood (Straussia Kaduana).

[786] Aaka, bastard sandal wood (Myoporum sandwicense).

[787] Mamane, a most durable hard wood (Sophora chrysophylla).

[788] Pua, a good firewood in that it will burn green (Pelea sandwicensis).

[789] Alani, the bark and wood of which held medicinal properties, and its leaves scent for kapas (Pelea sandwicensis).

[790] The kapu inoa among the alii rank was not a sacred name in a literal sense, but is here shown to be the secrecy to be observed at and following the composing of a name song or chant, until the time of its ceremonial announcement or recital.

[791] Names of the four varieties of the fragrant maile vine (Alyxia olivæformis). These same four sisters are prominent characters in the legend of Laieikawai, but in that story they claim Kauai as their home.

[792] Uhu, parrot-fish (Calotomus sandwichensis).

[793] Nenue, rudder-fish (Hyphosus fuscus).

[794] Ulua (Carangus ignobilis).

[795] Kahala, amber-fish (Seriola).

[796] Opakapaka (Apsilus microdon).

[797] Hee, squid (Octopus).

[798] Manini, surgeon-fish (Teuthis sandwichensis).

[799] Opelu, mackerel scad (Decapterus pinnulatus).

[800] Aku, bonito (Gymnosarda pelamis).

[801] Oil on troubled waters had recognition in early days with a double purpose.

[802] Kukui (Aleurites moluccana).

[803] Wiliwili (Erythrina monosperma).

[804] Hoi, a species of yam used in times of great scarcity of food (Dioscorea sativa).

[805] Yam, native name, uhi (Ipomœa batatas).

[806] Hoopapa, disputing, wrangling, wordy contentions, debate; a profession evidently wherein the interpretation of and play on words afford occasions of witticisms in contests for entertainment, or on wager; sometimes of serious moment.

[807] Pa iwi, fence of bones here referred to, was not a testimony of Kauai chiefs’ supremacy only, in utilizing the bones of his victims, for the vicinity of Fort Shafter, near Honolulu, had its pa iwi, a fence of human bones, enclosing the house of a robber chief who waylaid travelers passing his province. It is coincident in these two bone enclosures that they both lacked one victim for completion.

[808] Pueo-nui-o-kona, great owl of Kona.

[809] It is not clear what the articles of a professional wrangler would be beyond his mental powers, though doubtless he was equipped for sleight of hand and such like contests.

[810] The hokeo calabash was usually a long shaped gourd with an end opening for convenience of carrying the “kit”, or articles of utility; one’s handbag.

[811] Oililepa, file-fish (Osbeckia scripta).

[812] Kikakapu, butterfly-fish (Chætodon ornatissimus).

[813] Makaloa grass (Cyperus lævigatus), known also as mokoloa, wherewith the fine Niihau mats were made.

[814] Niihau mats were regarded as the choicest quality of Hawaiian mat making.

[815] Kuolohia grass (Rhynchospora laxa).

[816] Ahu hinano aala o Puna, the hala-fragrant spread, or kapa, of Puna.

[817] The ouhuluwai kapa was made from mamaki bark, and was dyed differently on its two sides.

[818] The reference to this ouhuluwai o Laa, a kapa of Laa, shows this to have been the name of that portion of Puna known now as Olaa, from taking the o as being part of the name of the place as the early voyagers introduced Hawaii to the world as Owyhee, from persons saying they were of Hawaii, o Hawaii.

[819] Puaa kukui is here described as a piece of kukui wood cut to resemble a pig. In other accounts this puaa kukui is produced by markings of alaea stain or coloring, and being in connection with temple ceremonies it suggests that in this way certain demands of the priests for pigs in quantity for sacrificial offerings were met.

[820] Kahuli, turned over. The contest here changes to a play on words.

[821] The iakos of a canoe are the sticks connecting the outrigger to it.

[822] Poking or gouging out the eyes of a victim was one of the cruelties practiced in olden times.

[823] Kumakena, mourning, the application being that one would be blinded for the time by an act so severe.

[824] Kiwaawaa, a coarse kind of kapa for various uses.

[825] Iako of kapa refers to a term in counting kapas, equaling forty. In general practice the word kaau is used for this number.

[826] Ama, or aama, mullet (Mugil cephalus).

[827] The contest now centers upon a play upon words of similar sound but different meaning, the point of which cannot well be conveyed in its translation.

[828] Akimona, same as inamona, kukui nut jelly, a table delicacy.

[829] Omao, a small bird of the thrush family (Phæornis obscura).

[830] Alala, the Hawaiian crow (Corvus tropicus).

[831] Kaunooa, a species of vine without roots.

[832] Mokuola, Coconut Island, Hilo, said to have been a place of refuge in ancient time, whereby its name “life island” obtains.

[833] Laukiamanuikahiki, literally, bird-trapping leaf of Kahiki.

[834] Another story of an absenting father leaving tokens of identification for his unborn child.

[835] Red, the unmistakable evidence of royal rank.

[836] A foreknowledge, evidently, of the sex of his child.

[837] A duplicate of the Umi-a-Liloa story, except in sex of the child.

[838] Haku, rendered “lord,” is applicable to either sex; it signifies ruler, overseer, or other authoritative superior.

[839] Ilima, a Sida of which there are several species; a favorite flower for wreaths, and Oahu’s chosen emblem. The introduction of the marigold reveals the modern authorship of this story.

[840] Expressions of admiration.

[841] Aholehole, a small white fish (Kuhlia malo).

[842] Nehu, silversides (Atherina).

[843] Iao, very small fish.

[844] This legend closes with a mis-statement of modern life resembling in all respects that of ancient times in the effort to show that human nature is the same. Civilization, law and order and education overcame pagan customs many years before the foregoing was written.