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October 27, 2023 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

The Last Battle

Kamehameha I began a war of conquest, winning his first major skirmish in the battle of Mokuʻōhai (a fight between Kamehameha and Kiwalaʻo in July, 1782 at Keʻei, south of Kealakekua Bay on the Island of Hawaiʻi.)  Kiwalaʻo was killed.

By 1795, having fought his last major battle at Nuʻuanu on O‘ahu with his superior use of modern weapons and western advisors, he subdued all other chiefdoms (with the exception of Kauai).

Then, Kamehameha launched his first invasion attempt on Kauai in April of 1796. About one-fourth of the way across the ocean channel between O‘ahu and Kauai a storm thwarted Kamehameha’s warriors when many of their canoes were swamped in the rough seas and stormy winds, and then were forced to turn back.

With Hawaiʻi Island under Kamehameha’s control, conflict, there, supposedly ended with the death of Keōua at Kawaihae Harbor in early-1792 and the placement of the vanquished chief’s body in the Heiau ‘o Puʻukoholā at Kawaihae.

However, after a short time, another chief entered into a power dispute with Kamehameha; his name was Nāmakehā (the brother of Kaʻiana, a chief of Kauai who had been killed in the Battle of Nuʻuanu.)

Previously, Kamehameha asked Nāmakehā (who lived in Kaʻū, Hawai‘i) for help in fighting Kalanikūpule and his Maui forces on O‘ahu, but Nāmakehā ignored the request.

Instead, Nāmakehā prepared a rebellion against Kamehameha to take place on Hawai‘i Island.

Hostilities erupted between the two that lasted from September 1796 to January 1797.

Kamehameha, on Oʻahu at the time, returned to his home island of Hawaiʻi with the bulk of his army to suppress the rebellion.  The battle took place at Kaipalaoa, Hilo.

Kamehameha defeated Nāmakehā.  The undisputed sovereignty of Kamehameha was thus established over the entire Island chain (except Kauai and Niʻihau.)

This was the final battle fought by Kamehameha to unite the archipelago.  (Kamehameha negotiated a settlement with King Kaumualiʻi for the control of Kauai and Niʻihau, in 1810.)

Although Kamehameha’s warriors had won the battle over Nāmakehā, they then turned their rage upon the villages and families of the vanquished. It so happens that this included the family of ʻŌpūkahaʻia, who had had supported Nāmakehā.  They fled to the mountains and hid for several days in a cave.

The warriors found the family and ultimately killed ʻŌpūkahaʻia’s parents and infant brother.  (ʻŌpūkahaʻia was captured, later trained as a Kahuna under his uncle, traveled to the continent and ultimately turned to Christianity and was the inspiration for the American missionaries to come to Hawaiʻi.)

Interestingly, it was about the same time of the Nāmakehā Rebellion that Kamehameha decreed Ke Kānāwai Māmalahoe (The Law of the Splintered Paddle.)

A story suggests that Kamehameha I was fighting on the Island of Hawaiʻi.  Chasing a couple fishermen (presumably with the intention to kill them), his leg was caught in the reef and, in defense, one of the fisherman hit him on the head with a paddle, which broke into pieces.

Kamehameha was able to escape (because the fisherman fled, rather than finishing him off.)  The story continues that Kamehameha learned from this experience and saw that it was wrong to misuse power by attacking innocent people.

Later, Kamehameha summoned the two fishermen.  When they came, he pardoned them and admitted his mistake by proclaiming a new law, Kānāwai Māmalahoe – Law of the Splintered Paddle.

The original 1797 law:

Kānāwai Māmalahoe (in Hawaiian:):

E nā kānaka,
E mālama ʻoukou i ke akua
A e mālama hoʻi ke kanaka nui a me kanaka iki;
E hele ka ‘elemakule, ka luahine, a me ke kama
A moe i ke ala
‘A‘ohe mea nāna e ho‘opilikia.
Hewa nō, make.

Law of the Splintered Paddle (English translation:)

Oh people,
Honor thy gods;
Respect alike [the rights of]
People both great and humble;
See to it that our aged,
Our women and our children
Lie down to sleep by the roadside
Without fear of harm.
Disobey, and die.

Kamehameha’s Law of the Splintered Paddle of 1797 is enshrined in the State constitution, Article 9, Section 10:  “Let every elderly person, woman and child lie by the roadside in safety”.  It has become a model for modern human rights law regarding the treatment of civilians and other non-combatants.

Kānāwai Māmalahoe appears as a symbol of crossed paddles in the center of the badge of the Honolulu Police Department.  A plaque, facing mauka on the Kamehameha Statue outside Ali‘iōlani Hale in Honolulu, notes the Law of the Splintered Paddle.

The image shows Kamehameha, as depicted by Herb Kane.

© 2023 Hoʻokuleana LLC

 

Filed Under: Ali'i / Chiefs / Governance Tagged With: Kaumualii, Hawaii, Namakeha, Hawaii Island, Kanawai Mamalahoe, Hilo, Kamehameha Statue, Kamehameha, Aliiolani Hale, Keoua, Kiwalao, Mokuohai, Nuuanu, Puukohola

October 4, 2023 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Burial of Joseph Nāwahī

“For ten days or more the movements of certain parties have been subjected to very close scrutiny. Though without their knowledge they have been under careful surveillance.”

“Reports by the police are to the effect that an uprising was scheduled for Saturday night. The capture of the Executive building was not to be undertaken until very late. President Dole and his Cabinet Ministers were to be taken prisoners. At the same time the insurgents were to take possession of the Police Station.”

“At 10 o’clock Lieutenant Holi was dispatched for Joseph Nāwahī.  He was found at his home at Kapalama. He reached the station house twenty minutes later. The charge against Mr. Nāwahī was treason. He was given a cell all to himself.  No bondsman appeared on behalf of Mr Nāwahī.”  (Hawaiian Star, Dec 10, 1894)

“Born in 1842 at Kaimū, his parents named him Joseph Kahoʻoluhi Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu. Raised by his uncle, Joseph Paʻakaula, twelve-year-old Nāwahī enrolled in Hilo Boarding School. His first teachers were Rev. David and Sarah Lyman.”

“In July 1856 Nāwahī became a seminary student at Lahainaluna, Maui and finally a scholar at the Royal School in Honolulu. His career included periods as a teacher, assistant principal, and briefly principal at Hilo Boarding School. He also chose to work as a surveyor, lawyer, and newspaper publisher.”

“Nāwahī served many years for the Kingdom government: as a representative for the people of Puna (1872–1876), then Hilo (1878–1884, 1890–1893) and as Minister of Foreign Affairs for Queen Liliʻuokalani.” (Lyman Museum)

He spent nearly three months in jail before his supporters were able to raise the money and bail him out, where it is believed he contracted tuberculosis. (Oiwi TV and Ka‘iwakīloumoku)

At the trial, “When the jury were out two hours they came out for instructions. They retired again and at 8 o’clock returned a verdict of not guilty for Nawahi …. Judge Cooper discharged Mr Nawahi and, thanking the jury for their close attention, dismissed them ….”  (The Independent. May 10, 1895)

Following his imprisonment, he founded the Hui Aloha ʻĀina political party [a patriotic group created to support Lili‘uokalani and oppose annexation] and published the newspaper Ke Aloha ʻĀina. (Lyman Museum)

He was ill; “Mr and Mrs Joseph Nawahi will leave for the coast by the Alameda. Mr Nawahi has been quite ill recently and his physician advised a sea voyage.” (The Independent, August 19, 1896)

“Joseph Nawahi, one of the ablest Hawaiian members of the Honolulu bar, died in San Francisco from consumption [Tuberculosis] on the 14th inst. [September 14, 1896]”

“He had been in failing health here for some time, and visited California in the hope that a change of climate would benefit him, but his weakened condition left him without the means to combat the disease. … His remains will be returned to Honolulu on Monday by the SS Australia. Deceased leaves a widow and two sons.  (PCA, Sept 25, 1896)

“The two native societies Aloha Aina and Kalaiaina had made arrangements with undertaker EA Williams to take charge of the remains of Joseph Nawahi on their arrival on the Australia”.

“The wharf was crowded to suffocation with some three or four thousand natives who had intended to follow the hearse after the two societies.”  (Evening Bulletin, Sep 29, 1896)

“The body was carried to the undertaking parlors of HH Williams, and about noon conveyed in a hearse drawn by four bay horses to the Nawahi’s residence at Palama where the last respects were paid to the deceased patriot by his mourning compatriots.”

“Mrs Nawahi, the widow, brought her husband’s body from San Francisco to his island home and was received at the wharf by her grief-stricken sons and relatives.”

“The casket containing the remains was wrapped in a Hawaiian flag and numerous floral offerings were sent to the house during the day.”

“The remains will be sent to Hilo tomorrow afternoon by the steamer Hawaii for interment, after the services have been held at 12:30 pm at the homestead.”  (The Independent, Sep 29, 1896)

“Excitement ran high in [Hilo] when a telephone message from Purser Beckley of the Kinau, sent from Kawaihae early Wednesday morning last, announced that the body of the late Joseph Nawahi would arrive here on the steamer Hawaii, to leave Honolulu on that same day.”

“The mere fact that the arrival of the Hawaii was a matter of conjecture, due to the large amount of freight for Lahaina and other way ports, increased the excitement to a still higher pitch, so that when a telephone message was received from Mahukona Thursday afternoon that the Hawaii had reached that port, Hilo was in a perfect whirlwind.”

“From Puna, Puneo, Wainaku, Papaikou, from Onamea and other small places near Hilo, there was a steady inpouring of natives, dressed in either white or black.”

“Between 7 and 8 o’clock Friday morning, minute bells from Hilo Church announced that the Hawaii had come in sight, and a little later your reporter saw her drop anchor in Hilo bay, somewhat further toward the Puna side than usual.”

“As the Hawaii gave one long whistle, there appeared moving slowly out from Wailoa river four large double canoes manned by sturdy natives. Between each of the two were platforms for the coffin and the people who accompanied the body.”

“The head canoe was manned by natives grown old in the art of canoeing, and the top of the platform was covered with a heavy black pall.”

“As the procession of these four canoes, each with a Hawaiian flag at half mast, approached closer and closer to the steamer, the decks of the latter seemed to be all animation, and in a short time preparations were completed for putting the body off.”

“Just as the funeral canoe had reached the side and as the body was being lifted over, the steamer Hawaii, hitherto pointing directly toward Hilo, swerved around slowly and pointed to ward Waiakea, this, although being due to natural causes, striking the natives as something in the realm of the supernatural.”

“As soon as the body had been taken aboard, one lone bomb boomed out from the direction of Waiakea, and the canoe and procession of boats started away from the side of the vessel, the Hawaii swerving still further around and pointing toward Puna.”

“Long before the procession reached Waiakea, the beach near by, the jutting rocks, the bridge and every position of vantage was occupied by people, the greatest number of whom were natives.”

“The rays of the morning sun shone brightly upon the procession and upon the funeral canoe, whither all eyes were directed.”

“The appearance of this catamaran around the turn was the signal for a burst of wailing on the part of the native women, something that has never failed to strike the hearts of foreigners with a feeling of awe.”

“In a short time the funeral canoe had reached the Hilo side of Wailoa river, and the natives who had guided the corpse of Nawahi to land now stepped into the shallow water to complete their mission by lifting it off the platform and placing it upon the open funeral carriage that had been provided by the natives of Waiakea.”

“In the wagonette immediately behind the funeral carriage were Mrs. Joseph Nawahi, widow of the deceased, with Rev. Stephen L. Desha at her side, Albert and Alexander Nawahi, her two sons, Miss E. K. Nawahi, an adopted niece; Miss Simeona, another niece; Mrs. Aoe Like. Miss Anna. Mrs. Alapai and joe Kaiana.”

“When the remains had been set in Haili Church in front of the pulpit, watchers were assigned, and then came a steady inpouring of visitors to pay their last respects and bringing with them floral offerings to show their aloha for Nawahi.”

“Two o’clock Sunday afternoon found Haili Church crowded to the doors with people present to hear the services previous to burial. The front part of the old native church was a mass of flowers, in the right hand corner was a great bunch of greens of various kinds across the center of which was pinned the word ‘Aloha,’ done in marigolds.”

“Then came the sermon of Rev SL Desha in Hawaiian, abounding in richness of language and aptness of illustration, that held the attention of the audience closely.  Then came the funeral procession to the graveyard, in which nearly a thousand people took part.”

“The services at the grave in the [Homelani] cemetery were very simple, and in very short time the remains of Joseph Nawahi were laid to rest in the ground and covered with the loving floral tributes of his many friends.”

“Even after the Hawaiian patriot’s death, the political struggle against annexation only intensified. The women’s chapter of the Hui Aloha ʻĀina, founded by his wife Emma Nāwahī, circulated the Kūʻē Petitions across the islands and held numerous rallies and meetings in support of their cause.”

“One of these meetings was held at the Salvation Army hall in Hilo, one week after the Republic of Hawaiʻi ratified a treaty of annexation with the United States. … Emma Nāwahī addressed the crowd of over 300 people, saying in part:”

“‘[W]e Hawaiians… have no power unless we stand together. The United States is just; a land of liberty. The people there are the friends, the great friends of the weak.’”

“‘Let us tell them—let us show them that as they love their country and would suffer much before giving it up, so do we love our country, our Hawaiʻi, and pray that they do not take it from us… In this petition, which we offer for your signature today, you, women of Hawaiʻi, have a chance to speak your mind.’”

“An account of the meeting, along with an accompanying picture, was published in the San Francisco Call (coincidentally, the same city where Joseph passed away). During a time of political turbulence matched only by Kamehameha’s unification of the archipelago, Hilo once again proved itself to be a place of powerful political action (San Francisco Call, 1897).”  (HHF Story Map)

© 2023 Ho‘okuleana LLC

Filed Under: Prominent People Tagged With: Homelani, Hawaii, Hilo, Haili Church, Joseph Nawahi, Nawahi

August 7, 2023 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Inter-Island Hula Contest

David and Lydia Bray sought to reinsert hula into everyday public life.  A group of influential Hawaiians – a princess, a famed hula dancer, and a composer – gathered at a Honolulu home in 1919 to judge a private hula performance.

The Brays, a young Hawaiian couple who were dancers themselves, had staged this unofficial “hula trial.”  They sought to address the question, Was hula truly vulgar and vile? All we know is that girls from the ages of eight to fourteen presented their hula repertoire before the panel.

At the end of the presentation, the judges conferred and delivered a “not guilty” verdict. The hula was clean; its practitioners should not fear performing before Hawaiian and American audiences. (Imada)

For many Hawaiian women, hula presented a dream ticket out of Hawai‘i, promising fame, glamour, and middle-class status difficult for them to achieve in the plantation and service industries. Hula dancers could earn between fifty and one hundred dollars a week, compared with four to ten dollars a week in the pineapple canneries.

Talent recruiters from the US continent took advantage of the ample labor pool in the islands. Orchestra leaders, Hollywood film studios, and American nightclubs periodically scouted for dancers in Hawai‘i, where women often faced stiff competition for coveted hula contracts. (Imada)

Then, in 1938, sponsored by Hollywood’s Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM) and the Hawai‘i-based Consolidated Amusement Company, the “Inter-Island Hula Contest” sought to crown a “hula queen.”

In the “greatest hula contest ever staged in the Islands,” nearly five hundred young Hawaiian women competed for the title for more than a month, going through several rounds of competition. Each hoped to win the grand prize: a trip to Hollywood and a chance at stardom in the United States.

On almost every island, audiences followed the competition with great enthusiasm, buying tickets for preliminary rounds held at movie theaters and rooting for their favorites.

On Friday nights on O‘ahu, local people attended elimination rounds at the Hawai‘i Theater and indicated by applause their choices of finalists. (Imada)

In September 1938 five finalists from five different islands gathered in Honolulu for a “Hula-Nui Nite” (Big Hula Nite).  Finalists were Keahi Bright, Oahu; Rita Lum Ho, Maui; Dorothy K Dudoit, Molokai; Ethel Moniz, Hawaii and Kealoha Holt, Kauai.  In an overflowing theater, a board of judges crowned the contestant from Kauai, Alice Kealoha Pauole Holt, “Hula Queen.”

Holt was born on February 10, 1919 into a life of modest means with a lineage directly tied to the royal families of Hawai‘i. Her introduction to the world of movies came by way of MGM, who sponsored the event, and sent her to Hollywood to play the part of the native dancer in the movie Honolulu with Robert Young and Eleanor Powell.  (IMDb)

Holt subsequently passed her MGM screen test in Hollywood and spent three months there, touring as an “ambassador of good will” and dancing in the American stage and film productions of Honolulu.

Holt may have been MGM Studio’s only official “Hula Queen,” but she was only one of a generation of Hawaiian women who began leaving Hawai‘i in the 1930s for the US continent. (Imada)

“Hollywood knew Hawaii’s brightest and best hula dancer, Kealoha Holt, for a brief few months, before the young lady suffered pangs of homesickness and returned to the islands.” (SB, Sep 30, 1939)

American nightclubs and showrooms packaged hula as middlebrow American entertainment, and hula dancers joined circuits that routed them between Hawai‘i and Manhattan. Hula became the ticket out of Hawai‘i for many women, promising fame and glamour in the United States. (Imada)

“And now, the newest crop of hula dancers, singers and musicians are in New York .… Most of the girls, in long letters home, write of their longing for Hawaii. Some, like Kealoha Holt, just pack up and return.”

“Their jobs pay from $75 to top prices of $100 a week. They put on three shows a night, six nights a week. They usually live at the hotel where they work, or in apartments adjoining night clubs where they are featured. … They pick up pin money making recordings, if they sing; posing for advertising, teaching the hula to patrons.”

“Today, with Hawaii’s good will emissaries stationed in strategic centers such as San Francisco, New Orleans, Chicago and New York, synthetic shimmies of yesterday are giving way to real Hawaiian hulas.”

“These singing and dancing islanders who invade mainland night spots provide splendid advertising for Hawaii.  They take with them the charm and grace of an island paradise where two thirds of America longs to visit. They are fresh and blood representatives of a South Seas island lure of which escapists dream.”  (MacDonald, SB, Sep 30, 1939)

© 2023 Ho‘okuleana LLC

Filed Under: Economy, General, Hawaiian Traditions, Prominent People Tagged With: Hawaii, Hilo, Hula, Consolidated Amusement, Inter-Island Hula Contest, MGM, Alice Holt, Hula Queen

August 6, 2023 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Hilo Fire Department

When arguing against a legislative budget appropriation for fire equipment for Hilo, a representative rationalized that, “it never got dry enough in Hilo for a fire.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, Oct 18, 1890)

However, others saw that “Hilo needs a hook and ladder company at once”. (Hawaiian Gazette. Jan 17, 1888) “… but since then no one seems to feel any interest in the matter.  Insurance must be higher here than it would otherwise be, as there is no protection against fire.” (PCA, Nov 29, 1888)

During the 1890 legislative session, Rep. Nawahi moved to insert $5,000 “to provide fire apparatus for Hilo” into the budget.  “Rep Brown said $5,000 wouldn’t build the house for the engine let alone buy the engine.  A good engine costs from $10,000 to $15,000.”

“The only way to have a fire department is to organize it, and to do that you must pass an Act.  Therefore instead of putting this in the Appropriation Bill it had better go to a select committee.”  They were told, “Without a law authorizing the organization of a fire department nothing can be done.”

“Rep Lucas stood out numerous calls of ‘question,’ and said that $4,000 or $5,000 would be enough.  A very good hand machine could be got for $2,000 to $3,000. The Item passed.”  (PCA, Aug 2, 1890)

On January 9, 1893 Lili‘uokalani approved an act that, “There shall be a Fire Department for the town of Hilo, on the Island of Hawaii, which shall consist of a Chief Engineer, not over two assistants, and as many firemen as may be approved by the Board of Representatives of the Department duly chosen as by its by-laws”.

“Any person may be a member of the Fire Department of Hilo by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of any fire company to which such person shall have applied, provided always, that such person shall not be a vagrant or disorderly person, and shall not have been convicted of any felony which shall not have been pardoned.” (Evening Bulletin, Jan 26, 1893)

On July 27, 1893, “The first election for chief engineer of the Hilo fire department … was held in the court-house … Daniel Porter, Clerk of the third and fourth circuit court, was elected chief for two years and A Wall assistant engineer for the same period.”

“Now that the organization is complete, and the Hilo fire department an accomplished fact, it is expected that the property-owners about the town will take more interest it its welfare and assist the fire company by making donations to its building fund. And by joining the Provisional government to enlarge and improve our water works system.”

“A movement is on foot to establish a hose company among the native Hawaiians, and a meeting was held at the court house, August 1st, to effect arrangements of the organization.” (Hawaiian Gazette, August 15, 1893)

Although initially volunteer firefighters, “Members of the Fire Department who shall have been in the active performance of their duties for at least a year … shall be exempt for the payment of poll, school and road tax in each year.” (Evening Bulletin, Jan 26, 1893)

Later that year, Andrew Brown, chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners in Honolulu, purchased the bell “which has so long occupied a position in the Bell Tower [of the Mechanic’s Engineer Company No. 2]; and after having it cleaned and its fittings painted … present[ed] it to the Hilo Fire Department.” (Hawaiian Star, Sep 4, 1893)

By 1899, “Chief Engineer Vannatta has had but little actual fire-fighting to engage in but he keeps the department ‘up to date’ in drill and discipline.” (Godfrey)

Steam Fire Engine Co., No. 1 was the first fire station and was located at the corner of Waianuenue Avenue and Kekaulike Street.  A steamer and hose wagon were located in the new station.

“Wood was used to fire the boiler, which produced steam to run the fire pump. By 1910 the Hilo Volunteer Fire Department had 60 members and responded to 11 fire calls that year. Additional equipment in service included a chemical wagon mounted on a car and a second car was used to tow the steam engine.”

“During 1919 the first motorized apparatus, a 750 gpm Seagraves engine was placed in service. The first career firefighters were hired in 1924 and included William Todd the first paid chief, an assistant chief, drivers, and hosemen; seven personnel total.”

“The career service was supplemented by volunteers, which continue in service today. In 1927 the second motorized apparatus was purchased, which was a 1,000 gpm Seagraves.”

“During 1931, 12 additional personnel were hired, and in 1937 a third engine was placed in service. Emergency medical service (EMS) was added to the department in 1972 with the first two firefighters trained as emergency medical technicians (EMTs).” (Robert A Burke)

© 2023 Ho‘okuleana LLC

Filed Under: General, Buildings, Economy Tagged With: Hawaii, Hilo, Fire, Hilo Fire Department

March 8, 2023 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Naha Stone

The legend of King Arthur (Le Morte Darthur, Middle French for “the Death of Arthur” (published in 1485)) speaks of King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot and the Knights of the Round Table (and foresees “Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone is the rightwise born king of all England.”)

Many tried; many failed.

Legendary Arthur later became the king of England when he removes the fated sword from the stone. Legendary Arthur goes on to win many battles due to his military prowess and Merlin’s counsel; he then consolidates his kingdom.  (The historical basis for the King Arthur legend has long been debated by scholars.)

In Hawaiʻi, a couple legends and prophecies relate to a stone, Naha Pōhaku (the Naha Stone.)

Its weight is estimated to be two and one-half tons (5,000-pounds.)  The stone was originally located in the Wailua River, Kauai; it was brought to Hilo by chief Makaliʻinuikualawaiea on his double canoe and placed in front of Pinao Heiau.  (NPS)

The stone was reportedly endowed with great powers and had the peculiar property of being able to determine the legitimacy of all who claimed to be of the royal blood of the Naha rank (the product of half-blood sibling unions.)

As soon as a boy of Naha stock was born, he was brought to the Naha Stone and was laid upon it – one faint cry would bring him shame.  However, if the infant had the virtue of silence, he would be declared by the kahuna to be of true Naha descent, a royal prince by right and destined to become a brave and fearless soldier and a leader of his fellow men.  (NPS)

In another instance, Kamehameha traveled from Kohala to Hilo with Kalaniwahine a prophetess, who advised him that there was a deed he must do.  Although not of Naha lineage, Kamehameha came to conquer the Naha Stone.

Kalaniwahine proclaimed that if he succeeded in moving Naha Pōhaku, that he would move the whole group of Islands. If he changed the foundations of Naha Pōhaku from its resting place, he would conquer the whole group and he would prosper and his people would prosper.

Kamehameha said, “He Naha oe, a he Naha hoi kou mea e neeu ai. He Niau-pio hoi wau, ao ka Niau-pio hoi o ka Wao.” (”You are a Naha, and it will be a Naha who will move you. I am a Niaupio, the Niaupio of the Forest.”)

With these words did Kamehameha put his shoulders up to the Naha Stone, and flipped it over, being this was a stone that could not be moved by five men.  (Hoku o Hawaiʻi, November 1, 1927)

When Kamehameha gripped the stone and leaned over it, he leaned, great strength came into him, and he struggled yet more fiercely, so that the blood burst from his eyes and from the tips of his fingers, and the earth trembled with the might of his struggling, so that they who stood by believed that an earthquake came to his assistance.  (NPS)

The stone moved and he raised it on its side.

And, the rest of the history of the Islands has been pretty clear about the fulfillment of the prophecy and unification of the Islands under Kamehameha.

The Naha Stone is in front of Hilo Public Library at 300 Waiānuenue Avenue between Ululani and Kapiʻolani Street (the larger of the two stones there.)

The upright stone sitting to the makai side of the Naha Stone is associated with the Pinao Heiau, one of several that once stood in Hilo. Some of the stones that built the first Saint Joseph church and other early stone buildings in town likely came from Pinao heiau.  (Zane)

© 2023 Hoʻokuleana LLC

Filed Under: Ali'i / Chiefs / Governance, Hawaiian Traditions Tagged With: Hawaii, Hawaii Island, Hilo, Kamehameha, Pinao Heiau, Naha Stone

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