Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 28, Number 6, 1 Iune 2011 — Understanding historical names [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Understanding historical names

By Claire Ku'uleilani Hughes, Dr. PH„ R.D. Have you ever wondered about the connection between Kllauea town on Kaua'i and Kīlauea voleano on Hawai'i Island, or why there are several Waimea towns in the state? Kllauea town is in the Ko'olau (windward) district of Kaua'i, while the other Kīlauea is an active volcano and the home of Pele (the fire goddess) on Hawai'i Island. Long ago, during Pele's visit to Kaua'i, the goddess fell in love with Lohi'au, a Kaua'i chief from

Hanalei. Pele looked in the vicinity for a suitable home site for herself and Lohi'au, and saw potential in Kīlauea. Pele caused a volcanic eruption there, however, the eruption was quickly extinguished by the sea goddess, Namakaokaha'i, who was Pele's sister and enemy. Pele abandoned this site. The word kīlauea means "spewing or mueh spreading," referring to the way the erupting lava and vapors spread. Thus, both volcanoes were created by Pele with lava that spread in a similar manner. Kaua'i's Kīlauea River llows down the valley between the Kamo'okoa (brave lizard) and Makaleha (eyes looking about in wonder) Mountains to the oeean. Sweet potatoes were probably the primary crop because the river water was inaccessible for irrigating the land above it. A mo'olelo of menehune tells of their failed

effort in building a bridge to eonnect Moku'ae'ae (small) Island to the shore near Kīlauea's volcano. The menehune were unable to complete the job before sunrise, thus the bridge of rocks remains unfinished. In Hawai'i nei, plaee names like Waimea and Kalihi are found on several islands. In naming places, our Hawaiian ancestors used prominent characteristics or features of the area. For example, Waimea refers to the red water of area streams or oeean, colored by the iron-rich soil. Kalihi (edge) identifies a boundary of a property. Divisions of large towns were often distinguished by name, like the three divisions of Hilo: Hilo -one, Hilo-Hanakahi and Hilo-jvfl// kū. Hanakahi is the name of a famous Hilo chief, thus, Hilo-Hanakahi identifies the larger inland area of Hilo town. One means "sand," so,

Hilo-one is near the seashore. Hilopali kū, "Hilo of the upright cliff," is east of the Wailuku River. Well-known Hawaiian songs often highlight the colorful history and natural characteristics of districts and towns. The song "Kona Kai 'Ōpua" was composed by Henry Waia'u as a gift for his son. The song names oeean conditions characteristic of Kona, namely, Kona kai 'ōpua (oeean reflecting the clouds), ke kai mā'oki'oki (sea of mingling hues), and ke kai malino (ealm seas) . Hualālai, a Kona volcano, is also mentioned along with the characteristic Kona breezes 'Eka and Kēhau. These names are hundreds of years old and they still exist today. Another song, "Hilo Hanakahi," names distinctive winds, seas and rains of different areas of Hawai'i Island. Ke kai hāwanawana (the whispering sea), is found off Kawaihae. Kuehu Lepo is the dust-

stirring wind of Ka'ū; the pelting Kīpu'upu'u rain is distinctive to Waimea, and the 'Āpa'apa'a wind is felt in Kohala. Ka ua Kanilehua of Hilo is the famous mist-like rain that nourishes the lehua blossoms. Our ancestors knew and loved their homeland and gave descriptive names to prominent characteristics of their land. They expressed love for their homeland in songs, chants and dances that are perpetuated and taught to their descendants. Our ancestors lived in a community for many generations and identified, intimately, with its features and history of the homeland. Respect and pride for their homeland comprised the basis for their continuing stewardship and aloha. How are we doing with preserving this Hawaiian value with our children? It has never been more urgent to preserve the sources of great pride for our kūpuna. ■

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