Recalling the Days of Kamehameha V.

KEAHU KEALIIAUKAI

Keahu Kealiiaukai is one of the last Hawaiians left who is not proficient in English. He is a Hawaiian famous for his knowledge of plants, and he is 82 years old. He lives in Lahaina, Maui, the capital of Hawaii in days of yore. Kealiiaukai is now living with his daughter, Mrs. Juliette Pali.

When Kealiiaukai was born in Kaupo, Maui, on the road going to the crater of Haleakala, in the year 1859, this was the fifth year of Kamehameha IV’s reign over Hawaii nei. Kealiiaukai was 4 when that monarch died. He does not recall this.

Remembering the King.

However, Kealiiaukai does in fact remember Kamehameha V, or King Kapuaiwa, his given name; and the last of the Kamehamehas. Kapuaiwa went to Lahaina numerous times, where he was welcomed warmly by his makaainana.

In Kealiiaukai’s eighty and two years of life, he witnessed the passing of the monarchs of his homeland, closing with the overturning of the nation under Queen Liliuokalani’s protection, in 1893. Then the establishing of the provisional government and the Republic of Hawaii, and the joining of the Islands to the United States and the formation of this Territory of America, 40 years ago.

A Religious Man

Kealiiaukai is an important man in Lahaina for the kamaaina there. His wife left this world eight years ago, but she did not however leave behind children. Kealiiaukai is still strong and active. He participates often in works of this Father in Heaven. He spent his life being a member of the Faith of the Latter Day.

Perhaps he is the last medicine man living and practicing from before the times when there was licensing of those in that profession. During his time, it is said that Kealiiaukai practiced healing with plants amongst his own people and healed them due to his expertise in the use of plants growing in the forests of Hawaii, for all types of illnesses.

(Hoku o Hawaii, 3/5/1941, p. 1)

Hoku o Hawaii, Volume XXXV, Number 45, Page 1. Malaki 5, 1941.

From one of our kind Facebook readers, Christine Liava’a:

Here is a link to more cemetery and cemetery records in New Zealand!

Cemeteries and Cemetery Records

[Found under: "NEWS OF HAWAII NEI."]

HONEY BEES.—One of our friends has written to us saying that the family of honey bees of Rev. E. Bona [Bond] of Kohala is doing well; that is great.

(Kuokoa, 2/15/1862, p. 2)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke I, Helu 12, Aoao 2. Feberuari 15, 1862.

[Found under: "NEWS OF HAWAII NEI."]

RICE.—We are overjoyed to see that rice is planted by one of our friends, S. Kamakahiki, in Hana, East Maui; there is a lot of grain and it is of good quality; why O Friends, are you dallying on planting this good source of money? We are amazed at the small number of people undertaking the growing of rice in Hana, for this is how it is, according to the letter of S. Kamakahiki, like this:

“I am the only one growing Rice here in Hana; I am harvesting the Rice and storing it at my house; I am filled with joy that I have found this good occupation.”

(Kuokoa, 2/15/1862, p. 2)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke I, helu 12, Aoao 2. Feberuari, 15, 1862.

[Found under: "NEWS OF HAWAII NEI."]

Large Tsunami [Kaikoo].—We received a letter written by Mr. E. Makaioulu of Haena, Keaau, Puna, Hawaii, on this past 29th of January, telling of the great tsunami at that place on the night of the 29th [28th] of that same month, and this is what he said.

“On the night of the 28th of this past January, an enormous kaikoo was seen in Keaau, Puna, Hawaii; it was a very big kaikoo with accompanying winds from the west, and the ocean was covered over with black rain clouds. The waves pounded and reached the barren plains high up inland, and the government road was smashed, as well as the fishpond of Keaau loa. The pounding of the ocean was like that of Egypt in the Red Sea, killing the Pharaoh and his war chariots; and we made it through those large waves in the night. We thought that is was the second Great Flood [Kai a Kahinalii] from the time of Noah, the prophet of Jehovah.”

[Anyone have more information on this fishpond?]

(Kuokoa, 2/15/1862, p. 2)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke I, Helu 12, Aoao 2. Feberuari 15, 1862.

[Found under: "NEWS OF HAWAII NEI."]

Water and the rough seas.—We received a letter from W. G. Kawainui of Hakalau, Hilo, Hawaii, telling us of the big rain and the rough seas in that area on the night of the 28th of this past January; a store of a Chinese floated away, and the water and tide reached areas not reached before; the things happening these days are truly something new for our islands.

(Kuokoa, 2/15/1862, p. 2)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke I, Helu 12, Aoao 2. Feberuari 15, 1862.

Rough Seas.

On Tuesday, the 28th of January, at Waialua, Molokai, there was great rough seas that cannot be equalled. The fishponds from Moanui to Puako were smashed by the sea. The street in Hoonouliwai [Honouliwai] was broken up and horses cannot travel there. On the night of the 29th, there was a large earthquake; the shaking of the land lasted for five seconds. That is what M. Timoteo wrote to us.

(Hoku o ka Pakipika, 2/20/1862, p. 2)

Ka Hoku o ka Pakipika, Buke I, Helu 22, Aoao 2. Feberuari 20, 1862.

E ola ka Moi i ke Akua.

Composed by WILLIAM C. LUNALILO.

Ke Akua mana mau,
Hoomaikai, pomaikai
I ka Moi!
Kou lima mana mau,
Malama, kiai mai,
Ko makou nei Moi
E ola e!

Ka inoa Kamahao,
Lei nani o makou,
E ola e!
Ko Eheu uhi mai,
Pale na ino e,
Ka makou pule nou,
E ola e!

Haliu, maliu mai,
Nana mai luna mai
Kau Pokii nei;
E mau kou ola nei,
Ke Akua kou kiai
Ka Pua nani e
Hawaii nei!

Imua Ou makou,
Ke ‘Lii o na ‘Lii,
E aloha mai;
E mau ka Ea nei
O keia Aupuni,
E ola mau lakou,
Ia oe no.

January 4, 1862.

(Kuokoa, 2/8/1862, p. 1)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke I, Helu 11, Aoao 1. Feberuari 8, 1862.

Hawaiian National Hymn.

William Charles Lunalilo, whose death we briefly announced in our last issue, was descended from the highest of the Royal line of Hawaiian Chiefs. His mother was Kekauluohi, known as Kaahumanu III., Kuhina Nui (Premier) under Kamehameha III., and was married to Charles Kanaina, from which marriage two sons were born Davida and William. The former died when quite young. William, soon after his mother’s death, when about eight years of age, was placed in the Royal School, kept by Mr. and Mrs. Cooke, where he received a liberal English education, and as he possessed naturally, a quick mind, he became one of the best scholars in the school. For English classical literature he had great fondness, and his familiarity with the English poets was remarkable. It was this taste that led him to indulge in writing poetry, some of which was well composed. On one occasion, twelve years ago, he called on us in our editorial sanctum and sat down at our table. In the course of the conversation, we suggested that he become a competitor for the best prize which had been offered for the best Hawaiian version of “God Save the King.” He took a pen and in fifteen or twenty minutes handed us his verses, which we enclosed in an envelope and passed with ten or twelve others to the judges, who awarded it the prize, and this is known now as the Hawaiian National Hymn “God Save the King.” We instance this to illustrate the extraordinary mental qualities with which he was endowed.—Gazette, Feb. 11.

E Ola ka Moi i ke Akua.

HAKUIA E KA MEA KIEKIE WILLIAM C. LUNALILO.

1. Ke Akua mana mau,
Hoomaikai, pomaikai
I ka Moi!
Kou lima mana mau,
Malama, kiai mai
Ko makou nei Moi,
E ola e!

2. Ka inoa kamahao
Lei nani o makou,
E ola e!
Kou eheu uhi mai,
Pale na ino e,
Ka makou pule nou,
E ola e!

3. Imua ou makou,
Ke ‘Lii o na Alii,
E aloha mai;
E mau ke ea e
O ke aupuni nei,
E ola mau makou,
Me ka Moi.

God Save the King.

TRANSLATED BY REV. L. LYONS.

1. Eternal, mighty God,
Bless, from thy bright abode,
Our Sovereign King;
May thy all-powerful arm
Ward from our Sire all harm,
Let no vile foe alarm,
Long may he reign!

2. Royal, distinguished name,
Our beauteous diadem,
Long life be thine;
Thy wing spread o’er our land.
From every wrong defend,
For thee our prayers ascend,
Long live our King!

3. Before thee, King of Kings,
Of whom all nature sings,
Our prayer we bring;
Oh, let our kingdom live,
Life, peace and union give,
Let all thy care receive;
Bless thou our King!

(Friend, 3/2/1874, p. 24)

The Friend, New Series, Volume 23, Number 3, Page 24. March 2, 1874.

[Found under: "NEWS OF HAWAII NEI."]

Good Will.—We are always delighted to release to the public all kind deeds done for the benefit of the people, and therefore, we are showing at once the great kindness of the Honorable, Chief William C. Lunalilo, in his donating the ten dollars he received for composing the National song that was published in our Issue 11, to aid the Queen’s Hospital.

(Kuokoa, 2/15/1862, p. 2)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke I, Helu 12, Aoao 2. Feberuari 15, 1862.

ROYAL MELE.

COMPOSED BY KING LUNALILO.

1

Hawaii Ponoi,
Nana i kou Moi
Ka Lani Alii
Ke Alii
Makua Lani e
Kamehameha e
Na kaua e pale e
Me ka ihe.

2.

Hawaii Ponoi
Nana i na Alii
Na Pua a kou muli
Na pokii
Makua Lani e
Kamehameha e
Na kaua e pale e
Me ka ihe.

3.

Hawaii Ponoi
E ka Lahui
O kau hana nui
E ui e
Makua Lani e
Kamehameha e
Na kaua e pale e
Me ka ihe.

[It is interesting to note that i could not find any article in any paper protesting the attribution of this song. In the same issue is the National Anthem by Princess Liliuokalani.]

(Koo o Hawaii, 8/15/1883, p. 2)

Ke Koo o Hawaii, Buke 1, Helu 1, Aoao 2. Augate 15, 1883.

Our Lei Day

According to what we understand and hear pertaining to the celebration of Lei Day, that being this Friday, the show put on will be great.

There will be two hula groups that will hula on that day, that being the hula troupe [Hui Lokelani] of Mrs. Rose Kuamoo and the Hui Huapala led by Albert Nahale-a. Other than these groups will be the Police Glee Club led by William K. Kahimoku (Kualii), and also the children of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kalima, and also perhaps some duets and some solos.

Last year, this show was held in the evening, beginning at 6:00, but this year, it can’t be put on in the late evening, but instead will be held at 3:00  p. m. This is times of blackout in this land, and we are not to turn on lights outside.

This show and hula will be held at Kalakaua Square, and we are lucky to have the military band join in and commemorate this day. There is nothing to be said about our County Band, for they have not dropped out of the activities of the day.

The activities of the day will begin with a concert put on by the military band at port here in Hilo, at 2:30 p. m. until 3:00 p. m., and the County band until 3:30 p. m. and followed by the other parts.

Here below is the program of events of that afternoon

MAY DAY IS LEI DAY
IN HAWAII
Directed by the Hawaiian Civic Club of Hilo
Friday, May 1, 1942,
at the Hour of 3:30 P. M.
KALAKAUA PARK

Part I, Old Hawaiian Hula

1. “Ka La o Mei He La Lei Ia Ma Hawaii” [May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii] Police Glee Club, Lokelani, and Huapala.

2. “Oli” by Mary Ahiena

3. Old Hawaiian Hula, by the Hui Lokelani.

—a. Olapa — Niihau, Pua Hau o Maleka

—b. Puili — Malualua

—c. Iliili — Kona Hema

—d. Uliuli — Moku Kia Kahi, Alekoki

4. Combined Old Hawaiian Hula, by the Hui Huapala

—a. Puili & Uliuli — Nani Wale Na Hala

5. “Pua Mohala” by the Hilo Police Glee Club

Part II, Hawaiian Hula of Modern Times

1. “Kuikahi” by Huapala

2. A Hula for President Roosevelt, Lokelani

3. “Ua Hoomaka lakou i Kekahi Mea,” Frank Kahili

4. Holoholo Kaa, Huapala

5. “Loke Honesakala,” Ernest Hanaike and his Guitar

6. Nani Hilo, Lokelani

7. “Mele Maka Lalau” by Baby Kaieie

9. “Wiliwili Wai,” William Kualii

8. Aloha Ia No O Maui, Lokelani

10. Kona Hema, Huapala

11. My Sweet Sweetie, Three Children of Kalaima

12. Oahu, Lokelani

13. Ke Kali Nei Au, duet by Miss Kuaana Nathaniel and Joseph Kalima

14. Maikai Wale No Kauai, Lokelani

15. “TAHUAHUAI,” Abraham Laeha

16. Sasa & Somemore o Samoa, Huapala

17. THE CONCLUSION

—a. Hilo March — Lokelani

—b. “I Lei Nou” — Police Glee Club

—c. Leahi, Hanohano Hanalei — Huapala

18. ALOHA OE

19. STARS SPANGLED BANNER

(Hoku o Hawaii, 4/29/1942, p. 2)

Ka Hoku o Hawaii, Volume 37, Number 1, Page 2. Apelila 29, 1942.

[Appropriate for this Lei Day, i found a lei woven with great thought and care within the pages of the current Ka Wai Ola, out today. This is a two-stranded lei—two insightful articles (both on a like topic, but one not a translation of the other) by Bryan Kamaoli Kuwada, student, translator, teacher, editor, and researcher living in Palolo i ka ua Lililehua e kilihune nei. Do read it and so pass it on.

For the entire issue, click here: Ka Wai Ola, Mei 2013.]

“Ua paepae ʻē ʻia ka pōhaku: Looking to Our Ancestors.”

Ka Wai Ola, Volume 30, Number 5, Page 14. Mei 2013.

POPULATION OF HAWAII NEI.

This is something translated from a haole document.

“How many people are there currently in the Hawaiian Archipelago? Is that something that is clear? We believe, it is not. In the census in 1836, there were 108,759 people total, however in 1832, there were 130,318, like this:

If these figures are true, then it is clear that there has been a decrease of 21,734 people in the total population over four years. Is that truly the decrease in the population of Hawaii nei? It is imperative that the alii of this archipelago investigate and make it clear, and should they check and if this is indeed the decrease, they must quickly find a way to stop the deaths of their people. If this way of life goes on for another few years, then the population will be miniscule and perhaps only the alii will survive and they will not have people to care for them; there will be no one to farm a bit of land passed down from the ancestors. Therefore it is imperative for the sake of the alii and the people that the alii put great effort into this, and this is what we strongly ask of them to do a great count of all of the people of this nation. It is important to document the names of everyone, whether they are men, or women, or girls or boys, and their occupation, their age, and whether they are married or not. Also, it is important that this effort be explained so that people understand to prevent them from hiding themselves and their family, like they do when they are being tallied for taxation [hookupu ana]. And after two years or three pass, there should be another count, although it really is important to do it every year. This shouldn’t be very hard to do in a land of very few people. This is what should be understood.”

If there is an clear decrease, there should immediately be something done to curtail it.

(Kumu Hawaii, 12/5/1838, p. 55)

Ke Kumu Hawaii, Buke 4, Pepa 14, Aoao 55. Dekemaba 5, 1838.

MARRIAGES.

Abraham Kapoowai to Laura Kaapa, March 12.
Joseph Kaleohano to Elizabeth Kaakau, March 25.
Joseph Kuahine to Edna Moa, Apr. 11.
Charles Sing Loy to Mary Kahai, Apr. 12.

BIRTHS.

To D. M. Lonohiwa and Violet Holoholokulani, a daughter, Apr. 1.
To Abe Werner and Mary Kapua, a daughter, Apr. 5.
To Charles Kalua and Hana Kealoha, a son, Apr. 1.
To Sam Kauka and Hattie, a daughter, Apr. 8.
To Wong Hung and Elizabeth Gabriela, a daughter, Apr. 9.
To W. Osaki and Lydia West, a daughter, Apr. 10.
To Sam Kalama and Emily Hatton, a son, Apr. 11.
To Stephen Gumpher and Ellen K. Tripp, a daughter, Apr. 12.
To George Mossman and Rebecca Kainapau, a son, Apr. 13.
To Ed. Chang Akai and Beke Kaonohi, a son, Apr. 13.
To Joe Kaaea and Mary Hipuu, a son, Apr. 14.
To James Kaopua and Emilia K. Anina, a daughter, Apr. 14.
To R. N. Mossman and Wilhelmina Nieper, a son, Apr. 14.
To F. Scharsch and Kina Akana, a son, Apr. 14.
To Likelio and Kakalina Makakoa, a son, Apr. 15.
To W. Kekoa and Apia Nohua, a son, Apr. 16.
To Moike and Lilia U-a, a daughter, Apr. 18.
To Arthur Hussey and Lydia Lambere, a son, Apr. 19.
To Joseph Mahoe and Elizabeth Mahoe, a daughter, Apr. 18.
To George Ah Nee Kekoa and Lily Adams, a daughter, Apr. 20.
To Joseph K. Keliikoa and Hannah Komomua, a daughter, Apr. 19.
To Gershom Waiau and Adeline Baker, a son, Apr. 23.

DEATHS.

Kaiewe, on Waikahalulu Lane, Apr. 15.
Annie Moses He-u, at Leahi Home, Apr. 17.
Kelikolio, on Gulick Street, Apr. 17.
Mary Ellen K. Nakea, on Insane Asylum Road, Apr. 18.
Mrs. Luika Mahuka, at Ewa, Apr. 18.
William Cullen, on Rose Street, Apr. 18.
A baby of Joseph Mahoe, on Jack Lane, Apr. 19.
John Boki, at the Insane Asylum, Apr. 19.
Mrs. Mahawela Karratti, on Pensacola Street, Apr. 21.
Kalani Manaku, on Sheridan Street, Apr. 21.
S. W. Kawaa, on Palolo Street, Apr. 22.
Peke Kekaula, on Kukui Lane, Apr. 23.

[The image below on the left is taken from the digital images online. As you have heard me say many a time, the current digital images are often not legible. While this column is not bad overall, there were a number of names that I could not make out for sure. The image on the right is from the microfilms. The microfilm images are always clearer than the digital images. And luckily,  I was able to figure out the remaining information here.

The microfilms for now are the next clearest thing to the originals, and should not be dismissed or overlooked when doing research just because we have easily accessed digital images. If you cannot make out words from the online digital images, go to the microfilms always. Only if the microfilms are also illegible and you really need the information, only then would I suggest checking the originals.

My ultimate hope is that the originals will be rescanned clearly someday soon so that we will no longer need to handle them and they can be preserved for the future. The more they are flipped through and handled, the more damaged they get...]

(Kuokoa, 4/25/1913, p. 4)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke LI, Helu 16, Aoao 4. Aperila 25, 1913.

Escaped from Kalawao.—During the night of this past Monday, a skiff landed at Kakaako with three escapees from Kalawao. Their names are Kimo Kamai, Anoho, and Naakaakai. Kimo was captured by the Officers soon after he came ashore; however, his two companions ran and disappeared. Kimo said of himself and his companions:¹

“We left Kalaupapa aboard the skiff in the evening of Sunday, at the hour of 10 p. m., with a sail, and at 6 a. m., in the morning of Monday, we landed at Hanauma, and left there this past evening, that being the evening of this Monday, and from there landed at Kakaako that night at 1:30 a. m., and from there I was caught and detained by the Officer, while Anoho and Naakaakai escaped until the present. There was no big reason for us coming; we spoke for a number of days about coming, and on the evening mentioned above, we set sail. There is no difficulties in the way of life, but we really wanted to come here and hide in the mountains of Oahu nei. KIMO KAMAI.

One of the Patients who escaped.”

¹It is interesting the word here used for companion was “kokoolua” instead of “kokookolu”.

(Lahui Hawaii, 7/29/1875, p. 3)

Ka Lahui Hawaii, Buke I, Helu 31, Aoao 3. Iulai 29, 1875.

[Found under: "LOCAL NEWS: Oahu."]

Forty years or so ago, there perhaps was not a single wooden structure here in Honolulu [Kou], however today, you’d be hard pressed to find a single complete Hawaiian hale pili. It is true, the world is marching on.

(Kuokoa, 4/26/1873, p. 2)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XII, Helu 17, Aoao 2. Aperila 26, 1873.

METEOR SEEN FALLING OUTSIDE OF OAHU NEI.

There were many people who reported in the English-language newspapers that they witnessed a meteor [hoku lele] falling outside of Oahu last night [Wednesday, 7/25/1934].

[If it is clear out early tomorrow morning, maybe we'll be able to see meteors as well!]

(Alakai o Hawaii, 7/26/1934, p. 4)

Ke Alakai o Hawaii, Buke 7, Helu 13, Aoao 4. Iulai 26, 1934.

A COMET.

After a long period of being gone from these islands, a comet [hoku welowelo] came back, and it can be seen in the south-western side of the skies this coming evenings.

This comet was first spotted by Charles Elston, the vice-president of the high school, at 8 in the evening of this past Sunday, under the Orion constellation, and it was he that announced it to the public. That star was seen again by other on the night of this Monday, and there are great number of people who want to see this awesome heavenly body which has reappeared.

["The High School", or "Honolulu High School" would become what we know today to be McKinley High School.]

(Aloha Aina, 5/18/1901, p. 6)

Ke Aloha Aina, Buke VII, Helu 20, Aoao 6. Mei 18, 1901.

The Hawaiian Astronomy.

It is a great pity that David Malo, the Hawaiian Historian and Antiquarian, did not preserve in his “Moolelo Hawaii” or Hawaiian Antiquities, some account on Ancient Hawaiian Astronomy. S. M. Kamakau, a contemporary of David Malo, and also a writer on the Ancient History of Hawaii nei, is little better off, about this matter than his colleague. He wrote an article on “Instructions in Ancient Hawaiian Astronomy” and was published in the Nupepa Kuokoa of Aug. 5th, 1865. It was translated into English by Prof. W. D. Alexander for Maile Wreath (Lei Maile), and was republished by Mr. Thos. G. Thrum, in his “Hawaiian Annual” for 1890.

In the year 1885, we found in the monthly newspaper, “Ka Hoku o ke Kai,” that subject was treated again, only to last a very short time. And about twelve or thirteen years ago we again found certain very valuable statements pertaining to the Ancient History of Hawaii by Kanalu, said to be the priestly ancestor of the priesthood or order of Kanalu.

We saw in “The Journal of the Polynesian Society,” Vol. XVI, No. 2, an article on “Tahitian Astronomy” by Miss Teuira Henry. It treats the “Birth of the Heavenly Bodies.” It is very interesting.

In order to preserve these accounts relating to Hawaiian Astronomy, we give our English translation here, starting first from the account in Ka Hoku o ke Kai (1885).

In ancient times, the class of people studying the positions of the moon, the rising and setting of certain fixed stars and constellations, and also of the sun, are called the kilo-hoku or astrologers. Their observations of these heavenly bodies might well be called the study of astronomy. The use of astrology anciently, was to predict certain events of fortunes and misfortunes, victory or defeat of a battle, death of king or queen, or any high chief; it also foretells of pestilence, famine, fine or stormy weather and so forth.

The old Hawaiians knew some names of certain planets and several constellations. The names of planets are somewhat slightly different in corresponding English names, rendered by Andrews, Alexander and the late Dr. Bishop.

The Hawaiian name for Mars according to Prof. Alexander is Hokuula (red star). In the newspaper “Ka Hoku o ka Pakipika,” published about the year 1860, the name for the planet Saturn was Makalii, Kauopae for Jupiter and Polowehilani for Mars.

(To be Continued)

(Kuokoa Home Rula, 4/2/1909, p. 2)

Kuokoa Home Rula, Buke VII, Helu 14, Aoao 2. Aperila 2, 1909.