Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 7, Number 3, 1 March 1990 — Farewell to a cherished place -- Luahinewai [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Farewell to a cherished place -- Luahinewai

by Keone Nunes OHA cultural specialist Se!dom does one eome across a plaee that is unique — a plaee that commands the total respect of the traveller. Hawai'i is fortunate to have many places that inspire people with their beauty and history, but none that this writer has eome across has as mueh power as Luahinewai. Luahinewai, in North Kona on the island of Hawai'i, is not a very well known plaee but for those who have travelled there it is unforgettable. Although it has a !ong history, it is best known for an event that shaped modern Hawai'i. During the latter part of the 18th century, Kamehameha Paiea was having difficulty in winning the "decisive" battle whieh would give him totai controi over the island of Hawai'i. His success in defeating his cousin Kiwala'o at Moku'ohai gave him control over half the island of Hawai'i but eontrol over the other half, including the important region of Ka'u, was still in the hands of his cousin Keouaku'ahu'uia. Realizing that he needed complete control of Hawai'i before he could raise his sights to the other islands, Kamehameha sent advisors to the island of Kaua'i to consult a kahuna for a construction plan to build a heiau that would ensure his efforts to unify the islands. After successful consultations, Kamehameha's men returned with the plans for what would eventually become Pu'u Kohola heiau. Everyone, even high chiefs with kapu, worked on the construction of the heiau to ensure its swift eomplehon. The heiau was completed in 1791 and ceremonies for its consecration were planned. Kamehameha sent two counselors, Keaweaheulu and Kamanawa, to Kahuku mauka in Ka'u to extend an invitation to Keoua to attend dedication of Pu'u Kohola. Upon hearing of this ceremony Keoua realized that if he attended he woiild never again see his beloved Ka'u. The obligation of rank and rule required acceptance of Kamehameha's invitation by Keoua. During the journey to Pu'u Kohola in Kawaihae, Keoua directed his canoes to the fresh water pond of Luahinewai. Luahinewai was said to provide an entrance to a burial cave where, according to long-standing tradition, a mo'o wahine lived who protected the area. It was there that Keoua performed a cleansing ceremony for himself and his companions. At Luahinewai Keoua accepted his fate and, to take revenge on those who would kill him, emasculated himself. Keoua then ordered that all weapons, 'ahu 'ula (feathered capes), and mahi'ole (feathered helmets) were to be placed in the eanoe of Keaweaheulu. Keoua's two canoes, from that time on, travelled unarmed. Keoua was greeted by Kamehameha's supporters in the waters below Mailekini with Pu'u Kohola above. One of Kamehameha's men, Ke'eaumoku, then gave the order for the forces of Kamehameha to separate the canoes of Keaweaheulu and Kamanawa from those of Keoua. As Keoua stood up to step onshore, Ke'eaumoku threw a spear toward him. Keoua stepped aside, caught the spear, and threw it back to Ke'eaumoku. Ke'eaumoku dodged the attempt by the weakened Keoua and gave the order for the muskets to fire. That was followed by an attack by the supporters of Kamehameha on the doublehulled eanoe of Keoua. Only two men, Kuakahela, Keoua's kahuna and La'anui, who had jumped off at Puako, survived the onslaught. The bodies of Keoua and his men were then taken to Pu'u Kohola and the heiau was consecrated. After this event, Kamehameha was successful in all hiscampaigns except the one for Kaua'i. Luahinewai was the first plaee in whieh the blood of Keoua was spilled. As the nation gives reverence for places such as Valley Forge, the battle green at Lexington, Mass., and Ford's Theater where Lineoln was shot it is unfortunate that a site such as Luahinewai, whieh was instru-

mental in Hawaiian history, is not given the same status as its mainland counterparts. As we approach the 21st century, Luahinewai has been fenced in with no public access and a house is being built over this onee most sacred of places. To Luahinewai, I shall miss the coolness of your waters, the protection of your mo'o, and the feel of your mana. As Kaiheki'oi saw the body of his beloved Keoua being carried to Pu'u Kohola he chanted this lament, to the waters and pond of Luahinewai. Here it shall be recited for you:

Ku'u haku i ka ua Ha'ao e, Ke lele a'e la ka ua, Ma uka o 'Au'aulele, Lele ka ua, lele pu no me ka makani, E lele po'o ana ka wai o ka ha, Ku'u haku mai ka wai Ha'ule po'o e. My lord of the rain of Ha'ao The rain flies fast, Flies over the uplands of 'Au'aulele, The rain flies driven by the wind, The rain drives down from the cliffs above, The tears for my chief Drop down on the heads of the people.

Luahinewai

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