 CHAPTER 19. A Romantic Episode in the Royal Annals Part 1 What a hustling and barbaric little world in themselves were the eight habitable islands of the Hawaiian archipelago before the white man came to rouse the simple but warlike islanders from the dream they had for centuries been living. Up to that time their national life had been a long romance, abundant in strife and deeds of chivalry, and scarcely less bountiful in episodes of love, friendship, and self-sacrifice. Situated in mid-ocean, their knowledge of the great world, of which their island-dots on the bosom of the Pacific formed, but an ineffecable portion, did not reach beyond a misty khaki from which their fathers came some centuries before, and the bare names of other lands marking the migratory course of their ancestors thither. The Hawaiians were barbarous, certainly, since they slew their prisoners of war, and to their gods made sacrifice of their enemies. Since no tie of consaguinity saved that of mother and son was a bar to wedlock, since murder was scarcely a crime, and the will of the alley-newy on every island was the supreme law, since the masses were in physical bondage to their chiefs, and in mental slavery to the priesthood. With all this they were a brave, hospitable, and unselfish people. The kings of the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai were in almost continual warfare with each other until brought under one government by Kamehameha the first, but the fear of foreign invasion never disturbed them, and the people who feared their gods reverenced their rulers and possessed an easy and unfailing means of sustenance and personal comfort, were content with a condition which had been theirs for generations, and was hopeless of amelioration, for the high chiefs in authority claimed a lineage distinct from that of the masses, and between them frowned a gulf socially and politically impassable. The Hawaiians were never cannibals, the most conspicuous of their barbarians was the sacrifice of human beings to their gods, but did not the temples of early Gaul and Saxon flow with the blood of men, and did not one of the fathers of Israel sharpen his knife to slay the body of his son upon the altar of God of Abraham. They knew but little of the arts as we know them now, and the useful and precious metals were all unknown to them, yet they made highways over precipices, reared massive walls of stone around their temples, carried effective weapons into battle, and constructed capricious single and double canoes and barges which they navigated by the light of the stars. They had no language either of letters or symbolism, but so accurately were their legends preserved and transmitted that the great chiefs were able to trace their ancestry back, generation by generation, to something like a kinship with the children of Jacob, and even beyond in the same manner to Noah and thence to Adam. But wonder then that under their old kings the islands of Hawaii should have been home of romance, and that the South wind should have sighed in numbers through the caves of Kona. And now, borne by the soft breath of the tropics, let us be wafted to the island of Hawaii and backward over a misty bridge of historic melees to the reign of Kiliokola, a son of Umi, and grandson of the famed Leola. It was during his brief reign, extending perhaps from 1520 to 1530, that for a second time a white face was seen by the Hawaiians. A Spanish vessel from the Molokas was driven upon the wreaths of Ki in the district of Kona and completely destroyed, but two persons were saved from the wreck, the captain and his sister. They were first thought to be gods by the simple islanders, but as their first request was for food, which they ate with avidity, and their necks for rest, which seemed to be as necessary to them as to other mortals, they were soon relieved of their celestial attributes and conducted to the king, who received them graciously and took them under his protection. The captain, named by the natives Kukana Loa, wedded a dusky maiden of good family, and the sister became the wife of a chief in whose veins ran raw blood. On the death of Kialia Kola, his younger brother Kiwini assumed the scepter in defiance of the right of Kukalani, his nephew and son of the dead king, who was too young to assert his authority. This he was the better enabled to do in consequence of the sudden death of the king, possibly by poison, before his successor had been formally named. Kiwini's ursipation, however, was resisted by the leading chiefs of the island, who refused to recognize his authority and rose in arms against him, but he inherited something of the martial prowness of his father, Umi, and, meeting the revolted chiefs before they had time to properly organize their forces, destroyed them in detail, and thereafter reigned in peace. Nor could it well have been otherwise, for the bones of the rebellious chiefs of Kohola, Hamakua, Hilo, Puna, Kao, and Kona were among the trophies of his household, and Kukalani lacked ambition, was content with a lot of idleness and luxury which the crafty uncle placed at his command, and thus, while Kiwini continued in the moyship of Hawaii, Kukailani, the rightful ruler, grew to manhood around the court of his uncle. In due time the prince married, and among the children born to him was Kai Kailani, the heroine of this little story. At the age of fifteen she was the most lovely of the maidens of Hawaii. Her face was fairer than any other in Hilo, to which place Kiwini had removed his court, and that is saying much, for the king was noted for his gallantries, and the handsomest woman in the kingdom were among his retainers. If her complexion was a shade lighter than that of others, it was because of the Castilian blood that had come to her through her grandmother, the sister of Kukana Loa, and brighter eyes than hers never peered through the lattices of the Guadalaquiver. Kai Kailani became the wife of the king's eldest son, Kana Loa Kuana, and in further atonement of the wrong he had done her father, on his deathbed Kiwini formally conferred upon her the moyship of Hawaii. Among the other sons left by Kiwini at his death was Lono. His full name was Lono Ikama Akahiki. His mother was Heyo Kai Lani, in whose veins ran the best blood of Oahu. Early in life Lono exhibited remarkable intelligence, and as he grew to manhood, after the death of his father, in athletic and war-light exercises, and other manly accomplishments, he had not appeared in all Hawaii. So greatly was he admired by the people, and so manifestly was he born to rule, that his brother, the husband, and advisor of the queen, recommended that he be elevated to the moyship in equal power and dignity with Kai Kailani. What followed could have occurred only in Hawaii. A day was appointed for a public trial of Lono's abilities before the assembled chiefs of the kingdom, although but twenty-three years of age, his knowledge of warfare, of government, of the unwritten laws of the island, and the prerogatives of the taboo, was found to be complete, and Kawa Makili, the venerable High Priest of Heelo, whose white hair swept his knees, and who had foretold Lono's future when a boy bore testimony to his thorough mastery of the legend annals of the people and his zeal in the worship of the gods. So much for his mental acquirements, to test his physical accomplishments that chiefs most noted for their skill, strength, and endurance, were summoned from all parts of the kingdom. It was a tournament in which one man threw down the glove to every chief in Hawaii. The various contests continued for ten consecutive days, in the presence of thousands of people, and between the many trials of strength and skill were interpursed feasting, music, and dancing. The scene was brilliant. More than a hundred distinguished chiefs in yellow mantles and helmets presented themselves to test the proudness of Lono in exercises in which they individually excelled, but the mighty grandson of Umi vanquished them all. He outran the fleetest, as well on the plain as in bringing a ball of snow from the top of Mauna Kea. On a level he leaped the length of two long war spears, and in ultimita, holua, and other athletic games he found no rival. In a canoe contest he distanced twelve competitors, and then plunged into the sea with a pahua in his hand, and slew and brought to the surface the body of a large shark. He caught in his hands twenty spears hurled at him in rapid succession, by as many strong arms and in the moku moku or wrestling contests he broke the limbs of three of his adversaries. Among the witnesses of these contests was the still young and calmly Kai Kilani. It is true that she had frequently met the young hero, and regarded him with such favour as she might the brother of her husband, but now at the end of his victories he appeared to her almost as a god, with whom it would be an honour to share the sovereignty of the kingdom, and when, amidst the plaudits of thousands, she threw the royal mammal over his shoulders, with her own hands, and in doing so kissed his cheek, her husband saw that she loved Lono better than she had ever loved him. The gods have decreed it, said Kanloa, in sorrow, but with no feeling of bitterness, and so shall it be. He consulted with the chiefs and high priests, and at the conclusion of a feast the same evening, given in honour of Lono, he took his brother by the hand and led him to the apartment of the queen. As they entered, Kai Kilani rose from a soft couch of kappa, and waited to hear the purpose of their visit, for it was near the middle of the night, and but a single kuki torch was burning in front of the door. The heart of Kanloa fluttered in his throat, but he finally said, with apparent calmness, My good Kai Kilani, what I am about to say is in sorrow to myself, and in affection for you, of all the sons of our father, Lono seems most to have the favour of the gods. It is strange then, that he should have yours as well. It is therefore deemed best by the gods, the chiefs and myself, that you accept Lono as your husband, and share with him henceforth the government of Hawaii. Is it your will that this be done? Kai Kilani was almost dazed with the abrupt announcement, but she understood its full meaning, and after gazing for a moment into the face of Lono, and reading no objection there, she found the courage to answer. Since it is the will of the gods, it is also mine. So shall it be made known by the heralds, said Kanloa, bowing to hide his grief, and leaving Lono and the queen together. Thus it was that Lono, of whom tradition relates so many romantic stories, became the mowai of Hawaii, and the husband of the most attractive woman of her time, Queen Kai Kilani. Part II Peace and prosperity followed the elevation of Lono to the throne of Hawaii. His fame as an able and sagacious ruler soon spread to the other islands of the group, in his court as well as his person commanded the highest respect of his subjects. Weary of inaction and having no desire to embroil the kingdom in a foreign war, he at length concluded to visit some of the neighboring islands with his queen, and particularly Kauai, which he had once seen when a boy. In the government in charge of his brother, Kanloa, Lono embarked on his journey of pleasure with a number of large double canoes and a brilliant retinue. He took with him Polo Luas, Cahiles, and other emblems of state, and the Hokeo, or large Calabash, containing the bones of the six rebellious chiefs slain by his royal father at the beginning of his reign. The double canoe provided for Kai Kilani and her personal attendance was fitted out in a manner becoming the rank of its royal occupant. It was eighty feet in length, and the two together were seven feet in width. Midway between stem and stern a continuous flooring covered both canoes, which was enclosed to a height of six feet, thus providing the queen with a room seven feet broad and twenty feet in length. The apartment was abundantly supplied with cloths and mats of brilliant colors, and the walls were decorated with festoons of shells and lays of flowers and feathers. In front of the entrance stood two Cahiles, and behind a kapa screen was a carved image of coup surrounded by a number of charms and sacred relics. The canoes were brightly painted in alternate lines of black and yellow, while above their ornamented prows towered the carved and feathered forms of two gigantic birds with human heads. Forty oarsmen comprised the crew, and sails of mass were ready to lift into every favoring breeze. The double canoe of the king was smaller and less elaborately ornamented, and as it moved out of the harbor of Hilo bearing the royal ensign and followed by the scumptuous barge of the queen and the humbler crafts of servants and retainers, the shores were lined with people, and hundreds in canoes paddled after them to give them their parting alojas beyond the reef. The auguries had not been favorable, so said the high priest, and so had the people whispered to each other. But after preparing for the journey, Lono could not be persuaded to relinquish it. It was therefore with misgivings that he was seen to depart, and for many days thereafter sacrifices were offered for him in the temples, and a strict taboo was ordered for a period of three days, during which time no labor was performed, and a solemn silence, prevailed over all the land embraced in the dread edict. Swine were confined, fires were extinguished, dogs were muzzled, fowls were hidden under calabashes, and the priests alone were seen and heard, and they but sparingly. Such was the strict taboo for the propitiation of the gods in case of emergency or peril, and death was a certain penalty of its violation. The weather was fair, and the royal party first stopped at Lahaina. It had been Lono's purpose to spend a week or more at the court of Kamaluakawala, but the moi was absent at the time, and the squadron left Maui the next day for Oahu. A fair wind wafted the party through Pai Lolo Channel, to the western point of Molokai. The sky was clear, and Lono began to discern the tops of the mountains of eastern Oahu, when one of his nephews threw his spear into and wounded a large shark which for some time had been slowly moving around the boughs of the canoe. In an instant the weapon was thrown back with such a violence which drove the point through the rim of the boat. Blood tinged the waves, but the shark disappeared. Before Lono could recover from his astonishment, a furious wind rose from the south and west, and the fleet was driven around the north side of Molokai, and finally succeeded in affecting a landing at Kala Papa. Two of the canoes were destroyed during the gale, and the thoughtless young chief who cast the spear was washed into the sea and devoured by a school of black sharks, before assistants could reach him. Playing with his party, Lono learned from a priest the cause of the disaster that had overtaken him. It was the god Moa Lai, who had taken his characteristic form of a shark, and was guiding the fleet to Oahu that had been wounded by Lono's nephew. The weather continued boisterous for some days, and Lono and his party became the guests of the chiefs of Kala Papa. It was not a very inviting spot, and to beguile the time Lono and Kaikilani amused themselves with the game of Kona Annie, played upon a checkered board and closely resembling the game of drafts. One day, when thus occupied in the shade of a palm, near the foot of an abrupt hill, Lono heard a voice above them. He gave but little attention to it until the name of Kaikilani was pronounced. He listened without raising his head, and soon heard the voice repeat, Oh, Kaikilani, your lover, Hikikowa, is waiting for you. Lono looked up, but could not see no one above them. He inquired the meaning of such words addressed to his wife of the Mui of Hawaii, but the queen, seemingly confused, was either unable or unwilling to offer any explanation. Enraged at what he hastily conceived to be an evidence of her infidelity, Lono seized the Kona-e board and struck her senseless and bleeding to the earth, without waiting to learn the result of his barbarous blow, Lono strode to the beach, and ordering his canoe launched, set sail at once for Oahu, without leaving any orders for the remainder of the fleet. As he shoved from the shore, Kaikilani approached, and holding out her blood-stained hands pitfully implored him to remain or take her with him, but he waved her back in anger and resolutely put out to sea. She watched the canoe of her impetuous husband until it became a speck in the distance, and then with a despairing moan sank senseless upon the sands. Kaikilani was tenderly born to her domicile by her attendants, and for nine days struggled with a fever which threatened her life. During all that time she tasted neither fish nor poi, but in her delirium appealed continually to Lono, declaring that no one had called to her from the cliffs. On the tenth day her mind was clear, and she partook of food, and then on her hands and knees a young woman crawled to the side of her, capa moe, and having permission to speak, said, O Queen, I am the innocent cause of your misery, and my heart breaks for you. I am the daughter of the chief, Kiyokane, and he has sent me to you. He ki koa, loves me, and it was my name, Kaikilani, that he called from the cliffs and not yours. It is better that confusion should come to me than shame and grief to the Queen of Hawaii. Kaikilani admonished her attendants to remember the words of the girl that she might be able, if necessary, to repeat them to Lono, and then dismissed her with presence and a promise to speak kindly of her to her father, who was greatly annoyed at the distress which the indiscretion of his daughter had brought to their distinguished guest. As soon as she had sufficiently recovered, Kaikilani, not knowing what had become of her husband, sorefully returned to Hawaii in the hope of finding him there and explaining away the cause of his anger, but the news of Lono's assault upon her and his sudden departure from Molokai had preceded her, probably through the return of some of the canoes of the fleet, and when she arrived at Kohala she found the kingdom in a state of rebellion. With the avowed intent of slaying Lono, should he return to Hawaii, Kanaloa had assumed the regency, supported by the principal chiefs of the island, the relatives of the Queen, and all the brothers of Lono, with the exception of Puukia, a stalwart and warlike son of Kewanui by a humble mother unnamed in the royal annals, and who had large possessions in the district of Kao. But Kaikilani still loved her hot-headed but instinctively generous husband, and refused to give counterance to the revolt raised in her behalf. She therefore hastily left Kohala at night, and so sealing as to escape the observation of the rebels, suddenly appeared off the coast of Kao, and placed herself in communication with Puukia, the only chief of note that still adhered to the fortunes of Lono. He had succeeded in rallying to the support of his cause a very considerable force, but he knew that it would avail him little against the united armies of the opposition, and after a full consideration of the situation, it was decided that Puukia should remain on the defensive until the return of Lono, of whom Kaikilani resolved to go at once in search. With this understanding, Kaikilani, inspired by the hope of winning back her husband's love, after a few preparations, started on her errand, but not before she had made sacrifices to the gods, and implored their assistance, and Puukia brought word to her from the temple that the auguries of her journey showed a line of dark clouds ending in sunshine. But what cared she for clouds, if the sunshine of Lono's presence was to come at last? But where was Lono? Perhaps in the bottom of the sea, but if alive, she resolved to find him, even though the search took her through all the group to the barren rocks of Kuala. Rounding the capes of Kao, and sailing nearly northward, Kaikilani first stopped at Mahina, but a week spent there convinced her that Lono was not on the island of Maui. The Moe treated her with great respect and kindness, and offered to assist her in the search for her husband on the other islands. But she declined his services, and next visited Lanai, causing a thorough search to be made of that island, and dispatching a party to the windy wastes of Ka Kulaui, the queen proceeded to Malakai to assure herself that Lono had not returned to Kala Papa, and then set sail for Oahu. She first landed at Waikiki, on that island, but learning that the king had established his court at Kailua, departed for the place the next day, and reached it without difficulty. For the captain of her crew was the distinguished old navigator, Ku Ku Pia, who, for a wager in the reign of Ki Winnui, had made the direct passage in a canoe between the Hawaiian Bay of Ki Kala Kua, and the island of Ni Hau, without sighting intermediate land. Part 3. Leaving Kai Kilani, entering the bay of Kailua, it will be in order to briefly refer to the adventures of Lono after a sudden departure from Kala Papa, half crazed at what had occurred. To divert his thoughts from his cruelty, he seized a paddle, and vigorously used it hour after hour, until he was compelled to cease through exhaustion. The wind was fair, but inspired by his example, twenty others plied the paddle ceaselessly in turns of ten, and in a few hours the raw canoe was hauled up, on the beach of Kailua, on the northwestern coast of Oahu, where, as before stated, Kai Ku Hi Rua, the Moi of the island, had temporarily established his court. As Lono approached the shore, his state attracted attention. A chief and a priest, who had at one time been in the service of Lono's father, advised the sale and insignia of the craft, and informed the king that it must be that some one nearly connected to the royal family of Hawaii had come to visit him. This secured to Lono a cordial and royal welcome. Houses were set apart for his accommodation, and food in abundance was provided for him and his attendants. Although he scrupulously concealed his name and rank, and in that respect, in joining the closest secrecy upon his attendants, under penalty of death, his commanding presence and personal equipment rendered it apparent that he was either one of the sons of Ki Wan Ni, or a chief of the highest rank below the throne. Pleading fatigue and courteously desiring to be left to himself until the day following, Lono partook of the evening meal, sent from the table of the king, alone and in silence, and at an early hour retired to rest. But the heat was oppressive, and thoughts of Ki Ki Lan Ni disturbed his slumbers, and near midnight he strolled down to his canoe on the beach to catch the cool breeze of the sea. While there another double canoe arrived from Kauai, having on board a high chiefess who was on her way to Hawaii, and had touched at Kailua for fresh water. To pass the time Lono engaged in conversation with the fair stranger, and so interested her that she repeated to him twice a new melee that had just been composed in honor of her name, Ohai Kawaluia, and which was known only to a few of the highest chiefs of Kauai. Portions of the celebrated chant are still retained by old Hawaiians. The melee diverted his mind from bitter thoughts, and when he returned to his couch he enjoyed a refreshing sleep. At daylight the next morning the king, without disturbing his royal guest, repaired to the sea shore for his customary bath, just as the Kauai chiefess was preparing to depart. Making himself known to her, she recited to him until he was able to repeat the new melee, and then made sail for Hawaii. As she had arrived after midnight, and the melee was new, the king was pleased at the thought of being able to surprise Lono by reciting it to him. But his amazement was great, and his discomfiture complete. When on meeting his guest after breakfast, and bantering him to repeat the laziest Kauaian melee, Lono recited in full the poem he had so quickly and correctly committed to memory the night before. This incident is related by tradition in evidence of Lono's mental capacity. Notwithstanding the mystery which surrounded him at the court of Oahu, Lono soon became a great favourite there. No one could throw a spear so far or so accurately, and in all games and exercises of strength or skill he found no equal. He was generous and fearless, and in his pastimes reckless of life. Although he was beset with their smiles and bandishments, women seemed to have no charm for him, and he politely but firmly declined to avail himself of that feature of early Hawaiian hospitality, which held a host to be remiss in courtesy if he failed to provide his guest with female companionship. He preferred the sturdier contests of men and introduced to the Oahuans a number of new games of skill and muscle. While the most of the chiefs were generous admirers of the accomplishments of their unknown visitor, a few were jealous of his popularity, among them the Grand Councilor of the King, Lana Huimi Haku, who on one occasion sneeringly referred to him as a nameless chief. To this taunt Lono, towering above his traducer with a menace of death in his face, replied that he would flay him alive if he ever met him beyond the protection of his king, and then he brought from his canoe the great calabash of bones, and exhibiting the trophies of his father's prowess, chanted the names of the slain. This apprised them all that he was indeed a son of Kewanui, but which one they did not know. Lono's stay in Kailua was drawing to a close. For one day, while he was playing konai with the king within the enclosure of the palace grounds, Kaikilani's canoe was being drawn up on the beach below. She saw, to her great joy, the canoe of her husband, and ascertained where he might be found. Proceeding alone toward the royal mansion, with a fluttering heart she approached the enclosure, and through an opening in the wall discerned the stalwart form of Lono. Stepping aside to avoid his gaze, she began to chant his melee Inoa, the song of his own name. He was startled at hearing his name mentioned in a place where he supposed it to be unknown. He raised his head and listened, and as the words of the melee floated to him, he recognized the voice of Kaikilani. Rising to his feet with dignity, he now addressed the king. My royal brother, disguise is no longer necessary or fitting. I am Lono Ikama Ka Hiki, son of Ki Wunui and boy of Hawaii, and the gods have sent me to Kaikilani, my wife. It is her voice that we now hear. Then turning and approaching the wall behind which Kaikilani was standing, Lono began to chant her name, coupled with words of tenderness and reconciliation. Then, springing over the obstruction, he clasped his faithful wife in his arms, and the past was forgiven and forgotten. The rank of his guests now being known, Kaku Hua, was anxious to give them a befitting recognition, but learning of the revolt in Hawaii and the peril of Pupe Kawiya, Lono embarked for his kingdom at once. Reaching and passing Kohala, where he learned the rebels were in force, he landed at Kilaka Ki Hua, and immediately dispatched a messenger to Pupa Ki in Kao with information of his arrival in Puna. The brother responded promptly, and leading his forces over a mountain path to avoid the coast villages, joined Lono at Pu-Anna Hulu. Meantime, Lono's name had brought thousands to his standard, and on the arrival of Pu-Ka-Kia, he boldly attacked and defeated the insurgents at Wailia. They were followed and again defeated at Kan-Oa. Reinforcements reaching the rebels from Kohala, two other battles were fought in rapid succession, both resulting in defeat. In these engagements, two of Lono's brothers were slain, and the body of one of them was offered as a sacrifice at the Hugh of Pu-Ko-Hola. The last of the rebels were defeated at Po-Lua, and the island returned to its allegiance to Lono and Ka-Kilani. Kan-Aloa Kuana, who originated the revolt, also submitted, and was forgiven and restored to favor through the intercession of the Queen. The legends relate many subsequent romantic adventures of Lono, but he and Ka-Kilani both lived to good old ages, and when they died, were succeeded in sovereignty of Hawaii by lineal blood. Chapter 20 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 Vindemri Nielsen, Vancouver, B.C. The Legends and Myths of Hawaii by King David Kalakua. Chapter 20 The Adventures of Iwik Kawakawa A Story of Royal Night Errantry in the 16th Century, Part 1 One of the most interesting characters distinctly observed among the misty forms and dimly outlined events of the remaining Hawaiian traditions of the 16th Century is Iwik Kawakawa. In him, the Night Errantry of the period found a distinguished exponent and representative, and his deeds add a bold tint to the glow of romance and chivalry lighting up the life and reign of the great Lono, and then a luster to the names and events which they are associated. Of royal lineage, but without estates or following beyond his personal attendance, he sought his fortune with spear and battle-axe, and in the end became the husband of a queen and one of the ancestors of a long line of kings. As he was the nephew of Queen Kali Liani, whose reign in Hawaii, including that of her husband, Lono, embraced, it may be presumed the period between the years AD 1565 and 1595, and was a stout friend and supporter of the ruling family. A proper understanding of the rank, position, and aspirations of Iki Kau Ikawa necessitates a brief reference to the strange political events which surrounded his youth and conspired to shape his romantic career. When Kili O'Kawala, the son of Umi, suddenly died, in about AD 1535, after a reign of perhaps not more than 10 years, he left as his heir a young son named Ku Kailani. His right to the throne was unquestioned, but as he had not been formally designated by his father as his successor, Kiwi Nui, the younger brother of the dead king, assumed the scepter and maintained his claim to it by meeting in battle and slaying the six principal chiefs of the island who rebelled against the earth's reputation. Ku Kailani seemed to have possessed but little force or spirit and was content during his life with such maintenance as his uncle was willing to provide. In due time, he married and became the father of Kai Kailani and Maka Kua Li. The former became the wife of Kanaloa Kuana, the eldest son of Kiwi Ui, and subsequently the wife of his brother, Lono, as related in the legend of Lono and Kai Kailani. As if desirous of atoning for the injustice done to his nephew, Ku Kailani, on his deathbed, Kiwi Nui named as his successor, Kai Kailani, daughter of the disposed prince and wife of Kanaloa Kuana, his own son. Why Kiwi Nui restored the scepter to his brother's family through Kai Kailani instead of her brother, Maka Kua Li finds ready explanation in the fact that Kai Kailani was the wife of his eldest son, through which union both families would thereafter share in this sovereignty. Maka Kai Lui, whose claims to the moyship were thus overlooked or disregarded by Kiwi Nui, was the father of our hero, Iwi Kai Kua, but if wrong was done in the matter, if was never openly resented by either father or son, an Iwi Kua always remained the steadfast friend of his royal aunt, Kai Kailani. The position of Ku Kailani on the death of her father was such as could have been patiently born only by one entirely destitute of ambition. Custom would have accorded him ample estates and a following consistent with this rank, but his crafty uncle did not deem it prudent to tempt him to rebellion by according him even the powers of a district chief. It was safer for him to remain at court, living upon the bounty and under the watchful eye of Kiwi Nui. He was doubtless a high officer of the royal household, retaining the taboos and mailies of his family and receiving the respect due to his rank, but no lands were set apart for him and he had no retainers beyond his personal attendance. But Ku Kailani seemed to be content with his situation and so utterly indifferent to the rights of his family that it does not appear that he ever demanded a more befitting recognition of the claims of the children born to him. Hence, like their father, Maka Kuli and Kai Lillani were compelled to live upon the bounty of the king until the latter was chosen to the succession. And this was also the inheritance of Iwi Kalu Ka'a, the son of Maka Kuli. He was a landless chief of raw blood and circumstances indicate that he was quite a youth when Kiwi Nui died and Ka'a Ki Lani assumed the scepter. He grew to manhood around the court of his royal aunt and was among the many who rejoiced when Lono became her husband and, with her, the joint ruler of Hawaii. In person he was handsome and imposing and his accomplishments befitted his rank. Though Ka'a Ki Lani the moyship had been restored to Kiali Okola branch of the royal family, but the previous receptation had left him without estates and less near than was his due to the throne and he chafed under his hard fortune and resolved to retrieve it. Not by rebellion or trespass upon the rights of others but through the channels of bold and legitimate endeavor. When a boy, a Kalu'a, told him that he would die either a king or the husband of a queen and he never forgot the prophecy. In fact it seems to have taken possession of him and to have become the guiding star of his early life. Iwi Kua'i Ka'a makes his first appearance as a striking and consequential figure of Hawaiian tradition in the midst of the revolt of Kanaloa Kua'a and other chiefs of Hawaii against Lono. The revolt was organized during the absence of Lono and Ka'a Ki Lani on a friendly visit to the other islands of the group and embraced nearly every prominent chief in the kingdom. They had resolved to kill Lono should he return to the island and the conspiracy seen to be as formidable as time and determination could make it. With a single exception all the brothers of Lono were arrayed against him and his Khan considered almost hopeless. The rebellion had its origin avowedly in a report that Lono had a fit of jealousy killed Ka'a Ki Lani on the island of Molokai but other motives must have existed for the return of Ka'a Ki Lani with her husband to Hawaii did not put an end to the uprising but rather stimulated the conspiracers in their resolution to arrest the sovereignty of the island from Lono at all hazards. The only brother of Lono who refused to join the conspiracy was Pu Pu Kea. He was the sturdy and warlike son of Ki Wi Nui by a mother whose name is not mentioned by tradition and was endowed with lands in the district of Ka'a. Removing in early vanhood to his estates in that district he seldom visited the court and took no part in its bickering. As his mother was doubtless of a humble family he was not considered the equal rank of the other sons of Ki Wi Nui and therefore preferred to reside where he would not be continually reminded of his inferiority. When the revolt against Lono was organized he was invited by Kana Loa Kuana to give it his support but no promises of lands were made to him as to other distinguished chiefs nor was he deemed to be a sufficient consequence to entitle him to a voice in the councils of the rebels. This slight of Pu Pu Kea led to the defeat and ruin of the conspirators, the chief of whom they thought so little had developed into a leader of influence and ability in his distant home, and it was around him that was gathered the nucleus of the force which in the end gave victory to Lono. When Ka Ki Lani returned alone from Molokai and found the kingdom on the verge of revolution she secretly consulted with Pu Pa Kea as almost the only chief of consequence to be relied upon and when she next returned with Lono Pu Pa Kea was at the head of a force large enough to overaw the rebels of Kao but too small to venture beyond that district without support. The main rebel army was concentrated in the district of Kohala which Lono avoided on his return from Oahu landing at Kila Kea Kuwa on the coast of Kona. It was early in the morning when the canoes of Lono bearing a small party of attendance were drawn up on the beach. No one was there to oppose him but the rebels were in possession of all the machinery of the government as well as five of the six divisions of the island and the outlook would have been gloomy to any one less resolute and daring than Lono. He had less than a hundred followers and taking from his canoe the Hokeo or Kalabash containing the bones of the six rebellious district chief slain by his father placed it within a sanctuary of mats on the beach and beside it raised the royal standard and Kahili's. This done he summoned the people to arms started a courier to Pu Pa Kea and dispatched Luna Pali's to the neighboring chiefs commanding them to march to his assistance at once but the people were timid the revolt was not popular but the cause of Lono seemed to be hopeless and the masses hesitated the hesitation was brief however late in the afternoon a force of five or six hundred warriors was observed approaching from the northward Lono hastily prepared for the best defense possible and for retreat to his canoe should he be unable to hold his ground near and nearer came the threatening column it was finally halted within 200 paces of Lono's position where from the front rank emerged a tall young chief in feather cape and helmet at the end of his spear was displayed a large tea leaf as a token of peace a company by two aids bearing weapons similarly bedecked he boldly strode past the lines of Lono and asked for the king he was conducted to his presence and observing Kai Kilani beside her husband was about to kneel when Lono stepped forward and grasped him by the hand exclaiming welcome iwi kao i kawa for i know you come as a friend yes i come as a friend replied the chief and have with me a few brave warriors whose services i now tender but are you not afraid to be the friend of Lono at such a time as this inquired the king glancing admirably at the bold front of the young chief the whole island seems to be in arms against me lono knew he was exaggerating the danger but desired to learn the worst no not the whole island promptly replied the chief poo poo kia will soon join with 3000 spears or more and it will not be long that lono will lack warriors you are right return the king hopefully we will find spears and axes enough in the end to clear a way to koala Kai Kilani joined Lono in thanking her nephew for his timely assistance and iwi kawa kawa retired to find quarters for his followers and arouse others to the defense of the king the appearance of the young chief with his few hundred of warriors was indeed most opportune it inspired the people with confidence in the success of lono and they began to rally to his support in large numbers and observing that the tide was turning in his favor the neighboring chiefs came to his assistance with their followers thus swelling his force within three days as to many thousands of warriors of all arms he's to the organizing his little army lono boldly pushed on toward koala steadily recruiting his ranks as he moved and at pua kana hulu was joined by pu pa kaya with nearly 3000 additional spears from pow thus enabled to operate on the offensive he attacked and defeated the rebel army at wileya and again at pow pow or at some point not far north of that place after the second engagement the rebels retreated northward and receiving reinforcements from koala made another stand at pu pa where they were again defeated but through some mishap iwi ki ka kawa was taken prisoner they then fell back to pu ko hola near which place a large hue was maintained at that time their kana loa kaku hiyu one of the brothers of lono resolved to sacrifice the distinguished prisoner iwi ki kawa kawa received the announcement stoically he was conducted to the altar within the hiyu the assistants were in readiness to take him beyond the walls for execution and the priests were in attendance to offer the sacrifice in due form to kana loa kaku hiyu's god of war ascending the steps of the altar the young chief turned to the high priest and said i am ready but it is not the will of the gods that i should be offered what know you of the will of the gods answered the priest sternly and what know you return the chief since you have not inquired such questioning was not common at the altar and for a moment the priest was disconcerted finally he said you say it is not the will of the gods make it so appear and your life shall be spared but if you fail your right eye shall see the left in my hand and you will be slain with torture so let it be exclaimed the chief and lifting his face upward he addressed an audible prayer to kyu uli and kama as he proceeded with a solemn invocation not an unfavorable omen appeared the winds died away and the birds in the neighboring trees remained silent concluding the prayer he folded his arms and stepped down from the altar by an unseen hand the cords that bound his limbs had been cut and he approached the high priest and bowed before him this manifestation of the will of the gods could not be mistaken an iwi kau i kawa was conducted to a hut within the hu where he was advised to remain until he could leave the place in safety no hostile hand could be laid upon him within the walls of the temple there he was under the protection of the high priest and beyond the reach of the highest temporal authority but iwi kau i kawa did not long require the protection of the hu a daylight the next morning lono attacked the rebels at pu ko hola and after an obstinate battle defeated them taking prisoner his brother kana hola kailu who whom he promptly ordered to be sacrificed at the hu as he was brought to the altar for that purpose his last moments were embittered by the farewell which iwi kau kawa waved to him with simulated grief as he left the enclosure to join the victorious army although lono had directed the sacrifice of his brother in retaliation for the supposed death of iwi kio kawa he did not counterman the order as he might have done in time when he found the letter had miraculously escaped several other battles were fought in all of which iwi kio kawa took a distinguished part and the island returned to its allegiance to lono and kailu kilani the services of pali kawi were rewarded with such additional lands of deceased rebel chiefs as he chose to accept and iwi kio kawa was offered possessions either in kona or hamak kawa or a military charge in the royal household but in the end decided to accept neither they presented to him no opportunity for such advancement as the gods had promised and which now since their manifestation in his favor at pu ko hola seemed to be almost assured to him he had fixed his eye upon his pretty cousin kili o kailani the daughter of kai kilani she stood close to the throne and evinced a decided partiality for the dashing young chief the gossip of the court was that the princess loved iwi kio kawa kawa and would be more than content to become his wife but role marriages in all ages and in all climb have been less a suggestion of hearts than of state considerations and so it was in this instance unknown to all but himself it was the fair face of the princess that had prompted him to expose the cause of lono when it seemed to be almost hopeless and his services certainly entitled him to almost any reward but kika kika lani came the son of kai kilani by her first husband kanaloa kua had been named as successor to the moyship and kia li o kailani was selected to become his wife such marriages of close kinship were not uncommon among the chiefly families of ancient hawaii and the children born to them were accorded the very highest rank this arrangement for the succession left iwi kua kawa little hope for on hawaii and he determined to seek his fortune among the other islands of the group tempting inducements were held out to him to remain but he declined them all to the princess alone he whispered that her betrothal to kika lani came had rendered his departure advisable and she grieved that circumstances had decreed their separation ambition doubtless first attracted him to his fair cousin but her nature was gentle and loving and he finally regarded her with a sincere and romantic attachment which she seemed to have fully reciprocated part two in a large double canoe painted red and at its masthead flying the panon of an a ha ali iwi ki kaui kawa with a score or more of attendance set sail from koala in quest of adventure passing mawi he spent some time in visiting the small island of lani where he was entertained in a princely manner by the leading chiefs proceeding thence to malakai he remained a week or more in the neighborhood of ka lu papa and then sailed for a wahoo he landed at waikiki on that island and was well received by kai he kapu one of the three principal chiefs of a wahoo his father was the noted kahu he hua who had entertained lono during his voluntary exile and who at his death a short time before had divided the island among his three oldest sons leaving the dignity of moi to kain kapu harmony existed among the brothers and all of them followed the example of their father in maintaining attractive petty colts attractive petty courts and imposing establishments the moi retained possession of the royal mansion at kai luwa which was 240 feet in length and 90 in breadth and adorned with all the taste and skill of the period kai he kapu had a princely mansion at iwa but his court was at waikiki at the time of the arrival of iwi kawa kawa the young chief whose rank was at once recognized was provided with quarters for himself in attendance near the court and soon became a favorite with the nobility the part he had taken in the battles of lono together with his miraculous escape at the temple of pu ko hola became the talk of the court and he was treated as a hero in the pleasure of the courts of a wahoo iwi kia kawa spent a number of years on the island and finally became the husband of kawa kahi daughter of kai he kapu it was not a love match at least so far as iwi kawa kawa was concerned for after his marriage he squandered the most of his time for some years enrolling from district to district and giving little heed to the future at length he began to crave a more active life and was about to seek it on some other island when the noted war of kawa los of kawai gave employment to his spear kawa leo had been driven from kawai by his cousin and finding refuge in a wahoo had been given lands in the wai ini mountains by kahi kapu instead of settling there in peace he began to construct canoes and prepare for return to kawai with a force sufficient to maintain himself on that island kai ki kapu was finally induced to assist him and so substantially that he invaded kawai disposed and killed his cousin and assumed the moyship iwi kawa kawa took part in the expedition but became disgusted with the jealousies of the kawai chiefs and returned to o wahoo at the close of the war without attempting to avail himself of the opportunities afforded by the rebellion his marriage with kawa kahi promised him no advancement his hair began to be tinged with gray and the future presented to him no sign of the fulfillment of the prophecy of his youth he consulted the kawai but they gave him no satisfaction one of them told him however that his fortunes laid to the windward and he provisioned a double canoe and with a component crew and few retainers set sail in that direction without taking leave of anyone he stopped for a few days on mollakai and a koala there advised him to go to Maui he accordingly set sail for that island where resided two of his sisters whom he had not seen for many years one of them kapa kini was the wife of kau hiya kama the moi of Maui and the other pui pouki of kau a prominent chief of kapao he landed at bahaina and made himself known to kapa kini their greeting was affectionate and they had much to relate other past lives she was the only wife of kawa hiya kama and he was astounded to hear that the aged moi had started two days before with a hostile army for a wahoo the object of the invasion was not clear but iwi kau kawa felt satisfied that it would end disastrously and impatiently awaited their result the only son of kapa ookini had reached his manhood and iwi kawi kawa advised his sister to prepare for his installation as a moi expressing the opinion that kawi kawa kama would never return his surmises proved to be correct within 10 days a mere handful of the force with which the moi had embarked for a wahoo returned bringing news of the defeat and death of kawi ha kama the moi had landed at waikiki where he was met and defeated by the united chiefs of a wahoo he was slain during the battle and his body was taken to the hu of apu kia hu where it was treated with unusual indignity so unusual in fact that kahi kili the moi of mawi many generations after remembered the act are retaliated in kind upon the chiefs captured by him in his conquest of a wahoo kau hiya kama had always been a rash and visionary leader and his tragical end did not surprise iwi ki kawa kawa he was on his report that his warlike father kama la la walu had invaded hawaii and met defeat and death at the hands of lono and with equal thoughtlessness he had thrown a small invading force into the most thickly populated district of a wahoo and led it to slaughter but whatever may have been the weakness of kau hiya kama a lack of courage was certainly not one of them and the news of his death together with that of the indignity visited upon his remains created a wild excitement among the chiefs of mawi his son was installed as moi without opposition and a general demand for revenge went up from the whole island large quotas of warriors were offered from every district and the young moi was implored to baptize the beginning of his reign with the best blood of a wahoo but iwi kawa kawa advised the excited chiefs to act with discretion no one more than himself felt like avenging the death of kau hiya kama who was the husband of his sister but he said to them the chiefs of a wahoo are united and a war upon one of them means a conflict with the whole island their spears are as long and as many as hours and their knives are as sharp therefore let not the chiefs of mawi be hasty many of the chiefs agreed with iwi kawa kawa that an invasion of a wahoo in revenge for the death of their moi would not be advisable and the newly anointed king was of the same opinion but others especially those who had lost friends or relatives in the late expedition clamored for war and not a few of them intimidated that the advice of iwi kawa kawa was inspired either by friendship for the ohawans or personal cowardice these insinuations reached the ear of iwi kawa kawa and the manner in which he repelled them was bold and effective 300 chiefs of the higher grades had gathered to take part in the installation of the new moi and such of them as were entitled to a voice in the national council were assembled to discuss the project of war and such other matters as they might be requested to consider as a near relative of the royal family iwi kawa kawa had been invited to participate in the deliberations but he had modestly refrained from urging his opinions and had thus far spoken only when directly appealed to several remarks of a sneering character had been dropped within his hearing and finally achieved from why luku glancing insultingly towards him declared that the chiefs of moi were not afraid to use their spears iwi kawa kawa could no longer bear these taunts in silence with a dark scowl upon his handsome face he rose to his feet and impetuously replied nor am i afraid to use mine either in defense of the moi of mawi or in challenge to any chief here who presumes to doubt my courage i scorn to defend myself with my words without these walls with spear and battle axe i am prepared to answer one and all several chiefs sprang to defeat as if to accept the bold challenge and confusion for a time prevailed but order was restored when mahiya the venerable chief of kaha kuloa rose and commanding silence said chiefs of mawi hear my words and be calm we have invited iwi kawa kawa to advise with us and by insulting him we degrade ourselves he is high in rank and distinguished for his courage he was the friend of the great lono of hawaii and a leader in his battles he is the brother of kapa pukini and our respect is his due some of you have spoken words which seem to hold his valor lightly and he has answered as i would have answered had the complaint been mine by inviting you to test the courage you dealt with spear and battle axe no other answer could have been made by a brave man and we should respect the nobility that prompted it we should say to iwi kawa kawa whose body is scarred with the teeth of many battles we have spoken hastily let us now be friends the effects of the eloquent words of the old warrior magical those who had offended made prompt retraction and looks and expressions of courtesy and kindness came to iwi kawa kawa from all parts of the council by reputation he was known to many of the older chiefs and when they recounted to the younger his chivalrous services in the wars of hawaii he was overwhelmed with manifestations of respect and kindly feeling the demand for an invasion of oahu with a large force steadily abated with discussion and a better understanding of the danger and uncertainty of the project and was entirely abandoned with the sudden appearance of a fleet of hostile canoes off the coast of honolua it was a strong predatory expedition from hawaii several villages had been plundered on the southern coast and why luku was now threatened lono the warlike king of hawaii had been dead for some years and under the reign of kia kia lani kani several of the more powerful of the district chiefs had assumed an aptitude of comparative independence the most noted of these were the i family of hilo and the mai chiefs of kohala each could muster some thousands of warriors and occasional plundering or recalatory expeditions were undertaken to the other islands without the knowledge or counterance of the sovereign authority the fleet discovered off the coast of honolua and reported by runners to the lui was from kohala and under the command of one of the mahi chiefs in person as the young lui was unused to war iwi kawa kawa offered his services and with fifty chiefs and two thousand warriors crossed the mountains and drove the plunders from the coast as it was surmised that other expeditions of similar or more aggressive character might follow the chiefs found employment for some time in repairing canoes establishing signals and placing their coast settlements in better conditions of defense returning to lahaina iwi kawi kawa learned from a hilo chief on a visit to relatives in kawalua that kia kia lani kain king of hawai had recently died and that kia li o kalani his wife could no longer survive a cancerous ailment of the stomach with which she was afflicted the mention of the name of that princess brought back a flood of tender and romantic memories and iwi kawa kawa resolved to revisit his native island he was begged by the young lui to remain as his mahana and chief counselor a position to which his rank entitled him but he seemed to hear the voice of the dying princess calling to him from hawai and with becoming state set sail at once for hilo where the royal court had been temporarily established it was past midnight of the second day of his departure from lahaina when iwi kawa kawa reached hilo he landed quietly making himself known to no one he found the place still in mourning for the deceased moi and learned that kia kama henna the elder of the two daughters and only children of ki liya kaha lani had been formally installed as moi or queen the day before with the royal mother as chief advisor or premier early next morning iwi kawa kawa clad in a feather cape and other insignia of rank and accompanied by a number of attendants proceeded to the royal mansion being a chief of unquestioned rank he was admitted to the pahail but on applying for an audience with the queen or her first counselor he was told that the former was still in mourning and could not be seen and the latter was too ill to receive visitors but a proffer was made to carry any message he desired to either then take to ki li or kawani the words that her cousin iwi kawa kawa is at her door said the chief at the mention of his name the kahu in attendance a venerable chief regarded the visitor for a moment with amazement he had fought by his side in the wars of lono and in his face recognized the dashing young chief who a generation before had been saved by the gods from sacrifice at pu ko hola iwi ki kawa kawa indeed exclaimed the kahu with emotion i know you well years ago our spears drank blood together from the shores of kona to the highlands of polu iwi ki kawa kawa was pleased at the recognition and after exchanging a few pleasant words with the old kahu the latter conveyed his brief message to kia li o kawani she was in her own apartment at the time reclining on a soft couch of kapa and surrounded by a group of silent and sad attendance near her sat kia kama henna the fair young boy who was doing all that affection could suggest to soothe and strengthen her suffering mother prayers had been said offerings to the gods had been made and renowned kahanas had resorted to the most potent herbs charms and incantations known to them in behalf of the royal sufferer but nothing could stay the dreadful melody that was eating away her life and all hope of her recovery had been abandoned the cancer's gnawing was declared by the priest to be the work of an evil spirit which prayer and sacrifice could not dislodge the kahu delivered the message of iwi ki kawa kawa was some hesitation for the condition of the patient had become more critical since the death of her husband but when she heard the name of the visitor and learned that he was without her eyes assumed something of the brightness of her girlhood and she ordered him to be admitted at once as iwi kawa kawa entered he was silently conducted to the couch of kia li o kawani for a moment he gazed at her one face for a moment she gazed at the gray hairs which the years had brought to him since he said farewell to her in koala he knelt beside the couch he took her hand and held it to his heart and the silence that followed best interpreted the thoughts of both rising and learning to his embarrassment that the young woman who he had scarcely noticed was kia kama hana daughter of kia li o kawani and queen of hawaii iwi ki kawa kawa not respectively before her and gently kissed the hand with which she gave him welcome a low order was given to an attendant by the mother and in a moment she was alone with the queen and iwi kawa kawa casting her eyes around and observing no others present she beckoned them closer and in broken sentences said the black kappa will soon cover me listen iwi kawa kawa early in life it was in our hearts to be the husband and wife of each other it was the fault of neither that we were denied that hope it was not my fault that you left hawaii it was not your fault that i grieve when you went to other lands but you have returned at last the gods have directed you back to hawaii they will give to me in death what they refuse to my youth in kika kama hana i will be your wife he paused for a moment heard listeners bending over her in silence and then continued take him as your husband kia kama hana he is the gift of your mother he is brave and noble and you will need his counsel when i am gone overcome by these words of affection the chief note beside the couch and the eyes of kia kama hana were filled with peers do you promise inquired the mother i promise replied the queen giving her hand to the kneeling chief i promise repeated iwi kawa kawa as he clasped and kissed the proffered pledge i am content returning the sufferer as a small of happiness lighted up her face the attendants were recalled wondering what had occurred and iwi kawa kawa almost bewildered took his leave tradition plainly recites the brief remainder of the career of this distinguished chief kio liwi kanali died a few days after the strange betrothal just noted an iwi kawa kawa became the husband of queen kamehameha hana thus romantically fulfilling the aspiration and prophecy of his youth their daughter kia kialani succeeded her mother as queen of hawaii and one of her husbands was the son of iwa kawa kawa by the wife left by him in oahu with this adventurous and erratic chief originated it is claimed the custom of burning kukui tortures by daylight on state occasions especially in connection with the uh quesities of persons of royal lineage and it was within the present generation that the exclusive right to the ceremonial was contested by the two royal families claiming their prerogative through dissent from iwi kawa kawa certain customs like chants and mailies are matters of inheritance and remain exclusively in the families with which they originate end of chapter 20 recording by linda mary nielsen thank you for bc