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 the advice of Kaoleioku to Umi was agreed upon by all the chiefs
as well as the king, Omaokamau was sent to Maui to inform Piilani of
the desire of the chiefs of Hawaii, that Piikea become the wife of Umi.
After the matter was fully understood and the arrangements perfected,
Omaokamau set out for Maui and landed at Kapueokahi in Hana, a place
close to the Kauiki hill. As the double canoe was making the shore the
people of Maui became greatly excited, for they thought this canoe was
the forerunner of war, and the people began to run back and forth not
knowing what to do. Therefore they went and inquired of Omaokamau:
“What is the object of the call of your canoe?” Omaokamau replied: “It
is on a journey of sightseeing.” Omaokamau then in turn asked the
people: “Where is the king and queen?” “They are at home.” Omaokamau
then proceeded to the king’s house. When Piilani saw him, he said: “You
make a quick passage.” Omaokamau greeted those present, and the people
greeted him in return. After the respective courtesies had been
exchanged Piilani inquired: “What is the object of this visit made by
Hawaii’s emissary?” Omaokamau replied: “It is in search of a wife. The
chiefs of Hawaii have agreed that Umi should be the husband and Piikea
the wife; they should be united.” When Piilani, the father of Piikea,
heard the words spoken by Omaokamau he was much pleased and he
immediately gave his consent to grant the wish of the chiefs of Hawaii.
Before Omaokamau landed on Maui the people as well as Piilani the king
were afraid of the canoe, thinking that it was a war canoe that they
saw coming to their shores; but when they heard that it was in search
of a wife they were greatly relieved.
After Piilani had heard the message delivered by Omaokamau, he ordered
his men to prepare food and meat for the strangers. Upon receiving
these orders the people immediately set out to prepare food and meat,
and after they were ready they were set before Omaokamau and his
followers.
Omaokamau remained with Piilani for ten days, and during that time he
became a great favorite with the king, which good feeling was continued
to the day of his departure for Hawaii.
When Omaokamau was about ready to make his return, Piikea called
Omaokamau, to whom she gave her love message, saying: “Omaokamau, you
are about to return to the presence of the great king of Hawaii. When
you meet him, give him my love. Tell him that I, his maid servant, am
pleased and honored to accede to his desires, and shall from now on
cherish him in my heart, and will think of him day and night, even in
my sleep. Until I come to meet my lord face to face twenty days will
have passed, then I shall sail.” At the close of Piikea’s remarks,
Omaokamau and his followers set out on their return, and on the evening
of the same day they landed at Waipio where the king was waiting for
their return.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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