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
Because of this Lonoikamakahiki sent one of his attendants to go and
bring the aged counselor, Kawaamaukele. When he came in the presence of
Keawenuiaumi and Lonoikamakahiki, Lonoikamakahiki spoke up saying: “You
have been requested to come here because I have been told that you are
an old man who is learned in the things of the future and can tell
whether a chief will become rich or poor; therefore I want you to make
an examination of me and tell me what I am to be in the future.”
Kawaamaukele then replied: “You are going to be a wealthy chief at
times, but when you reach maturity then you will become poor, in that
you will be without followers; but you are going to be a brave chief.”
Lonoikamakahiki then again asked him: “What profession shall I take up
in order that I may become wealthy? If you know what I can take up that
will be profitable as a profession, then we will take it up and you
instruct me in its detail.” The priest paused for a while, thinking of
what Lonoikamakahiki had asked, and then replied: “The professions that
will make you famous all over the islands are that of a counselor and
hoopapa. [240] If you can be an expert in this profession of hoopapa,
then you will become wealthy.” Lonoikamakahiki took to heart every word
spoken by the high priest.
Sometime after this the profession of hoopapa was taken up by
Lonoikamakahiki and he was educated into the different things of the
profession pertaining to that portion relating to language, and after
he had mastered it he in later years did become famous all over the
islands. This made the third thing that Lonoikamakahiki became
proficient in up to the time of his death, and he caused no end of
trouble for certain chiefs.
After completing the study of hoopapa in Hilo he returned with his
parents to Napoopoo, where they took up their residence and he
immediately practiced his profession on his playmates, and in this
manner he made practical use of it. In this way the profession of
hoopapa became a favorite thing with him, making use of it day after
day. After a time, however, Lonoikamakahiki began to ensnare his
playmates by getting into argument with them in order to test his
profession of wrangling. All the crowds of children in Kealakekua were
taken up by Lonoikamakahiki and defeated. In thus making practical
tests of his vocation Lonoikamakahiki, although making great headway,
was at the same time unaware of his advance in his profession; but the
person who had charge of his education was well aware of his skill in
argument.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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