 Chapter 6 of the Legends and Myths of Hawaii This is a LibriVox recording or LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Elaine Conway, England The Legends and Myths of Hawaii by King David Kalakaua Chapter 6 The Royal Hunchback Characters Kanipahu, King of Hawaii Kalapana, son of Kanipahu Kamaeo, Upserper of the Throne Chief of Kau Aola, sister of Kamaeo Makia, daughter of Aola Waiaku, and military chief Abductor of Aola Nanoa, a chief in the Royal household The Royal Hunchback The legend of Kanipahu, the grandson of Pili About the period of AD 1160 Kanipahu was the nominal sovereign of the island of Hawaii He was the grandson of Pili who near the close of the previous century came from Samoa at the solicitation of the high priest Pao to assume the moyship left vacant by the death of Kapawa whose grandfather was probably the first of the southern chiefs who came to the Hawaiian group during the important migratory movements of the 11th and 12th centuries Although the sovereignty of the entire island was claimed by the Pili family disturbances were frequent in the time of Kanipahu Not a few of the native chiefs of the old stock of Nanoa which helped sway the group for nearly six centuries refused to yield allegiance to the new dynasty To strengthen his power and placate the native chiefs and people Kanipahu took to wife Huolani the fifth in descent from Mauiki of the Nanoala line and subsequently Alekua who was probably of the same native strain The Makaina or common people however seemed to have been better satisfied with their new rulers than were their former chiefs who had been supplanted in authority and it was therefore difficult that they could be arised to resistance to political conditions which imposed upon them no hardships which they had not borne under their old rulers and no responsibilities which they were not already familiar And besides, the newcomers from the south had introduced new laws new customs and new products of the soil as well as new gods and new forms of worship They had brought with them their ka eke or sacred drum and pulu lo'u inviolable taboo staff crowned with balls of white or black kapa They had also instituted the title of Maui or Supreme Sovereign whereas the several islands before had been ruled by scores of independent chiefs holding as large a district as he was able to defend They had established a hale or college of chiefs through which the rank of every noble might find recognition and be perpetuated in his family They had constructed grander heias or temples and shaped the populace from the observance of many of their religious ceremonies The taboos of the chiefs and priests had been enlarged and rendered more strict and the priesthood had become more powerful and independent The persons of the Maui and high chiefs had become more sacred and they exercised their functions with increased display and ostentation These additional exactions on the part of the new rulers however were partially if not wholly compensated for to the laboring masses by the protection brought to them through the political change against the oppressions of their petty chiefs and landowners It was therefore probable that on the whole their social and industrial condition was quite as tolerable and the new was under the old native regime Kanipahu resided principally in Kohala where his grandfather had taken up his abode and constructed mansions consistent with his sovereign state and it was there that the high priest Pyle who brought Pele to the group established himself and family after first learning in Puna and erected into his god the temple of Wahula the ruin of which are still seen near the village of Kahawalia After the arrival of Pele it is probable that Pyle removed with him to the more populous district of Kohala and they remained as his high priest and advisor At Wepa he erected the large He'i'o of Mokini the stones for which were passed from hand to hand from Nui a distance of 9 miles a circumstance indicating the presence of a large population on Hawaii at that time as it was one of the largest temples in the group its walls enclosing an arachnida peralogram having an aggregate length of 817 feet with a height of 20 feet and a breadth of 8 feet at the top A vast amount of labour must have been required to transport the material over so long and rough a road with their appliance more effective than human muscle but the walls are so well built that they are standing today and from a secret crypt in the wall of the south side of He'i'i'o were taken but a few years ago and are still preserved two finely polished stone discs of a diameter of 8 or 10 inches which is not probable were the two strained idols which tradition says Pyle brought with him over the great waters from Apolu and which were hidden by some faithful Kahu or servant of the He'i'u when the ancient worship of the people was abolished by the second Kame Kamiha in 1819 Kanipahu was a just and considerate sovereign and sought by every peaceful means to harmonise the conflicting interests of the chiefs and strengthen and consolidate his power to this end as already stated he allied himself by marriage to the Nannula line of chiefs and attached to his person and household a number of prominent nobles of native lineage the result was that for some years he ruled in peace and race jealousies were gradually wearing away when a circumstance occurred which suddenly terminated the reign of Kanipahu and drove him into exile it was a sultry afternoon near the time of the annual feast of Lono perhaps in 1172 that Kanipahu after having dispatched the business of the day was reclining on a couch and mat in the cool shade of a palm grove within the ward enclosure of the palace grounds if indeed two large wooden and thatched buildings each a hundred and more feet in length by forty in breadth with eight or ten smaller houses among the banana groves in the rear may be called a palace the grounds were thickly studded with shade and fruit trees embracing almost every variety of value found on the island here and there were shaded walks and fine wreathed nooks in which rude seats had been constructed and as the sentinels land lazily at the entrance and the cahoos of the king languidly administered to his wants the scene was a picture of royal power and barbaric comfort peculiar to the Polynesian islands but scarcely less imposing than the forms and architectural environments of the gels and princes of northern and central Europe at that period each of the personal attendants of the king was of the lesser nobility and his office was one of honour over the head of the drowsy and sovereign a kahili or kahili bearer at brief intervals waved his tuft of painted plumes while at a respectful distance stood the spittoon bearer Ipakuha and head steward Apu-u-pu-pu the king was suddenly arised by a tumult at the out gate there was a sound of angry voices mingled with a clashing of spears and immediately after a tall chief clad in ma ro feather cape and helmet and bearing a stout ihe or javelin strode toward the royal mansion followed by a number of excited chiefs and their retainers reaching the palace the chief turned and faced his clamouring pursuers with a look of defiance to shed blood there was an offence which no one was bold or reckless enough to commit and after one of the number had first been dispatched to the king to ascertain his pleasure the entire party of chiefs was prepared to the royal presence leaving their weapons behind in the hands of the guards who had hurried toward the scene of disturbance bowing low before the king who had risen to a sitting posture on his couch the chiefs waited for him to break the silence slowly scanning his auditors all but one of whom he knew and trusted Kenny Pao who finally fixed his eyes upon the face of the stranger and quietly said your face is strange to me who are you and what brings you here great chief I am Kamayo a chief of cowl was replied and I came to Kohala in search of my sister Ayola who was stolen and brought here about the clothes of the last season of rain have you found her inquired the king I have found her replied Kame Olle who took your sister away from Kao who is in the king that man said Kame Olle pointed to one of the chiefs present at least so I presume since he was seen in Kao about the time of her disappearance and I find her in his possession here the chief designated was a large and well favoured young man with a palm tree tattooed upon each of his muscular thighs and wearing a number of gaudy ornaments around his neck he wasn't a Iikoha or military chief without possessions and in the service of the king to whom he was distantly related turning towards him Kanupahu said speak Waikuku and answer the word to the chief of Kao glancing savagely at Kame Olle a Waikuku bowed to the king and replied it is true that Ayola came with me from Kao where I went to visit the brother of my mother but she came willingly although I admit without the consent of Kame Olle Waikaku is one of the blood of noble chiefs said the king and a tone of conciliation why not permit your sister since it is her will to remain with him in peace she may remain was Kame Olle's own reply and while may she remain exclaimed Waikaku bitterly Ayola is dead today even a few breaths past her brutal brother found and with his own hand killed her killed her repeated the king yes killed her continued Waikuku and but that her cowardly murderer sought the protection of the royal enclosure my spear would have tasted his blood speak and give good reason for this murder of the wife of Waikuku said the king sternly addressing Kame Olle or by great lono I will downward command your face when a prisoner of war or marifactor was brought before an ancient Hawaiian king if his order was downward the face the prisoner was taken away in slain at once by one of the royal executioners but if it was upward of the face his life was spared either for complete pardon slavery or sacrifice to the gods giving little regard to the threat of the king but burning with wrath at the insulting language of Waikuku Kame Olle proudly answered I am of the ahalee of Hawaii my war canoes are red and penons float their mass tips of Nanula is in my veins and my ancestors were of the Ali Nui or kings here generations before Pili landed did at Kauahala or the Pamakuas blasted the shores of Kiliu with a rank bifiting it was my purpose to meet my sister but she secretly became the wife of a marauding Puluku possibly by force probably by the charm of his flies and the glitters of shells and I followed and slew her that her blood and mine might not be degraded by being mingled with that of Waikuku Puluku his Waikuku enraged at the low rank and temptuously given him by Kame Olle and making a hostile menace toward the speaker Kame Olle regarded Waikuku for a moment with a look of disdain and then continued the occupation of this Waikuku this woman-stealer is that of war I have been informed he boasted that his spear would have tasted the blood of Kame Olle had he not sought the protection of the world grounds I came here through no fear of his arm or the spears of his friends but to explain to the king why I had shed blood with insight of the world halle I fought so bravely of blood and spears I challenged him to make good his words with me beyond the palace walls the matter is solely between us I am prepared to answer to him in words of combat what I have done today or if, as I suspect he lacks the courage to give his war like training a tasso public I will ward a spear with such of his friends one by one I suppose to make his grievance theirs the chiefs looked at each other in amazement at the broad challenge of Kame Olle and the king seemed to be scarcely less astounded but the proposal could not be deemed either unfair or unusual since according to the usage of the time Kame Olle was answerable to Waikuku for the death of Viola the stinging remarks of the dauntless cow chief left to Waikuku no pretext or excuse for declining the challenge and the king somewhat reluctantly consented to a settlement of the matter by arbitrament of single combat with such weapons as might be mutually agreed upon among the members of the royal household who witnessed this remarkable interview with the king was a chief for the old native line called Nanua admiring the cool courage of Kame Olle and feeling for him something of a sympathy of lineage he profited to stand his friend and advisor in the forthcoming encounter and the arrangements finally made were that the hostile parties were to meet just at sunset in a grove immediately back of the palace enclosure they were to be armed each with two spears and a javelin the spears were first to be used when the combatants approached within 20 paces of each other these being thrown without ending the battle parties were to advance to closing cant with their javelins with a discretion of either throwing or retaining them in hand no other weapons were to be used and the conditions of the meeting were such that the king who proposed to be present did not deem it probable that there would be loss of life especially as he had resolved to put an end to the combat with a first wound received by either promptly at the time appointed the principles were on the ground the attendants of camioli were nowhere to be seen by his orders they had quietly left the village two hours before and the only friend at his side was Nanua he had thrown aside his cloaking helmet and stood stern and motionless at the place assigned him with his spear and his right hand and another with a javelin at his feet with limbs and shoulders bare and beard and hair black at midnight veiling his neck camioli leaned upon his spear a picture above barrick strength and courage thirty paces in front of camioli stood waikuku similarly armed and clad less calm than his adversary around him were a school or more of high chiefs and rallying and others advising him but he remained gloomily silent, nervously awaiting the arrival of the king and the word for action in a few minutes Kanu Pahu accompanied by a number of armed attendants arrived and took a seat prepared for him at a point about equally distant from the two combatants it being announced that everything was in readiness the king signalled the word to be given and the hostile chiefs advancing five paces each were in a moment balancing their long spears for fight the spear of waikuku first shot through the air in a line direct for his adversary's breast but the latter adroitly turned it from its course with a touch from his own weapon which he in turn launched at waikuku without effect the second spears were thrown to the injury of neither when they grasped their javelins and slowly and warily began to advance it was an exciting moment as each had gripped his weapon with both hands it was apparent that neither ihe would be thrown and a hand to hand struggle was inevitable the king drew nearer to obtain a better view of the closing conflict and the spectators eagerly watched every movement of the advancing chiefs approaching within striking distance the javelins being about six feet in length a few feints were made and waikuku ventured a desperate thrust at the breast of his opponent the movement was evidently expected perhaps invited for like a flash the point of the ihe was thrown into the air in the next moment waikuku received a thrust to the side he fell javelin in hand and kamayole was lifting his weapon to strike his prostate enemy to the heart when stop came the commander the king heedless of the world order or too greatly excited to be able to restrain his hand kamayole savagely drove his javelin into the breast of waikuku inflicting a death wound downward the face exasperated at kamayole's apparent defiance of his order the chiefs began to move forward to seize or slay the offender knowing that his death had been decreed kamayole recklessly poised his ihe read with the lifeblood waikuku and with the wild cry of yes downward the face hold it at the heart of kanipahu with exclamations of rage and horror the spectator sprang toward kamayole most of them dropping their unwieldy spears and crusts and grasping their pahuha's or daggers of ivory or hardened wood as they advanced for an instant kamayole hesitated whether to defend himself to the death with the javelin of the dine chief or take the almost equally desperate chances of escape by breaking through the lines of his killing enemies he chose the latter and grasping the javelin started towards the king with a view of drawing his assailants in that direction this object being accomplished he suddenly turned to the right and charged a maiden opening through the throng at a point that seemed to be the weakest as he flew past the yielding line he miraculously escaped the spear and knife thrusts aimed at him and succeeded in putting himself beyond the reach of spear and sling before real pursuit was made the javelin hurled at the king was received in the shoulder of a faithful attendant who had opportunally thrown himself in front of his royal master and so rapid and confusing were the movements following that kanipahu had scarcely recovered from his consternation at the bold assault upon his life before he learned that kamayole had escaped giving orders for a vigorous pursuit of the fugitive the king walked to the body of waikuku and discovering that life was extinct directed at its respectful removal and then proceeded sadly to the royal mansion kamayole was not overtaken he was strong than a fleet of foot and as darkness intervened in his favour he was able to elude his pursuers he reached the coast in safety and boarding a canoe awaiting him in charge of his attendants set sail for kaou this provision was a hasty flight kohala renders it certain that kamayole meditated desperate work on landing there and the relation of his subsequent exploits has shown hags successfully he performed it kamayole supposed he had killed his sister and waikuku who had seen her just before his unfortunate encounter thought she had but a few minutes to live but the wounds inflicted did not prove fatal and ayola finally recovered and became the mother of a daughter to a dead husband tradition attributes her recovery to the special prayers of the high priest but careful nursing and a good constitution were probably the saving means assisted by the fortunate escape of the vital organs from serious injury returning to kaou kamayole began to prepare for war at once not darting in a revolt against kanipahu for the purpose of transferring the sovereignty of the island to a ruler of the old Nanuala line and restoring to them the simple worship of their fathers and the possessions of which they had been despoiled by the southern invaders the appeal was not without effect substantial aid was promised to kaou kaou, puna and hilo and in less than three months kamayole found himself at the head of an army large enough not only to protect him at kaou which was doubtless the original purpose of the movement but to carry the war into kahala and effect a general revolution whatever may have been the plans of kanipahu concerning the rebellious kaou chief he certainly seemed to be in no haste to put them in execution for when kamayole arrived in kahala at the head of his forces he was but feebly opposed tradition fails to account for the apathy of kanipahu in the face of the supreme danger confronting him all we are told is that finding it impossible to raise an army strong enough to suppress the formidable revolt he left his son to the trusted friend in the valley of wai manu in the district of hamakua and sought refuge for himself on the island of molokia iola figured to meet her brother all that he might learn that she still lived also found an asylum with the young sons of kanipahu in the secluded valley of wai manu thus kamayole assumed the sovereignty of hawaii almost without opposition and kanipahu lived quietly at a known at kahala on the small island of molokia he dressed and comported himself as a simple commoner performing his own war bearing his own burdens and accepting all the hardships to which the poor and entitled were subject he won the love of his neighbours for his kindness and on two occasions took up arms to assist them in repelling raids from mol and so while did he use his weapons that his humble friends were astonished and thought he must have been trained in the arts of war even if he was not of chiefly blood it is well known that the chiefs as a class were physically larger than the masses so much so that they claimed and still claim a descent distinct from that of the common people who was nearer seven than six feet in height and his size was suggestive of rank but he habitually stooped his head and shoulders that his height might be subject to less remark and laboured more industriously than any of his neighbours in order to convince them that he was reared to toil and in the end as the years came and went for it occupied his thoughts and gave him dreamless and refreshing slumber let us now pass over a period of 18 years from the accession of Camiole to the Sovereign Tia for Wai Canipahu was still a labour on the island of Walikai and his sons had grown to manhood in the secluded valley of Waimanu their rank and family ties known only to the few who could be trusted one of these sons was Kalapana who had married Makia the daughter of Aola her father was the dead Waikuku and her uncle was Camiole the Mo'i of Hawaii Camiole's reign had been 18 years almost continual domestic turmoil and popular dissatisfaction he was cruel selfish and arrogant but he was also a cool and seditious soldier and his craft and courage had thus far enabled him to thought to the organisation at his contempt and enforce obedience to his authority he had even succeeded in securing the allegiance of every prominent chief in six districts of Hawaii a political condition such as had never been before being achieved by any of his predecessors widespread changes in a few day to ten years were the prince's book houses of internal trouble under the Pili dynasty the land boundaries of the native chiefs had been greatly shifted and narrowed to make room for the chiefs of the new regime in attempting to restore the old feudal boundaries as far as possible and adjust to the new Camiole had not only stirred up bitter strife among the nobles but had unwittingly disturbed the vassalage of the masses and therefore rendered all classes restless and distrustful finally the discontent became so general among them Makka and Nana that they appealed to the head of the Pa'au family the high priest of the kingdom for advice and assistance they declared that they would no longer submit to the tyranny of Camiole and the exactions of his favourite chiefs and demanded a new ruler tradition ascribes this movement almost wholly to the laboring people but it is more than probable that the priesthood took an early if not initiatory part in it since the high priest seems to have known that Kani Pa'au was still living and at once dispatched a messenger to Molokai informing the exiled king that the people were right for rebellion and advising him to repair to Hawaii at once and place himself at the head of discontented thousands who would rejoice at his coming fearful of treachery Kani Pa'au declined to make any promises to the messenger and in disguise the high priest himself proceeded to Kukalai and urged the old chief to return and re-assert his authority on Hawaii Kani Pa'au was profoundly moved at the words of the high priest and no longer doubted the sincerity and good faith of the tempting offer but he declined to accept it and when urged for the reasons rose sadly to his feet and said look at these hands hardened and crooked with toil look at this face begrimed and wrinkled with exposure to the sun and rain behold my bent head and the unsightly hump of old age and stooping labour have placed upon my shoulders is this the figure of a king? no that you all better becomes the hand of Kani Pa'au now than the staff of Sovereignty here have I contentedly dwelt for many years and here it is my will to peacefully die then are we without hope replied to the priest in a tone of unfamed sadness no not without hope returned Kani Pa'au my sons are in the valley of Waimanu I have heard from them many times they are worthy of their blood seek out Kalapana he is brave manly tell them that upon his shoulders Kani Pa'au his father places the burden of the war against Kamiole and in advance bequeaths to him all his valour may win even the sovereignty of Hawaii you are right great chief said the priest we are not without hope Kalapana shall answer for his father and from every hei'au in Hawaii shall prayers be spoken for his success the priest received the directions necessary to enable him to communicate with the sons of Kani Pa'au and secretly returned to Hawaii to fan the smoldering fires of rebellion and prepare for the coming struggle although the high priesthood had become too firmly established in the Pa'au family to be changed by Kamiole he could not disguise his dislike for the innovations made by the southern line upon the simpler worship of his father's and in either confidence nor cordiality existed between the political and religious authorities the rebellion against Kamiole was therefore secretly but earnestly assisted by the entire priesthood and when Kalapana raised the standard of revolt the people flocked to his support by thousands the rebellion was organised with extraordinary rapidity and when Kalapana suddenly made an appearance in Kohala at the head of the large army Kamiole was in no condition to meet him he hurriedly dispatched his lunapas or war messages to the chiefs of Kohala Kona, Hamakua and Hilo commanding their prompt assistance and summoned the priests and diviners of the Hayao of Mulkini to make unusual sacrifices to the gods and to bring him at once the orgeries of the uprising but the chiefs responded with no alacrity to his call and the diviners informed him that triumph to his arms was possibly only in Kona Kamiole therefore abandoned Kohala and with such force as he was able to assemble fell back into North Kona with equiters of warriors from the neighboring districts in order to join him amidst great popular enthusiasm Kalapana marched into Northern Kohala without opposition and took possession of the royal mansion from which his father had been driven into exile 18 years before Kenny Pahu had not overestimated the capacity of his son by instinct he was a soldier and from the moment that he appeared at the head of his army the troops who had been rallied to his support by the priesthood saw that the quiet and dreamy recluse of Wamanu was made to command and their enthusiasm in his cause which was soon shared by the people made easy his way to victory learning that Kamiole had fallen back into Kona Kalapana resolved to follow him without delay and if possible bring into battle before reinforcements could reach him the Orgris were more than favourable they were not even ambiguous they expressly declared that Kamiole would be killed in Kona it was therefore with confidence and enthusiasm that Kalapana and his steadily increasing army started on their march to the adjoining district of Kona meantime Kamiole was not inactive he had succeeded in gathering a force of 8000 men and learning that Kalapana was advancing from Kahala resolved to give him battle at a place called Anihumalalu not far from the northern line of Kona the point was selected for its strategical advances and there Kamiole doubtful of the resort we could see that the tide had set in against him determined to end the struggle there was but a two days march between the hostile camps and Kalapana pushed forward with cautious haste the priests and Kaolas had promised him success as the most influential chiefs of Hamakawa and Kahala were at his side he had brought him from Wamanu where it had been secreted for 18 years the war god Pilii who had been redecorated was born in front of him in charge of the high priest and with him to share his fate went his young wife Makia to care for him with wounded to fight by his side perhaps should tide a battle turn against him for at that time and later the more courageous of the wives and daughters of the chiefs not infrequently in emergencies took an active part in the field in the morning of the third day Kalapana's departure from Kahala the two armies confronted each other and Kalapana immediately organized his forces for battle Kamayole saw that he was outnumbered and resolved to await the attack behind his defences in the face of the great gods against him in numbers he was by no means hopeful and besides the auguries were unsatisfactory in the names the night before he had heard the scream of the the bird of evil omen but no feeling of fear affected him filled with gloomy courage he cheered his warriors with promises of victory and armed with a javelin and heavy Valpalla or rude Halbird placed himself at the most exposed point of his defences and awaited the attack the battle opened a rush a heavy division of Kalapana's forces armed with spears, clubs and stone axes was hurled against the rough stone wall four or five feet in height behind which the enemy found partial protection the wall was levelled in places and desperate hand to hand conflicts followed but the assault was finally repulsed rallied and reinforced a second charge was made but with no better success the loss of life was great and the result began to look doubtful but Kalapana was not discouraged by these costly failures withdrawing and strengthening the attacking division and announcing that he would lead the next assault in person he ordered an attack in the rear of the enemy by his entire reserve this involved a rapid march of two or three miles and the passage of a deep ravine which Kalapana relied upon as a complete defense of his right flank while his movement was being executed Kalapana kept the enemy employed with heavy lines of stermishers and frequent menaces of water-sagered assault for more than an hour the sultry figure continued Kalapana impatiently waiting for the appearance of his flanking column on the hill above the enemy at length he discovered the first advancing spears and a few minutes later the entire body came into view and began to pour down the slope the final assault in front was then ordered Kalapana taking command in person the sudden attack in the rear carried a consternation to Kamiole's warriors but their undaunted leader Cooley and resolutely prepared for the worst hastily taking from the front defenses such spears as could be spared he summoned the entire reserve and with a united force sprang like a lion to meet the attack from the hill it came like an avalanche and could not be stayed the struggle was desperate as his warriors fell on every side of him Kamiole moved like a tower of destruction through the conflict he seemed to bear a charmed life a men fell like grass before the sweeper is loud Palau suddenly an old man of large mold with the head bent and long white hair and beard sweeping his breast and stooping shoulders stepped in front of Kamiole and with a heavy spear pointed club calmly but dexterously warged a blow of the terrible Lour Palau aimed at his head and answering quick as thought warrior to the earth like a forestry around and over the body of the fallen chief a desperate struggle and seed but it was a short duration under the command of Kalapana the front defenses had been carried and such of the royal army as had escaped slaughter were seen wildly leaping over the walls and retreated in confusion in all directions pressing toward the rear head of his victorious warriors Kalapana was attracted to the fierce hand to hand conflict taking place of the body of Kamiole without stopping to inquire the cause he promptly plunged into the thickest of the combat backed by a few resolute followers and speedily relieved the old white head warrior from a struggle which was taxing his strength to the utmost this was the last stand of the enemy in a body what remained of the battle was a merciless massacre of the wounded and the capture and retention in a life of a few prisoners for sacrifice resting for a moment and taking a survey of the field Kalapana's eyes fell upon the old warrior with one foot upon the breast of Kamiole he was leaning upon his war club his ponderous weapon still dripped with gall and his wrinkled face was splashed with the blood of his enemies where is Kamiole suddenly inquired Kalapana grasping his weapon as if his work of death had not yet been finished where is Kamiole he repeated to those around him who has seen him here is Kamiole replied the old warrior pointing with bloody finger on the face of the dying king Kalapana abruptly returned and for a moment gazed in the silence upon the face of his fallen enemy although wounded to death Kamiole was still living and his eyes showed that he was conscious of what was transpiring around him by whose hand did he fall inquired Kalapana by mine briefly answered the old man and who are you continued Kalapana with something of a feeling of awe who have thus come and summoned in the guise of God from our sacred temples to strike for the son of Kanopahu the old man slowly raised his head and brushing back the white hairs from his face was about to speak when the high priest with Kaurus bearing the war god of Kalapana approached to greet his victorious chief recognising the venerable warrior the astounded high priest dropped on his knees before him exclaiming Kavipahu Kavipahu almost in a dream Kalapana making himself known embraced his father whom he had not seen for 18 years and then respectfully charged him for coming secretly from Molokai and joining the army as a common warrior and his rank and abilities entailed at him to supreme command the old chief smiled sadly as he replied the purpose of my coming has been accomplished with my own hand I have answered in blood to the treachery of Kamayoli and paid him for the hump he has placed upon my shoulders I shall return to Molokai and there the old hunchback will spend his few remaining days in peace these words were heard and doubtless understood by Kamayoli for he closed his eyes at a smile of defiance placed for a moment about his lips just then Makia joined her husband and was overjoyed to find a victorious and unhurt the first level of battle she had started in search of him with a color bash of water and to reach him had been compelled to pick her way through ghastly heaps of dead at the sound of her voice sweetly replacing the din of battle Kamayoli opened his eyes and fixed his gaze upon her face finally his lips moved as he would speak instinctively she approached the dying chief and kneeling poured into his open mouth a few swallows of water Kalapana turned and smiled at Makia's humanity unusual on barbarous battlefields a grateful look came into the eyes of Kamayoli and with a questioning glance he faintly syllables Ayola the name of his sister and the mother of Makia whom she closely resembled Kalapana caught the word and understanding its meaning in a tone not far from kind replied no not Ayola your sister whom you failed to kill but Makia her daughter who is Kalapana's wife Kamayoli convulsively raised his head and arms whether in a spirit of rage or consolation will never be known and then dropped back dead the remainder of the story may be briefly told in regard of all persuasion Kanipahu returned at once to Molokai relived and died in obscurity and in his own living and at assuming no rank Kalapana was anointed king of Hawaii and is returned to Kahala and a hundred prisoners were sacrificed to the gods at Makini his reign was consolatory and peaceful and with Makia his full name was Maiya Hany he became the ancestor of Kamihameha the Great End of Chapter 6 Chapter 7 of the legends and myths of Hawaii this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Ciatuine the legends and myths of Hawaii Viking David Kalakaua Chapter 7 tradition abounds in bold outlines here and there interspersed with curious details of the many prominent expeditions to the Hawaiian islands from the beginning of the 11th to the latter part of the 12th centuries of adventurers Tahitian, Samoan and Fijian chiefs learning of the existence and approximate location of the group and perhaps guided to an extent by intervening islands and atolls that have since disappeared they came with large fleets of barges and double canoes bearing their families and attendants their priests, astrologers and musicians and by degrees possess themselves or their immediate descendants with the fairest portions of the little archipelago for a century or more bitter feuds and frequent wars followed but in the end the invaders and the invaded both of the same Polynesian race became assimilated through concession, intermarriage and fundamental identity of religious cult and thenceforth in a united and homogeneous stream flowed down the years the genealogies of the prominent chiefs and priests were alone preserved and while in after generations some of them traced their lines of rank to the native stock of Nana'ula and others to the chiefs of the second migratory influx from the south the ruling families of the entire group had become so united in blood by intermarriage that it was difficult to find a chief of distinction who could not trace his lineage back to both but during the migratory period referred to especially marked by the coming of Nana'ua Pili, Pa'au and the Oahu and Maui the Hawaiian group was not the only scene of foreign adventure among the central islands of the Pacific the native chiefs of Hawaii whose ancestors had reached the group more than 500 years before were quite as adventurous and skilled in navigation as their southern invaders and thus while the latter continually augmented in numbers by fresh arrivals were steadily possessing themselves of the lands and governing forces of the Hawaiian islands a few resolute chiefs of the old line either in a spirit of retaliation or because the way had been pointed out boldly spread their cells for the abandoned homes of their aggressors and by conquest or other means acquired lands and influence in the distant islands of the south the Ma'olelo about to be related embraces the romantic story of one of these expeditions of native Hawaiian chiefs to the southern islands and presents an interesting picture of the manners, customs and aspirations of the mid-pacific Argonauts of that period somewhere about the year A.D. 1040 Maweke a native chief of the line of Nannaula the first of the family that is brought prominently to view in the chronology of the second influx was the A'ole'i Nui or nominal sovereign of the island of Oahu he had three sons Muli'ele'ali'i, Ke'anui and Kalehe'nui on the death of Maweke the eldest son Muli'ele'ali'i acceded to the title of A'li'i Nui occupying the western side of the island Kalehe'nui was given possession at Ko'olau and Ke'anui was established in the district of Ewa the letter became the ancestor of a line of powerful chiefs in that district and is credited with having cut the navigable channel near the P'ulaua saltworks by which the estuary now known as Pearl River not far from Honolulu was rendered accessible to navigation no further reference need here be made to this branch of the family beyond the remark that Ke'anui became the father of L'akona and also of Nua'ke'a the wife of Ke'olo'eva king of Molokai and the prophet Mui who fell with Kopipi in defense of the fortress of Ha'opu as related in the legend of Hina the Helen of Ho'oi'i Muli'ele'ali'i had three sons Kumu Honua Olo'pana and Mui'ke'a and one daughter as the eldest son and successor of his father Kumu Honua in time acceded to the patrimonial estates and titles but the younger brothers not content as they grew to manhood in the royal allotments which must necessarily have been accorded them concluded to seek for ampler and more inviting possessions elsewhere the Pamakua family occupied a large part of the eastern side of the island and although they were of the stock of the second influx their relations with the native chiefs and people seemed to have been peaceful and satisfactory Pamakua who first appeared in native annals two generations either as an immigrant from one of the southern islands or the son or grandson of a chief of recent arrival was one of the most restless and dashing of the prominent leaders of that period the legends of the time glow with stories of his marvelous exploits and adventures in foreign lands and the friendly feeling entertained for his immediate successors was doubtless due in a great measure to the respect established for them through his rank and prowess it is claimed by tradition that Pamakua visited all the foreign lands then known to the Hawaiians and brought back with him many things that were strange from one of his voyages he returned with two white priests Keakea and Maliu from whom several ecclesiastical families subsequently claimed descent and authority at another time he brought back Malela a noted prophet and sorcerer and three other persons of his race one of whom was a woman tradition somewhat minutely describes them as foreigners of large stature bright staring roguish eyes and reddish faces as the voyages of this adventurous chief were sometimes of many months duration and he is said to have prosecuted his researches in almost every direction it is not impossible that the foreigners with roguish eyes and reddish faces were aborigines of North America but leaving this to conjecture tradition permits no doubt the Pamakua was a skillful and fearless explorer and through his enterprise acquired renown for himself and respect for his descendants one of whom is about to be presented to the reader as already stated the younger sons of Muliele Ali Olopana and Moikea not content with their prospects in Oahu resolved to seek fame and fortune elsewhere both were unmarried but through some circumstance or for some purpose not mentioned by tradition Moikea had adopted a young son of Ahukwai the great grandson and successor of Pamakua the name of the boy was La'a or La'a Maikahiki to which it was subsequently extended the child chief could not have been without political prospects for he is referred to in the chance as chief kapa ahu and lord of Nualaka although the custom was common then as now among Hawaiians of every rank and condition of exchanging and adopting children the adoption of so promising the scion of the Pamakua line by a grandson of Mauike must have been the result of some extraordinary compact all reference to which has disappeared from tradition taking leave of their relatives on Oahu Olopana and Moikea with a considerable number of attendants for the island of Hawai'i and established themselves at once in the beautiful valley of Waipio in the district of Pamakua what chief if any they found in possession there is not stated but it was not long before the valley was ruled by Olopana with Moikea as his principal captain and advisor the young chief La'a accompanied his foster father to Waipio and there Moikea began to instruct him in the manly accomplishments for which in after years he became distinguished to strengthen his rule and protect himself against the encroachments of neighboring chiefs Olopana married Luukia granddaughter of Hikapaloa chief of Kohala and a descendant of the ancient line of Nana'ula to which Olopana himself belonged by lineage still more direct he urged his brother to follow his example and connect himself by marriage with someone of the ruling families of Pamakua such an alliance could have been readily made by Moikea for his strain was undoubted and in manly beauty and courtly graces he had scarcely appear in all the group but he declared that he had a wife in his spear and an heir in La'a and would not create a jealousy in the family by adding to either but the brothers did not remain long in Waipio a terrible hurricane followed by storms and floods completely devastated the valley compelling the inhabitants to abandon their homes and seek refuge elsewhere Moikea had never been satisfied with Waipio and in the midst of the ruin around them found little difficulty in persuading his brother to make a bold push for the misty and far off land of Kahiki preparations for the journey were immediately made and in five large double canoes the brothers with La'a and a considerable body of attendance set sail for the islands of the south they knew the general direction and the sun and stars guided them in their course a prosperous wind wafted them to the society group and they finally landed on the island of Raitea and forcibly took or in some other manner secured possession of the district of Mo'aula Olopana was accepted as sovereign of the district and soon became a ruler of opulence and distinction Moikea still his chief advisor built a sumptuous residence and He'ao for himself called Lanikea or the heavenly resting place and became noted for his hospitality for some time perhaps for four or five years the brothers dwelt together in harmony and then misunderstanding and trouble came between them he need scarcely be said through a woman which drove Moikea again to the sea and separated them forever I met all some native chief who was jealous of the popularity of Moikea and desirous of supplanting him in the favor of Olopana called the attention of Luukia on several occasions to Moikea's affluent style of living and intimated that his purpose was to thereby secure the friendship of influential chiefs and in the end rest the sovereignty of the district from his brother alarmed at last she bore the tale to her husband and at length succeeded in arousing his suspicions a coldness towards Moikea very naturally followed Olopana could not help but note his brother's increasing popularity and one day took occasion to rebuke him for his extravagance and love of display suggesting at the same time that a more modest style of living would comport better with his position Moikea who had never harbored a thought that was not loyal to his brother was profoundly grieved at these words of suspicion and resolved to leave Rayotea at once and return to the Hawaiian islands feeling that he had gone too far and thus indirectly accusing his brother of meditated treachery Olopana endeavored to persuade him to remain but Moikea's resolution could not be shaken and he set about preparing at once for his return to the Hawaiian group the number of canoes manned and provisioned for the voyage is not stated but tradition averse that the fleet under the superintendence of Moikea's famous prophet and astrologer Kamahua Lele and with the priest Mookini Laamao Mao the director of the winds and a large party of chiefs and retainer the expedition set sail for Hawaii the young chief Laa being left behind with Olopana it was one of the most imposing fleets that had ever sailed out of the harbor of Opoa the large double canoe bearing Moikea and his priest, god's astrologer principal navigator wind director and personal attendants was the same in which he had sailed for Kahiki the Kaulua was nearly a hundred feet in length and afforded ample accommodations for the forty or more persons assigned to it it was painted red and at the mast had floated the pen in of a Polynesian Ali'i Moikea embarked with a number of distinguished companions but the most noted was Laamao Mao a name signifying perhaps the sacred blueish green or wind clouds he was the director of the winds which were stored in his Ippu or Kalabash and went forth at his bidding he bore a close resemblance to the Aeolus of the Greeks after accompanying Moikea to the Hawaiian islands he took up his abode near a place called Hale al-Lono a well-known eminence of Kahlua Koi on the island of Mulukai and was subsequently defied and worshipped as an Awakua or God of the Winds with musicians and drummers to enliven the spirits of the voyagers and favoring winds from the Ippu of Laamao Mao the journey seems to have been prosperous and no incident of note occurred until the island of Hawaii was sighted as the green hills of Kao came to view songs and shouts of joy went up from the canoes a voyage of over twenty five hundred miles in open boats had tested the patience of the party and land at last was a joyous sight to them all many leaped into the water and swam beside the canoes Mookini the high priest burned incense before the gods at the same time addressing them a prayer of thanksgiving and Kamahualele the astrologer and poet recited an inspiring chant in further celebration of the occasion the chant has been preserved for tradition some of the early poetic accounts of the first appearance of the islands of Hawaii above the surface of the ocean mention Hawaii the largest of the group as suddenly rising from the great deep and becoming a part of a row or cluster of islands stretching to the farless ends of Kahiki from which it is conjectured that centuries back in the past islands now no longer existing marked the way at intervals between the society and Hawaiian groups the other islands of the Hawaiian cluster are referred to as natural births their parents being demigods or distinguished chiefs thus in the language of an old chant rising up is Hawaii Nuiakea rising up out of the night Po appeared has the island the land the string of islands of Nuuamea the cluster of islands stretching to the farthest ends of Kahiki to Kulu Waiaa of Haumea the husband to Hinanui Alana the wife was born Molokai a god, a priest the first morning light from Nuuamea up stands Akuhini Alaa the chief from the foreign land from the gills of the fish from the overwhelming billows of Hale Hale Kalani the wife of Akuhini Alaa and of Laamea Laakona the wife Kamahua Lele began by repeating an ancient story of the origin of the several islands of the group and concluded his chant with these hopeful words Ohamea Manukahi Hele Omoikea the chief who is to reside my chief who reside in Hawaii Life Boyant life Live, shall the chief and priest Live, shall the seer and the slave Dwell on Hawaii and be at rest and attain old age on Kauai Oh Kauai is the island ah Omoikea is the chief Thus sing the poet with his face toward the verdant slope of Kao while the canoes of the fleet gathered around him that all might hear the words of one who read the fate of mortals 2. The prediction of Kamahua Lele inspired by a sudden view of the coast of Hawaii was verified a landing was made in the district of Kao the most southerly point of the island there securing supplies of provisions and water the next landing was affected Akipkumukahi in the district of Puna but a recent eruption from the crater of Kilauea or a subterranean channel connected with it had devastated a wide strip of country near the coast and after a brief stay sail was made for Kohala landing in that district Omoikea and his party were well received by Kaniuhi Leali Inui and Grantson of Pili and permission to offer sacrifices in behalf of the expedition in the Great Hei Ao of Mo'okini was accorded the high priest of Omoikea the name by singular coincidence was identical with that of the temple erected by the high priest Pa'au more than two generations before leaving Kohala Omoikea next touched the Anuala on the island of Maui but without stopping to exchange courtesies with Hajo the noted noy of that division of the island he sailed immediately for Oahu his purpose was to visit the royal father Muli Eleali whose residence was at Eva but his priests and seers so strongly protested against the visit declaring it to be contrary to the will of the gods that he directed his course around the northern side of the island touching at Makapu and Maka'aua and then sailing directly for the island of Kaua'i on the evening of the second day after leaving Oahu Omoikea anchored his canoes in a roadstead not far from Kapa'a Kaua'i where Puna the governing Ali'i of the island held his court surrounded by the chiefs of his family and a large number of retainers Puna was one of the most popular rulers in the group and strict as he may have been in the exercise of his prerogatives was always merciful in dealing with offenses thoughtlessly or ignorantly committed he would pardon the humble laborer who might inadvertently cross his Kaua'i or violate a taboo but never the chief who deliberately trespassed upon his privileges or withheld a courtesy due to his rank his disposition was naturally warlike but as the condition of the island was peaceful and military force was seldom required except in repelling occasional plundering raids from the other islands he kept alive the martial spirit of his chiefs and subjects by frequent sham fights, marine rills and the encouragement of athletic games and friendly contests at arms in which he himself sometimes took part feasting and dancing usually followed these warlike pastimes and the result was that the court of Puna became somewhat noted for the chivalry of its chiefs and the splendor of its entertainments Puna had but one child a daughter named Ho'ol'ebo tradition describes her as having been like the most of royal daughters painted by the poets a very comely maiden she was therefore the pride and glory of the court and as she grew to a marriageable age her favor was sought by a number of aspiring chiefs whose rank entitled them to consideration but flattered by the contests for her smiles and naturally vain of a face which the unruffled waters told her was attractive she evinced no haste in making choice of a husband this tardiness or indecision was but very gently rebuked by Puna although one tradition gives him two daughters Ho'ol'ebo was doubtless his only child and he was therefore indisposed to hasten an event which would probably lead to their separation but as time passed the suitors of the young chiefs became so persistent and the rivalry for her assumed so bitter and warlike an aspect that Puna deemed it prudent for her to restore harmony among the rivals by making a choice at once but as time passed the suitors of the young chiefs became so persistent and the rivalry for her assumed so bitter and warlike an aspect that Puna deemed prudent for her to restore harmony among the rivals by making a choice at once but for no one of them did she seem to entertain a decided preference and therefore suggested that since a choice must be made to leave it to the arbitrament of such manly contests between the rivals as might comport with their dignity and the character of the prize at stake Puna eagerly accepted the suggestion as it opened the way to a selection without incurring the enmity of all but the one chosen but what should be the nature of the contest each of the rival chiefs was probably noted for his skill and some special accomplishment and the difficulty was in naming a trial that would seem to be just to all unable to decide the matter himself Puna appealed to the high priest and the next day announced that his pala'oa a talisman consisting of a whale tooth carved in sanctified would be sent by a trusty messenger to the little island of Kaluwa that four days thereafter the rival chiefs should each in his own canoe start at the same time and place from Kauai and the one who returned with the pala'oa which the messenger would be instructed to give to the first of the contesting chiefs to land and claim it on the rocks of Kaluwa should be the husband of Ho'oipo and the others must remain his friends the size of the canoes was left to the discretion of the several contestants but as no more than four assistants would be allowed to each very large canoes of course would not be used any means of speed might be employed including ores paddles and sails the contest was admitted to be as fair as any that could be devised and the rival chiefs declared themselves satisfied with it and began to prepare for the race by securing suitable canoes and skillful and stalwart assistants it promised to be an exciting contest and the whole of Kapa'a was on tip toe to witness the start after a few days of preparation the messenger of Puna was dispatched with the pala'oa to Kaluwa with instructions to place it in the hands of the first of the contesting chiefs to claim it on that island the messenger had been gone two days and had probably reached his destination as the distance to be traveled was but little more than a hundred miles and the rival chiefs had everything in readiness to bend their sails for Kau'la when Moekeha as already stated anchored his fleet in the evening off Kapa'a early next morning with his double canoe flying the standard of his rank and otherwise becoming lead dressed Moekeha went ashore where he was cordially received by the chiefs of the district and in due time escorted to the sovereign mansion and presented to Puna without referring to his family connections he simply announced that he was the chief from the distant land of Kahiki and was traveling through the Hawaiian group on a tour of observation and pleasure he wore a motto fringe with shells a kihe or mantle a finely woven and decorated cloth and on his head a leale'i of brilliant feathers while from his neck was suspended by a cord of plated hair a curious ornament of mother of pearl set in ivory he was a handsome representative of savage manhood and his bearing was dignified correct and courtly during his audience with Puna Moekeha met Ho'oi'bu most likely by accident but he was so charmed by her bright eyes that he did not leave the mansion until he found occasion to exchange a few pleasant words with her they seemed to be mutually pleased with each other and Moekeha accepted the invitation of the chief to consider himself his guest until the next day at the same time allowing him to send fresh provisions to his people whose canoes had been drawn up on the beach a brilliant entertainment of feasting music and dancing in honor of the distinguished stranger followed in the evening during which Moekeha was favored with the companionship of Ho'oi'bu and learned of the contest about to take place between the rival chiefs of Kauai to determine to whom she should be given in marriage hilarity and feasting were the order of the next day and evening for on the morning following the contesting chiefs were to start for Kau'ula under the eye of Puna their well equipped canoes were on the beach and their crews drilled to work sail and ore together were in readiness morning came and with it a large concourse of people to witness the departure of the chiefs the canoes and their attending crews were examined and many wagers laid on the result of the race finally the contesting chiefs made their appearance followed shortly after by Puna and the most of his household including Ho'oi'bu who was conveyed to the beach in a manelle born on the shoulders of four stout attendants she was attired in an embroidered paw a short skirt of five thicknesses of thin kapa cloth reaching to the knees and a cape or short mantel trimmed with feathers her hair was braided in a single strand at the back her head and neck were adorned with lays of flowers and feathers and her limbs were ornamented with circulates of shells and tinted seeds everything being in readiness the contending chiefs ate a number appeared before the Ali'i Nui and bowing low proceeded in turn to recite their ku'au house or genealogies as they had been called upon to do to show in a formal manner that all their strains were noble as each concluded he again bowed giving Ho'oi'bu a smile and look of confidence and stepped back to await the signal of departure the last of them had given his pedigree the terms of the contest had again announced in form by Harold and Puna was about to order the simultaneous launching of the canoes when Moekeha whose presence had not before been observed by the chiefs suddenly presented himself before the Ali'i Nui and bowing first to him and then courteously to the chiefs said great chief as this trial seems to be free to all of the noble blood I accept the terms and ask permission to present myself as a contestant for the prize the chiefs exchanged glances of surprise and a pleased expression lighted up the face of Ho'oi'bu who until that moment had manifested but little interest in what was transpiring around her Puna hesitated a moment and then graciously replied noble stranger if your rank is level with the conditions and the chiefs now ready for departure urged no objection my consent will not be withheld a hurried consultation among the chiefs showed that some of them objected but as the stranger with no knowledge of the coast and apparently no canoe or crew and readiness did not seem to be a competitor to be feared it was finally agreed that should he be asked to establish his rank which a few of them doubted he might be admitted to the contest this resolution having been communicated Moekeha gracefully bowed his thanks and then began to recite his genealogy curious to learn the strain of the courtly stranger the chiefs pressed around him eagerly listening to every word he began with Wa'keha a way back in the past when his ancestors were residents of other lands referred to in Hawaiian story giving the record of 13 generations he brought the connection down to the pioneer of the first migratory influx to the Hawaiian group 700 years before thence generation by generation naming father mother and heir he traced down a line of 16 successors to Maueke pausing a moment while a look of surprise and wonder was exchanged by the listening chiefs Moekeha continued Maueke the husband Naiolaukea the wife Mulielea lii the husband Wahelani the wife Moekeha the husband Ho'uipo the wife applause followed this announcement by the stranger that he was the son of Mulielea lii the Ali'i Nui of Oahu and the justing and good-natured manner in which he concluded the kuahao by predicting his success in the coming contest and marriage with Ho'uipo made him no enemies among the competing chiefs Ho'uipo was now sure that she could make a choice without the trouble and excitement of a race to koala but the canoes were ready and all she could do was to hope and pray that Moekeha would bring back the palaoa but what were Moekeha's preparations for the race? When asked by Puna he pointed to a small canoe with an outrigger drawn up to the beach and a single long-haired man of strange aspects standing motionless beside it with a paddle in his hand Puna shook his head doubtingly and Ho'uipo looked disappointed others who noted the stranger slim preparations for the race imagine that he was treating the contest as a jest but he announced himself in readiness and the signal for departure was given the chief springed toward the beach and in a few minutes had launched their canoes and passed through the heavy surf when with strong and steady pulling the race began in earnest for the open sea Moekeha alone seemed to be in no haste he took formal leave of Puna and noting Ho'uipo's look of impatience smilingly said to her as he turned toward the beach I will bring back the Palaoa the assurance contented her the other canoes were beyond the surf but she believed him and was happy satisfying himself that the sail was ready for use and everything required for the voyage aboard Moekeha and his assistants shoved their canoe into the water and with a few vigorous strokes of their paddles dashed through the surf the passage was so adorably made as to attract the attention of the many who witnessed it from the shore for a few minutes the canoe remained almost motionless except as it was tossed from wave to wave then the sail was spread this movement was unaccountable to those on shore for the little wind stirring was directly from the west to which point the canoe was bearing for an offing to round the southern capes of the island but if the witnesses were surprised at the spreading of a sail under such circumstances they were little less than astounded when they saw the sail fill with wind and the canoe suddenly speed out to sea as if driven by a hurricane Moekeha's long-haired companion was La Maumau god of the winds who had accompanied him from Raya Tea behind the sail sat the friendly deity from whose exhaustless ebou of imprisoned winds a gale was sent forth the canoe to Kaola before daylight the next morning affecting a landing soon after sunrise Puna's messenger was found and at once delivered to Moekeha the Pala'ua which he had been instructed to surrender to the chief first demanding it content in the possession of the talisman Moekeha and his companion remained on the island for refreshment until past midday and then started on their return to Kaua'i favored by the same wind but proceeding with less haste toward night the eight other chiefs landed within a few hours of each other and great was their astonishment on learning that the Pala'ua had been delivered to a chief claiming it early that morning he must have had wings said one of them he was surely helped by the gods suggested another who had been the first to land after Moekeha but for that the Pala'ua would have been mine as you all know but who can struggle with the gods let us not incur their anger by complaint as it was easy for the others to reconcile themselves to Moekeha's success good humor was soon restored and the next morning in company with the messenger they all re-embarked for Kaua'i and the evening of the same day Moekeha landed at Kapa'a and hastened to place in the hands of Puna the talisman which made him the husband of Ho'olipo now assured of the rank of the victor Puna was gratified at his success and Ho'olipo made no disguise of her joy tradition says she fell in love with the handsome stranger on first beholding him but be that as it may when he returned from Kaua'a with the Pala'ua she was frank enough to confess that his success made her happy in the course of a few days all of the defeated chiefs returned to Kapa'a and Moekeha invited them to a feast over which they forgot their rivalry and renewed the pledges of friendship embraced in the terms and made a condition of the contest they sought by many ingenious ways to draw from Moekeha the secret of his success but he failed to enlighten them and they were compelled to content themselves with the belief that he had been assisted by some supernatural power possibly by Apu Kohai the great fish god of Kaua'i who sometimes sees canoes and bore them onward with almost incredible velocity in due time Ho'o'ipo became the wife of Moekeha who on the death of Puna succeeded him as the Al'inui of Kaua'i where he remained to the end of his life he was blessed with a number of sons through one of whom it may be mentioned the sovereign of the island was continued in the family after Moekeha was laid under the Black Kapa 3 tradition next refers to Moekeha about 25 years after his marriage with Ho'o'ipo the death of Puna had left him the sovereignty of Kaua'i and his principal residence was at Wailua he had 7 sons and his court like that of his predecessor was noted for the distinguished chiefs, priests, prophets and poets connected with it as the life of Moekeha was drawing to a close a strong desire possessed him once more his foster son Laa whom on his departure from Reatea he had left with his brother Olopana whose presumptive heir and successor the young chief had become in preparation for a journey thither he ordered a number of large double canoes to be repaired and put in order for the open sea and had some time before dispatched a large party of hunters to the cliffs along the coast where the feathers of the Mamon reached to fabricate a royal mantle for the ward of his youth as but a single small yellow feather of the kind used in a royal mantle is found under each wing of the Mamon the task of securing the many thousands required was by no means a brief or easy service but in time the feathers were gathered and the cloak was completed as the choices feathers alone were used the garment was one of the most brilliant and elaborate ever made on Kaua'i and it was presented the labor of a hundred persons for a year but when everything was in readiness for his departure for the south Moikeha concluded that he was too old and feeble to undertake the voyage in this conclusion he was sustained by the auguries of the prophets and the persuasion of his sons his third son was Kila he was distinguished for his capacity and courage and especially for his skill as a navigator and it was finally decided that he should make the journey to Raiatea as the messenger of Moikeha and invite La'a to revisit the Hawaiian group assuring him of the feeble health of his foster father and of his anxiety to embrace him before death separated them forever Kila was delighted with the mission for several years intercourse between the Hawaiian and southern groups had been almost completely suspended but from boyhood his dreams had been of visits to the far off misty shores of Kahiki of which he had heard Moikeha speak and now that an opportunity was presented for gratifying his appetite for adventure in unknown seas his joy was boundless and so vigorously did he push the work of preparation that in a few days the canoes were equipped and provisioned for the voyage the provisions consisted in long voyages of that period of dried fish, dried bananas and plantains coconuts, yams and potatoes was poi and bayai fresh fruits and cooked vows and pigs for early consumption large calabashes of fresh water were also provided but frequent baths largely diminished the craving for that necessity sacrifices were offered the agarys were pronounced favorable and the fleet of double canoes set sail for the south Kila was accompanied by three of his brothers and more important still by the venerable Kamuhua Lele the friend and astrologer of Moikeha who had borne him company from Raya Tea more than a quarter of a century before and chanted his inspired visions of the future off the coast of Kao he went as Kila's chief navigator and his special counselor the fleet passed through the group and took its final departure from the most southern point of the island of Hawaii wind and weather were both favorable and without a mishap of consequence the expedition arrived in due time at Raya Tea first touching for guidance at some of the other islands of the southern group Kila landed at Opoa through the sacred entrance of Avamoa his flag and state were recognized by Olopana who was still living and the sons of Moikeha and their personal attendants were ceremoniously conducted to the royal mansion where Kila made known the purpose of his visit Olopana was greatly interested in the story of Moikeha's successful establishment on Kaua'i but refrained from referring to the circumstances which led to their separation many years before he was also informed of the death of his father and the succession of his brother Kumo Honua to the rank and authority of Ali'inui Awahu with the affectionate greeting of Moikeha to La'a the brilliant Mamo or royal mantle of which he was made the bearer and expressed the hope that he would comfort the few remaining days of his foster father by returning with him on a visit to Kaua'i Olopana strongly objected to the proposed journey urging his advanced years and the probability of his early death but when assured by La'a of his speedy return he reluctantly consented and after a round of hospitable feasts and entertainments in his own double canoes and attended by his priest astrologer master of ceremonies, musicians and a number of nightly and noble friends La'a accompanied Kila and his party back to Kaua'i The voyage was made in good time and as the combined fleet with canoes of royal yellow and penins flying coursed through the group to Kaua'i stopping at several points to exchange courtesies with the ruling chiefs it attracted unusual attention and when La'a landed in Wailua on the island of Oahu to greet his relatives and the people learned that the son of Ahukai had returned from a distant land of Kahiki rich in honors and possessions they strewed his path with flowers and welcomed him as if he were a god Proceeding to Kaua'i after a brief stay at Wailua La'a was affectionately received by Moikeha his foster father who had left him a child in Kahiki and for a month or more the Kaua'ian court blazed nightly with feasts and festivals given in his honor Returning to Oahu La'a took up his residence for a time at Kualua a large mansion was constructed for him with ample accommodations for his friends and retainers and the chiefs of the island esteemed in an honor to share his friendship and accept his hospitality There is no jealousy of La'a there was known that he would soon return to Raitia there to permanently remain as the heir and successor of Olopana and his veins ran the noblest blood of Oahu he was the son of the great grandson of the great Pamakua in direct and unchallenged descent and the adopted heir of the grandson of Moike the proud descendant of the Nanna'ula dynasty of kings it was not deemed well that the line of Pamakua through so distinguished and representative as La'a should be perpetuated solely on a foreign soil from a suggestion the matter came to be seriously discussed by the leading chiefs and finally La'a was approached on the subject being a young man the patriotic proposal of the chiefs very naturally accorded with his tastes and without great persuasion he expressed a willingness to comply with what seemed to be a general request but the approval of La'a did not quite settle the delicate question as the chiefs at once observed on casting around for a suitable wife for so desirable a husband most of them had daughters or sisters of eligible rank and age but which of them should they select whose family should be so honored they were willing to leave the choice to La'a but sagaciously anticipating the result he declined to make the selection as usual in momentous cases of doubt the high priest was consulted and the matter was settled and a matter quite satisfactory to La'a it was agreed that he should marry three wives all on the same day and the maiden selected were Hoa Kanui, daughter of Lono Ka'ehu of Kualoa Wa'olena, daughter of a chief of Ka'a La'eha and Mano, daughter of a chief of Kane'oi all were noted for their beauty and distinguished blood the three brides were brought to the mansion of La'a at Kualoa on the day fix for the triple marriage and the event was celebrated with splendor and enthusiasm the Ho'a'or marriage agreement was made public by Harold as was then the custom among the nobility the brides, attired becomingly and decked with Garlands were delivered and formed to the bridegroom and in the evening a feast was served on the grounds to more than 1000 guests with hula, mele and other festive accompaniments including mele in noahs or songs of personal application to the new wives and their husband. This triple marriage is one of the most thoroughly established incidents of remote Hawaiian tradition. After his marriage, La'a remained a year in Kuala'u and then began to prepare for his return to Raiatea. He looked forward to his departure with mingled feelings of regret and satisfaction, for his brief married life had been singularly as well as most bountifully blessed. On the same day, he had been presented with a son by each of his three wives and an ancient chant thus refers to the event. O'ahu Kai, O La'a, O La'a, O La'a from Kahiki the Chief, O Ahukini, O La'a, O Kukona, O La'a, O La'oli, O La'a the Father, the triple canoe of La'a Mai, Kahiki, the sacred first-born children of La'a who were born on the same one day. Muakeha died soon after and La'a bade farewell to the Hawaiian islands and returned to Raiatea just in time to receive the dying blessing of Olupana. As he had promised, he left his three wives and their sons in Oahu where they were well cared for. The names of the children, as mentioned in the chant quoted, were Ahukini, O La'a, Kukono, O La'a, and La'oli, O La'a, from whom it was in after generations the pride and glory of the governing families of Oahu and Kauai to trace their lineage. From Ahukini, O La'a, Queen Kapiolani, wife of Kalakawa. The present sovereign of the islands is recorded in descent through a line of Hawaiian chiefs and kings. Kila, after his return from Raiatea, established himself in the Valley of Waipio on the island of Hawaii and became prosperous in the possessions abandoned by his uncle Olupana a generation before. He was the ancestor of several prominent Hawaiian families who traced their descent to him as late as during the reign of Kamehameha I. With the return of La'a to Raiatea, all communication between the Hawaiian and Southern groups seems to have abruptly terminated. And for a period of about 600 years or until the arrival of Captain Cook in 1778, the Hawaiians learned nothing of the great world beyond their little archipelago and knew that lands existed elsewhere only through the mysterious molellos of their priests and a folklore consisting of broken chains of fables and tales of the past in which the supernatural had finally become the dominant feature. End of chapter 7, recording by Sia Tuimai.