Glimpsing The Light of a Nation Flashing Before Dawn

On the last Saturday of April. A commemoration takes place in honor of the Battle of Nu'uanu that happened in 1795. This was the last battle that occurred in the conquest of uniting the islands under one kingdom (Aside from the civil wars of Humehume for inheriting Kauai, and Kekuaokalani for keeping the Kapu system. Although Hawaii was already united during those rebellions. Besides Kamehameha returning from Oahu briefly to Hilo to put down an uprising be Namakeha) 

The battle of Nuuanu was fought between the forces of Kamehameha and Kalanikupule. At the time of this culmination of the era of warring chiefs. Relations between them were also culminating since the days of old. To a point where some chiefs involved in these battles involved had to make the decision to which side they would support. One such chief was Ka'iana, he fought along side Kalanikupule. Even though he was with Kamehameha all of the way up to the point where they sailed off from Molokai to battle Oahu. Ka'iana was said to have made his last stand as Kalanikupule's forces were routed in La'imi near Nuuanu Reservoir 2. Kalanikupule was lucky enough to evade capture for a little over a year. Until finally being found in the mountains of the Ewa district and then sacrificed to the war god of Kamehameha, Kuka'ilimoku. Contained at Waipio in Ha'ena Heiau.  All others were pursued to the bottle neck of the Pali. Although many say that the opposition to Kamehameha was pushed off the cliff in what some call Kaleleka'anae "the leaping mullet". A more accurate description explains that the commoners that were ahead of the battle and trying to separate themselves from the battle were caught in a human stampede at the narrow pass of the Nuuanu pali. The narrow and dangerous trail could only allow two people at a time at the most, in the commotion of the nearing battle. Many were forced off the cliff as everyone scurried to get to the Ko'olau side of the trail.  Kamehameha is not responsible for that loss of life. He did not even pursue the remnants of the battle to the pali. Instead he is said to have stopped at Kaniakapupu where he enacted the Malamahoe. Choosing to save the lives of his opposition instead of kill them all off. This is how descendants of Kalanikupule remain till this day. 

Of the forces of Kalanikupule, Koalaukani was to have escaped to Kauai. Kepo'oloku, Kalola Ihuka'ika'i, Ka'eleowaipi'o, their followers, and many others were taken prisoner. They had the hope of salvation if they had approached Ka'ahumanu because she was a live and walking Pu'uhonua.

I first learned about the ceremony to commemorate the Battle of Nu'uanu only last week by Kamana'o. Since the 200th anniversary date in 1995. There has been a group here on the last April of the month holding this important commemoration every year. Sam Ohu' Gon III was the host, if I can call him that.

I showed up around the start at 5:30am. Still dark out, I made a stupid decision to turn on the flash in my camera. It caused a quick commotion with the old timers and I was approached by a couple of women that asked me not to do so. After that I seemed to be rolling in on a bad vibe as another person came out and told me not to take any pictures. Although there were others around doing the same thing. I apologize to anyone I may have offended that has found this blog and is reading it right now. I will not apologize for sharing knowledge of this momentous event though. Although I would recommend anyone planning to attend the commemoration in the future to be very respectful and to park further away from the parking lot to allow the older aunties and uncles to park close and have a closer walk for them. Onlookers should also stay a comfortable distance from the actual event partakers. Be silent and mindful unless you are compelled to join in with some of the oli being sung or if you have a traditional ho'okupu offering along with a personal oli to present.

Here are my photos of this powerful commemoration. It was very awe inspiring to say the least. Everyone was so beautiful in their traditional outfits and their eloquent language. It made me proud to be who I am and gave me faith that our past and future has been through so much turmoil but at the relief of a goal of true enlightenment. 

"The battle of nuuanu was the last battle that took place to unify the islands giving Kamehameha reign of all the island..today we look at this as a time to heal to the families and continuing efforts to be as one...." -Kamana'o