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June 9, 2018 by Peter T Young 2 Comments

Together Forever

“In her Boston-style, two-story house by the sea, Kaahumanu lay in her large bed, daily growing weaker. Realizing that the end was near, she asked to be taken to Pukaomaomao, her mountain home far up in Manoa Valley.”

“While eager to grant her every wish, Dr. Judd doubted the wisdom of moving her from bed in her feeble condition. Then her devoted Hawaiian retainers offered to carry the bed, with her in it, over the long trail up the Valley. Dr. Judd consented.”

“Forthwith the attendants set about to make the journey as comfortable as possible. Over her bed they built a canopy of woven palm fronds to shield her from the direct rays of the sun. For sake of the woodland goddess Laka, they trimmed the canopy with bright hibiscus flowers and over the sides hung garlands of fragrant maile and golden ilima.”

“Carefully, and ever so tenderly, the bearers lifted the heavy bed with its heavy occupant upon their broad shoulders and carried their beloved queen forth into her Valley of Rainbows. Slowly the procession moved up the Valley.”

“Kaahumanu grew weaker. Mr. Bingham said that her knowledge of approaching death left her without perturbation. The Hawaiians in attendance felt that she had lost the will to live.”

“Members of the alii surrounded the couch; Mr. Bingham knelt by the side. ‘Perceiving herself to be dying she called to me; and as I took her cold hand in mine she inquired, ‘Is it Bingham?’ I replied, ‘It is I.’ She then turned her languid and friendly eyes upon me and said, ‘I am going now … where the mansions are ready.’’”

“Closing her eyes Kaahumanu appeared to sleep. Throughout the night the sorrowing group held vigil around the death-couch. And just before dawn of June 5 (1832), the great soul of Kaahumanu departed.”

“With realization that she was gone came a burst of bitter wailing from the Hawaiians inside the room. … The wailing increased in volume and intensity until Mr. Bingham and Kuakini appeared in the doorway of the house and signaled for silence. ‘The almost immediate stillness that prevailed seemed magical and mysterious,’ wrote Mrs. Judd.”

“The funeral service was read by Mr. Bingham. Then to ‘the slow and solemn tolling of the bell’ the body was carried to the mausoleum which held the caskets of King Liholiho and his consort Kamamalu.”

“In silence they watched the foreign casket placed in a foreign tomb. And even in the company of Liholiho and Kamamalu it seemed to them that Kaahumanu was still alone.”

“For in a secret cavern, somewhere on the Kona coast, wrapped in tapa, and lying in a basket woven of wild mountain vines, reposed the bones of the Lonely Warrior, Kamehameha the Great, the true love of Kaahumanu, the Magnificent Matriarch.”

“It was nearing midnight. The kukui torches before the royal mausoleum in the palace grounds had burned out. Gone was the last mourner of the thousands who, during the past two weeks, had sobbed their aloha ino at the sepulcher of their alii. Only the royal guard of honor remained. Over the silent village of Honolulu brooded the moonless night.”

“Stealthily, out of the darkness appeared a group of eight men led by Governor Kuakini. Six of the men carried sandfilled bags; the seventh, a large surf-board; the eighth, a fresh banana stalk. They moved silently into the tomb.”

“Exactly at the sacred hour of midnight Governor Kuakini reappeared in the doorway. Pausing a moment, he started walking toward the beach. Close behind him came the eight men. Upon their powerful shoulders they bore the surfboard upon which lay a large tapa-covered bundle.”

“Silently, and with carefully broken step, they made their cautious way to a secluded beach area near Kewalo, eastward of
Honolulu harbor.”

“There, gathered in silence, waited a small group of old Hawaiians, men and women. In the gentle surf lay a double canoe steadied by the crew standing waist-deep. Dimly visible offshore beyond the reef was the ship in which Kuakini had come to Honolulu from the island of Hawaii.”

“To the water’s edge and onto the deck between the hulls of the double canoe stepped Kuakini. The eight men, standing alongside, gently lifted aboard their burden, the surfboard and its tapa-covered bundle. The deep hush of night was broken only by the sound of waves lapping softly against the shore.”

“The canoe merged with the darkness, became remote, mysterious. Only the sound of paddles drifted back on the gentle night breeze. Fainter.”

“Now there was only the sound of the mourners’ own muffled sobs and the muted threnody of their Sorrow. Tear-filled eyes watched the phantom shape of the big canoe blend with the dim bulk of the waiting ship. Then both disappeared in the blackness of a night lit only by the gleaming stars of Kane.”

Reportedly, Kuakini, with the help of Hoapili and Ho‘olulu (who had previously hidden the bones of Kamehameha) took the bones of Kaahumanu, the favorite wife of Kamehameha, so she would be with Kamehameha forever. (All here is from Mellen.)

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Together Forever-Kamehameha-Kaahumanu
Together Forever-Kamehameha-Kaahumanu

Filed Under: Ali'i / Chiefs / Governance Tagged With: Hawaii, Kuakini, Kaahumanu, Queen Kaahumanu, Hoapili, Hoolulu, Hiram Bingham, Kamehameha

June 8, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Ka‘ahumanu Funeral

“Retaining her reason apparently to the last, as she descended into the dark valley, she sent back to us intelligible signals, to show us where her soul was resting and looking for aid.”

“A little before the power of utterance failed, she ejaculated meekly the language of the penitent, confiding soul, giving itself to Christ, as found in two lines of a Hawaiian hymn, which she valued …”

“… and which, with their context, indicated the humble, penitent, and believing posture of her soul, as she was about to present herself before him at the threshold of his heavenly temple. The fifth and sixth lines of what I here translate were audible:”

‘Now will I go to Jesus,
My Lord who pitied me,
And at his feet lie prostrate,
For there I cannot die;
Lo, here am I, O Jesus,
Grant me thy gracious smile:
But if, for sin, I perish,
Thy law is righteous still.’

“Perceiving herself to be dying, she called me; and as I took her cold hand in mine, she inquired, ‘Is this Bingham?’ I replied, ‘It is I.’ She turned her languid and friendly eyes upon me for the last time, and said, ‘I am going now.’”

“Her brother and sister, Adams and Hoapili-wahine, her husband’s children, Kīna‘u, Kauikeaouli, and Nāhi‘ena‘ena; her niece, Kekāuluohi, several members of the mission families, and others, looked and listened with intense interest as the dignified sufferer manifestly felt the cold waters of Jordan. “

“Giving her our Aloha, I bade her ‘Farewell – go in peace – lean on Jesus, and dwell with him forever.’”

“Breathing more and more faintly for ten or fifteen minutes, this ruling mother of the reformed nation fell asleep, no more to be affected by the applause or reproach of human breath. She died just before the dawn, June 5th, 1832.”

“As she rested from her labors, her relatives and attached attendants wept tenderly over their much loved friend, whose going in and out among them had now for ever ceased, and united in prayer to the Christian’s God; and when the morning rose, conveyed her body to her house at Honolulu.”

“Many attended, weeping. The nation felt the shock. None, perhaps, felt it more deeply than the missionaries, whose firmest helper had left them in the midst of their struggle, and who were overwhelmed at the thought that there was not a mortal on earth, who could then fill her place as a leader of her people.”

“At their convention, they immediately adopted the following minute: ‘Whereas God in his mysterious and holy-providence has seen fit to visit this nation by a deeply afflictive stroke, which has removed by death the Queen Regent, Elisabeth Kaahumanu …”

“… a distinguished reformer of her nation, a kind friend, and benefactress of the missionaries, a firm supporter of their cause, and faithful comforter of the brethren, and of the infant churches in these isles …”

“… in whom much confidence has been deservedly placed by the commercial, political, and Christian world, but especially by the people and missionaries of the Sandwich Islands:”

“Resolved, That the business of the general meeting be suspended till after her interment, that we may unitedly pay to her the last sad honors due to her remains, and that a funeral sermon be preached at each of the stations, as a tribute to her worth …”

“… and as a means of consolation to the afflicted people, and of furthering the cause of piety and national improvement, which was so dear to her heart from her conversion to her dying hour.’”

“Preparations being made, while the lamentations of the people were continued, a great concourse assembled in the afternoon of the 8th of June to attend her funeral.”

“Her remains, carefully enclosed in an appropriate coffin, covered with crimson velvet, and attended by a long procession of the relatives of the deceased, and other chiefs, residents, strangers, missionaries, members of churches, and others of the people …”

“… were conveyed from her house to the church that had been built under her auspices, and where she had dropped the tear of gratitude, penitence and joy, in the presence of the great congregation, when the Gospel of the dying and exalted Savior, whom she loved, had been proclaimed to her and her beloved people.”

“Some desired to hear the strains of martial music, but the king said his mother did not desire such things, and the missionaries preferred to move in silence.” (Hiram Bingham)

“The mournful exclamation repeated from mouth to mouth ‘Ua make Kaahumanu,’ Ka‘ahumanu is dead, had touched the hearts of all in Honolulu. Minute guns were discharged from the fort, and from vessels at anchor in the bay. On every flag-staff the colors were at half-mast.”

“All the natives expressed by some symbol of mourning their respect and affection for their deceased queen. By twelve o’clock, nine or ten thousand people had collected to pay the rites of burial.”

“The funeral procession moved with measured steps and with muffled drums from the late residence of Kaahumanu to the chapel. Several hundred native soldiers, dressed in becoming uniform, were present, and divided to the right and left …”

“… while, through the midst the coffin was borne by six pall-bearers, and was followed by near relatives, the missionaries, the English and American consuls, and a large portion of the natives and resident foreigners.”

“The discourse was preached by the Rev. Mr. Bingham, who, having been the religious counsellor of the late queen, was peculiarly qualified faithfully and feelingly to portray her character.”

“Tears coursed down his face as he described Kaahumanu’s renunciation of idolatry, her interest in the progress of knowledge and piety, her last illness and death. The whole assembly also wept, for Kaahumanu was respected and beloved by all.”

“The services being concluded, the procession moved from the chapel to the place where lie buried the deceased sovereigns, and where, also, were laid the remains of this island queen, to await the bright dawn of an endless day.” (Dix)

“The slow and solemn tolling of the bell struck on the pained ear as it had never done before In the Sandwich Islands. In other bereavements, after the Gospel took effect, we had not only had the care and promise of our heavenly Father, but a queen-mother remaining, whose force, integrity, and kindness, could be relied on still.”

“But words can but feebly express the emotions that struggled in the bosoms of some who counted themselves mourners in these solemn hours; while memory glanced back through her most singular history, and faith followed her course onward, far into the future.” (Hiram Bingham)

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Kaahumanu-(HerbKane)
Kaahumanu-(HerbKane)

Filed Under: Ali'i / Chiefs / Governance, Missionaries / Churches / Religious Buildings, Prominent People Tagged With: Hawaii, Kaahumanu, Queen Kaahumanu, Hiram Bingham

May 12, 2018 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Death of Kekaulike

Maui’s King Kekaulike descended from Pi‘ilani (‘ascent to heaven’). The kings of Maui consolidated their strength, built up their armies and created a nation strong enough to threaten at times even the might of the powerful kings of Hawai‘i.

King Kekaulike and his children built an empire that enjoyed levels of power and prestige greater than any other royal family up until that point.

“Tradition speaks of Kekaulike’s return to Maui after a raid in Kohala, Hawaii, and while in Mokulau, Kaupo, Maui, Kekaulike was preparing for another raid on Waipio and Hāmākua.”

“He was suddenly stricken with fits or huki. Thus was derived the name of the High Chiefess Kamakahukilani. Kahunas or doctors were summoned to attend the sick King. In consultation they decided he could not be cured.”

“On the King learning his case was hopeless he summoned the High Chiefs, Ministers of State, and Counsellors to his presence, and declared his son Kamehamehanui (uncle to Kamehameha I) to be his successor.”

“The latter, a Prince of the royal house of Maui through his father Kekaulike, and also of the royal house of Hawaii through his mother Kekuiapoiwanui, the daughter of Keaweikekahialiiokamoku, King of Hawaii, and the tabued Queen Kalanikauleleiaiwi.”

“After this declaration, word was brought to the King that Alapainui was in Kohala, Hawaii, preparing to come to war with Maui.
When Kekaulike heard this, he immediately ordered his fleet of war canoes ‘Keakamilo’ and set sail for Wailuku. His wives, his children, high chiefs, ministers of state and counsellors accompanied him.”

“Others of his retinue traveled overland to a place called Kapaahu, where the King’s canoes landed at the cave of Aihakoko in Kula.”

“The chiefs then prepared a manele or palanquin to carry the sick King overland and at a place called Kalekii the King expired, which happened in 1736.”

“The High Chiefs being in fear of Alapainui coming to do battle with them, immediately performed the sacred ceremonies of Waimaihoehoe due their sovereign and decided to take the royal remains to ‘lao.”

“They again embarked, landing at Kapoli in Ma‘alaea, thence to Pu‘uhele, along the route relays of high chiefs bearing the remains of their beloved sovereign to Kihahale …”

“… at Ahuwahine they rested, thence to Loiloa, where the royal remains were placed in Kapela Kapu o Kakae, the sacred sepulchre of the sovereigns and the blue blood of Maui’s nobility. (Lucy Kalanikiekie Henriques)

“‘lao is the famous secret cave of (the island of) Maui. It is at Olopio close to the side of the burial place of Kaka’e and Kalahiki (‘Kalakahi’ in original).”

“The main entrance is said to be under water, the second opening on a steep precipice on the left [hema] side. This was the famous cave in the old days.”

“There were (laid) all the ruling chiefs who had mana and strength, and the kupua, and all those attached to the ruling chiefs who were famous for their marvelous achievements.”

“There were several hundred in all who were buried there. The first of all the well-known chiefs to enter the famous cave of ‘lao was Kapawa, a famous chief of Waialua, O‘ahu, and the last was Kalanikuikahonoikamoku (The-chief-standing-on-the-peak-of-the-island).”

“In the year 1736 the last of them died and no one now alive knows (the entrance to) the secret cave of lao.” (Kamakau; Tengan)

In the late-1780s, into 1790, Kamehameha I conquered the Island of Hawai‘i and was pursuing conquest of Maui and eventually sought conquer the rest of the archipelago.

In the early-1790s, Maui’s King Kahekili (son of Kekaulike) and his eldest son and heir-apparent, Kalanikūpule, were carrying on war and conquered Kahahana, ruler of O‘ahu.

By the time Kamehameha the Great set about unifying the Hawaiian Islands, members of the Kekaulike Dynasty were already ruling Maui, Molokai, Lāna‘i , O‘ahu, Kauai and Ni‘ihau.

In 1790, Kamehameha travelled to Maui. Hearing this, Kahekili sent Kalanikūpule back to Maui with a number of chiefs (Kahekili remained on O‘ahu to maintain order of his newly conquered kingdom.)

Kekaulike’s son, Kamehamehanui lost Hana, which was isolated from the rest of Maui.

Kamehameha then landed at Kahului and marched on to Wailuku, where Kalanikūpule waited for him. This led to the famous battle ‘Kepaniwai’ (the damming of the waters) in ‘Iao Valley (which Kamehameha decisively won.)

Maui Island was conquered by Kamehameha and Maui’s fighting force was destroyed – Kalanikūpule and some other chiefs escaped and made their way to O‘ahu (to later face Kamehameha, again; this time in the Battle of Nu‘uanu in 1795.)

There the war apparently ends with some of Kalanikūpule’s warriors pushed/jumping off the Pali. When the Pali Highway was being built, excavators counted approximately 800-skulls, believed to be the remains of the warriors who were defeated by Kamehameha.

The Kekaulike Dynasty was a powerful line that ruled multiple islands. Although they lost to Kamehameha, it should also be remembered that Kamehameha’s own mother, the Chiefess Keku‘iapoiwa II, was a Maui chiefess, and the Kekaulike lineage continued through the leadership of the future leaders of Hawai‘i.

Kamehameha’s wives of rank were chiefesses of Maui. These were Keōpūolani, Ka‘ahumanu, Kalākua-Kaneiheimālie and Peleuli. Keōpūolani, granddaughter of Kekaulike, was the mother of the Kamehameha II and Kamehameha III.

Others from this Maui lineage include King Kaumuali‘i (of Kauai,) Abner Pākī (father of Bernice Pauahi Bishop,) Kuakini, Keʻeaumoku II and Kalanimōkū. (Art by Brook Parker.)

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Kekaulike-Brook Parker
Kekaulike-Brook Parker
Maui Nui
Maui Nui
Kaahumanu-(HerbKane)
Kaahumanu-(HerbKane)
'John Adams' Kuakini, royal governor or the island of Hawai'i, circa 1823
‘John Adams’ Kuakini, royal governor or the island of Hawai’i, circa 1823
George Cox Kahekili Keʻeaumoku II (1784–1824) served as a military leader, and then became a convert to Christianity and Royal Governor of Maui
George Cox Kahekili Keʻeaumoku II (1784–1824) served as a military leader, and then became a convert to Christianity and Royal Governor of Maui
Abner Pākī (c. 1808–1855) was a member of Hawaiian nobility. He was a legislator and judge, and the father of Bernice Pauahi Bishop-1855
Abner Pākī (c. 1808–1855) was a member of Hawaiian nobility. He was a legislator and judge, and the father of Bernice Pauahi Bishop-1855
William Pitt Kalanimoku (c. 1768–1827) was a High Chief who functioned similar to a prime minister of the Hawaiian Kingdom
William Pitt Kalanimoku (c. 1768–1827) was a High Chief who functioned similar to a prime minister of the Hawaiian Kingdom
Mahiole_of_Kaumualii,_1899- Kaumualiʻi (c. 1778 – May 26, 1824) was the last independent Aliʻi Aimoku (King of the islands) of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau
Mahiole_of_Kaumualii,_1899- Kaumualiʻi (c. 1778 – May 26, 1824) was the last independent Aliʻi Aimoku (King of the islands) of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau
Lydia Namahana Piʻia (c. 1787–1829) was one of the Queen consorts at the founding of the Kingdom of Hawaii. She was sister of Queen Kaahumanu
Lydia Namahana Piʻia (c. 1787–1829) was one of the Queen consorts at the founding of the Kingdom of Hawaii. She was sister of Queen Kaahumanu
King_Kahekili_Approaching_Discovery_off_Maui-(HerbKane)
King_Kahekili_Approaching_Discovery_off_Maui-(HerbKane)

Filed Under: Ali'i / Chiefs / Governance Tagged With: Hawaii, Kahekili, Kuakini, Piia, Maui, Maui Nui, Kaahumanu, Kalanimoku, Keopuolani, Paki, Kamehamehanui, Kekaulike, Kalakua, Kalanikupule

May 8, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

A Side of Kamehameha

“By immortalizing Kamehameha to mythical proportions we have also idealized his standards of leadership and conduct, his pono, as the measure of leadership in the Native Hawaiian community …”

“Unlike aliʻi before him, Kamehameha forges a new way of governance that might meet the challenges enabling his people to survive in a greater world, but one based in continuity with traditions”.

“The success of that formulation has challenges each generation since his time to uphold or surpass it, until there comes another who will remake it in a way never done before, Until that time his pono endures.” (Chun)

“This idealization, and now myth, of Kamehameha is still very pervasive and may take on further epic and popular proportions”. (Chun)

“However, it would be clear to anyone who thought about it that Kamehameha was only human, and it is not hard, if we look a bit closer at the accounts of his life, to discover his frailties and faults. One of the younger wives of Kamehameha (Kalākua) informed Hiram Bingham of his abusive nature.” (Chun)

“Kalākua, the late governess of Maui, who gave me much of Kamehameha’s domestic history, says of him, ‘He kanaka pepehi no ia; aole mea e ana ai kona inaina. He was a man of violence, – nothing would pacify his wrath.’”

“She said she was once beaten by him, with a stone, upon her head, till she bled profusely, when in circumstances demanding his kindest indulgence and care, as a husband.”

Bingham later noted, “His admirers speak freely of a peculiar edict which he put forth, and which gives a striking view of the state of society, that if any man should have illicit intercourse with Kaʻahumanu, however high his rank might be, he should be put to death.”

“But the severe and bloody penalty, the pointed specification, the jealousy, watchfulness, and partial love of the king, and the queen’s love of influence, power, and reputation, and her attachment to her husband, all proved ineffectual as a safeguard, without moral principle or the fear of God.” (Bingham)

“Kaʻahumanu was a woman of the chiefly stature and of celebrated beauty … her husband (Kamehameha) cherished her exceedingly. He had the indelicacy to frame and publish an especial law declaring death against the man who should approach her, and yet no penalty against herself.”

“And in 1809, after thirty-four years of marriage, and when she must have been nearing fifty … Kanihonui, was found to be her lover, and paid the penalty of life”. (Stevenson)

Kanihonui was a handsome 19-year old. Reportedly, Kaʻahumanu had seduced the boy while she was intoxicated; in addition, the boy was the son of Kamehameha’s half-sister – and, Kamehameha and Kaʻahumanu raised him.

“Naihe and other chiefs who feared their sovereign’s frown, and knew not how soon they might feel its force, at his command, put their hands to the work of strangling Kanihonui, one of their compeers, who was alleged to have exposed himself to the action of that despotic edict.” (Bingham)

Kanihonui was put to death at Papaʻenaʻena Heiau on Leʻahi (Diamond Head) for committing adultery with Kaʻahumanu.

“Kamehameha used a similar strategy of imposing fear upon a population during his war campaigns. It was this fear held by the commoners of the raiding parties of Kamehameha that led to his near death in Puna at the hands of the fishermen there.” (Chun)

Kamakau notes, “… Kamehameha and Ka-hakuʻi paddled to Papaʻi and on to Keaʻau in Puna where some men and women were fishing, and a little child sat on the back of one of the men.”

“Seeing them about to go away, Kamehameha leaped from his canoe intending to catch and kill the men, but they all escaped with the women except two men who stayed to protect the man with the child. During the struggle Kamehameha caught his foot in a crevice of the rock and was stuck fast; and the fishermen beat him over the head with a paddle.”

“Had it not been that one of the men was hampered with the child and their ignorance that this was Kamehameha with whom they were struggling, Kamehameha would have been killed that day. This quarrel was named Ka-lele-iki, and from the striking of Kamehameha’s head with a paddle came the law of Mamala-hoe (Broken paddle) for Kamehameha.” (Kamakau)

“An English resident, who enjoyed his confidence as fully and long as any foreigner, says, he has seen (Kamehameha) beat Kaahumanu with severity for the simple offence of speaking of a young man as ‘handsome.’”

“Captain Douglass speaks of his violent temper and rashness, judging that ‘those about him feared rather than loved him;’ and says, ‘Conceiving himself affronted, one day, by the chiefs who were on board, he kicked them all by turns, without mercy, and without resistance.’”

“His energy, ambition, and success, which gained admirers among natives and strangers; his liberal attention to public vessels, after the establishment of his power …”

“… his readiness to meet the views of foreigners in the pursuit of mercantile gains and low pleasures, under his protection, secured for him a higher reputation than his conduct and disposition would justify, when tried by the laws of morality.”

“When multitudes in the nation who regarded him as an invader, tyrant, and oppressor, had perished before him, it was natural that those who escaped death, and were afterwards protected, should learn to respect and obey him …”

“… and that those whom he led to victory and to enlarged possessions, should highly honor him as a good chief, compared with predecessors and contemporaries, though there was much to be censured in his temper, his principles and his policy.” (Bingham) Kamehameha died May 8, 1819.

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Young_King_Kamehameha-(HerbKane)
Young_King_Kamehameha-(HerbKane)

Filed Under: Ali'i / Chiefs / Governance Tagged With: Hawaii, Kaahumanu, Kalakua, Kamehameha, Kanihonui

March 15, 2018 by Peter T Young 2 Comments

Ka‘uiki

O Ka‘uiki, mauna ki‘eki‘e,
Huki a‘e la a pa i ka lani
He po‘ohiwi no kai halulu. …

Ka‘uiki, mountain famous in story,
Stretching upward to touch the heavens,
A shoulder for the buffeting sea. … (Beckwith)

“Ka‘uiki is beloved, Afloat on the sea like a bird!” Hana is called ‘a land beloved of chiefs because of the fortress of Ka‘uiki and the ease of living in that place.’ (Beckwith)

The Polynesian name of the moon, Mahina, is derived from Hina, the goddess mother of Maui. The Hawaiians say that Hina and her maidens pounded out the softest, finest kapa cloth on the long, thick kapa board at the foot of Ka‘uiki. (Westervelt)

“Mythical names are attached to the dwellers on Ka‘uiki in ancient days. On the summit may be seen the rock placed by Aiai as an outlook for schools of fish entering the bay.”

“Here Maui stood to push the sky higher because it lay so near the earth at Ka‘uiki. Here lived Hina-hana-ia-ka-malama, she who worked at tapa making in the moon, and her husband, father of Puna and Hema on the Ulu line of chiefs.” (Beckwith)

“Ka‘uiki is not a grand hill to look at. In its outline or profile it resembles a moi’s (fish) head diving in the ocean. On its north-east is the dark cliff of Mapuwena, and at its base is the slippery sand of Kapueokahi by the ship’s harbour, and the surf of Keanini.”

“To the east of Paliuli is a sort of deep round cave wherein the famous chiefess, Kaahumanu, was hidden during the battle engagements of Kalaiopuu and Kahekili in East Maui in 1775 and 1778.”

“There did Ka‘ahumanu lead Mr. Wm. Richards in 1830, and showed him her place of concealment, and the spot at Mapuwena where she was born. Down at its front, and within the cave at the base of Ka‘uiki, lies the famous eel of Laumeki, which causes the top to tremble.”

“A certain blow-hole is at its front that is sounded by the reef-wind of Mokuhano. Its principal outlet of sound was closed up entirely with kauila spears, the strange work of a certain chief named Kalaikini. (Those spears have so remained to this day.) Over two hundred years have passed since then.”

“At the south flourishes a coco-nut grove (whence the saying: “The coco-nuts of Kane are not reached by you”) and the dark cliff of Kaihalulu.”

“On the western and northern sides spreads the flat land devoted to Hana’s cane cultivation. Close to the base of the hill is the ancient land division of chiefs, called Kuakaha, with the temples of Honuaula and Kuawalu. There was the bake-oven for slain warriors taken captive by Kahekili at the hill of Ka‘uika in 1782.”

“Just above the water of Punahoa is the foundation of Kawalakii. Near the crown of the hill there is the ladder of the hill of Lanakila (victory) of the ohia of Kealakomo, which was closed in the contest of that period.”

“At the summit of the hill looking eastward is ever-green Hawaii; on the south side of Makokiloia is Makopalena, and on the north-east of Mapuwena, in the centre, is the foundation of Wananaiku. Viewing Kauiki from Hawaii, Kaihuakala lies to the front; inland is Puuokahaula, while seaward is Alau like a sheltering island.”

“In such is its dignity and claim to admiration, like a bird soaring upward; a cape for the noio sea-bird of Mokuhano, as if scarified for the bosun birds of Kaihalulu and Kapueokahi. There a certain chief thrust his spear in the heavens for Hana’s fame, as ‘Hāna of low heavenly rain.” (Thrum)

“Ka‘ahumanu was born about the year 1773, at the foot of the hill Ka‘uiki, on the eastern shore of Maui. Her father was Ke‘eaumoku, subsequently a distinguished warrior and counsellor of the late conqueror.”

“Her mother was Nāmāhāna, the relict and sister of Kamehamehanui, and who, as his wife, and as the daughter of King Kekaulike, had been Queen of Maui.”

“Kamehamehanui was the son and successor of Kekaulike, and the brother of Kahekili who governed Maui, as late as 1793, and of Ka‘eo, the father of Kaumuali‘i, who, both father and son, were successive kings of Kauai and Ni‘ihau.” (Bingham)

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Hana, Maui from the bluffs-(HSA)-PPWD-10-13-008-1891
Hana, Maui from the bluffs-(HSA)-PPWD-10-13-008-1891
Kauiki_na-Lighthouse Friends
Kauiki_na-Lighthouse Friends
Kauiki Head, Hana Bay and Hana Town, east Maui, HI
Kauiki Head, Hana Bay and Hana Town, east Maui, HI
Kauiki-Marinas-com
Kauiki-Marinas-com
kauikihead-Lighthouse Friends
kauikihead-Lighthouse Friends
hanabaysunrise-luanaspa
hanabaysunrise-luanaspa

Filed Under: Place Names Tagged With: Kaahumanu, Hana, Kauiki, Hawaii, Maui

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