Fornander collection of Hawaiian antiquities and folk-lore, Volume 1 (of 3) : $b The Hawaiians' account of the formation of their islands and origin of their race, with the traditions of their migrations, etc., as gathered from original sources
History
Fornander collection of Hawaiian antiquities and folk-lore, Volume 1 (of 3) : $b The Hawaiians' account of the formation of their islands and origin of their race, with the traditions of their migrations, etc., as gathered from original sources
Folklore -- Hawaii; Hawaii -- Social life and customs; Hawaiian language -- Texts; Legends -- Hawaii
After these instructions, they remained where they were until they
heard the beating of the drum. Late that evening, after the sun had
set, they approached the door of the mua and Kila went in and hid
himself where Kuhelepolani had instructed him. As soon as he entered
the mua, Kuhelepolani rose and walked away from the mua, as it was the
law that women should keep away from such places. Women were forbidden
to be near the kapu houses. Not very long after Kila had entered the
mua, Laamaikahiki came in and went and stood near the drum, where he
remained awaiting for the arrival of the priests before the prayer was
to be recited. Shortly after this the priests who were to join in the
recital of the prayer with the chief entered. As soon as the priests
entered, one of them offered a prayer, at the close of which they made
their preparation for the recital.
At this moment Kila came forth calling out: “My greetings to you,
Laamaikahiki.”
Laamaikahiki. “Who are you?” “I am Kila of the uplands, Kila of the
lowlands, Kila-pa-Wahineikamalanai. I am the offspring of Moikeha.”
Laamaikahiki. “Is Moikeha then still living?” “He is still living.”
Laamaikahiki. “What is he doing?” “He is indulging in ease in Kauai
where the sun rises and sets; where the surf of Makaiwa curves and
bends: where the kukui blossoms of Puna change; where the waters of
Wailua stretch out. He will live and die in Kauai.”
Because of the answers given by Kila, Laamaikahiki again asked: “What
is the purpose of this journey that has brought you here?” Kila
replied: “I have been sent by our father to come and take you to him as
he is very anxious to see all his children together. The journey was
taken under his orders. Upon my arrival here I was unable to find you;
but just as I was about to give up the search and had ordered my men to
get things ready for our return, an old woman came to me and advised me
how to find you.”
Upon hearing the words from Kila, Laamaikahiki immediately prepared to
accompany his brother to Hawaii in obedience to the wish of Moikeha. As
soon as Laamaikahiki decided to do this, he took his priests, his god
Lonoikaoualii, and the men that came with Kila and set sail for Hawaii.
When they were approaching near Kauai, Laamaikahiki began beating his
drum. No sooner was this done than Moikeha heard the tone of his drum
which informed him that Laamaikahiki was about to arrive with his
brother. Moikeha then ordered to have everything in readiness, the land
as well as the house, for the reception of the chief Laamaikahiki.
Upon the arrival of Laamaikahiki and Kila, Laamaikahiki was taken by
the hand by the high priest of Kauai, Poloahilani, to the temple
together with his god Lonoikaoualii. It is said that Laamaikahiki was
the first person who brought idols to Hawaii.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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