Museum Tuesday

 

Two for Tuesday!

Here we have items associated with the art of Lua and the Olohe. Many modern Hawaiians today are interested in martial arts and mma fighting. Well, in ancient times so were some rare breeds practicing the art of bone breaking. Lua warriors would look very much like that of the 'aumakua above represents. Practitioners would shave all of their hair off and even oil their bodies so that their opponents, or more than likely their victims could not firmly grasp them. Added to that, the Lua fighter could possibly be equipped with weapons such as the Lei o' Mano below. Once within close contact, the fate of the victim could easily be over in seconds.

Lua practitioners usually get a bad reputation in most stories that are shared about ancient times. Some claim them to not even be human. Sometimes bands of them would claim a certain area that worked strategically for them and waylay travellers passing that area. On the other hand the art of Lua has also been used by certain heroes said to have killed off entire groups of them. Ending the grief for the entire population of travellers. Lua fighters would have also been very key to the protection of chiefs and training warriors.

This style of fighting is still practiced by many. Keeping true to tradition in a modern aspect for self discipline. Only portraying the true violence of it for films that reflect the ancient battles more accurately.

 

 

King St. Catholic Cemetery

Not to come off macabre for posting cemetery sites, but some very prominent people in Hawaiian history are still able to be visited in cemeteries around the islands. It is justifiable to research their life but it's not a bad thing to also visit their final resting place and get a better connection to the life and times they lived in. I visit the Royal Mausoleum once in awhile on Nuuanu Ave. now and then for no reason at all during my bike rides around the Nuuanu area.

Well this cemetery has a connection to my very own family. I have recently acquired a copy of my grandmothers family tree on my father's side and the furthest family member I could find enough information on was a man by the name of Ting Sing Hoke. A business man that came from China to the island of Hawaii and married a Hawaiian woman, Kahula Kaapana. They had nine children. Seven of which survived into adulthood. One being my great great grandmother. He later moved to Honolulu.

Long story short, Ting Sing Hoke was said to have been buried in King St. Cemetery across from Straub Hospital. After two days of searching for his grave and calls to the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu. I just can't find his grave. There was a fire in the cemetery years ago and the office located in the back near the HECO building burned down. Destroying a lot of files containing the information of the burials there. There is an Edward Hoke and Primrose Hoke buried together. Children that died in the same year after only about a decade of life. They are distant relatives of mine, I'm sure. Hopefully one day I can find his burial site and maybe even visit Kahula Kaapana's on the Big Island.

 

That said here are some "VIP's" of the King Street Cemetery...

The Hoke plot. Is Ting Sing here but without a gravestone?

Maria Kamila. What popped out to me is that her tombstone states that she is the daughter Don Francico Marin a.k.a Don Francisco de Paula Marin. The man credited with introducing many different species of fauna to the islands as well as aiding Kamehameha's forces in training with the use of modern warfare. He was a very prominent person in the days of the Kamehameha Dynasty and for the things he has done for Hawaii in total, I believe he is worthy of his own holiday in his honor. His daughter must have been very proud of him and like wise. 

Robert William Kalanihiapa Wilcox butted heads a few times with the monarchy as well as the parties that would take power after them. All in all he had the welfare of the Hawaiian people in mind during his many actions that seemed rebellious at the time. It is said that after his final rebellion he was almost executed but sentenced to 35 years, but with the help of Stanford Dole pardoned. In the purpose of using Wilcox and five others in a exchange for their lives toward Queen Lili'uokalani to renounce her crown...

Museum Tuesday

I found this image on the museum wall. I love the contrast of different races at that time and how Hawaii still reflects this kind of melting pot of culture in the present day...

Waimanalo... Koonapou (Kaupo Village)

The informant Charles Alana tells about a fishing village on the shore of Makapuu. Where Sea Life Park now stands. Until the mid-1900's the village was still to be seen along the road side where it became an attraction for travelers. Many stone structures could be found in the area. Although not quite as ancient as most other inhabited places on the island. It preceded what we now know as modern Hawaii.

Kaupo Village is said to have been the furthest village at the far end of Koolaupoko in Waimanalo. Before the district of Kona, now known as Honolulu begins on the Leeward side. A gifted fisherman by the name of Kapoi was supposed to be the first inhabitant there. He and his brother were trained in the ways of chanting. Coming from Honolulu and then the gap of Nuuanu. He was compelled to set up his home in this area. His knowledge of chanting is said to have afforded him a home around a small cave with a fresh water source nearby. He was a blessed fisherman said to be able to catch a fish every time he dropped an line in the water. Last of all he was said to be a healer. People would come from all over the islands to be healed by him. Some would return to their home after and some chose to stay nearby. Creating the village known as Kuapo. Making a living from fishing.

As history will teach us over and over again. When a man is blessed in his life, sometimes all there is left to do is come up short with implementing that blessing in their own life. Kapoi was said to have been married later in his life. One day his wife was away but her sister was left at his home with him and...

Well he messed up, let's just say. His almost supernatural gift turned sour and he was left with but a dream. A dream that a woman would come from the shore with burning skin, he would be afflicted with an eruption near his piko by her and he would die by noon.

Sometime later a woman was said to have arrived with a burning skin. The small pox epidemic spread throughout the land. Many died including Kapoi. Who was supposed to have had just one sore near his belly button, his piko. Whoever was left abandoned the village and only the structures of their house sites were left. Until the widening of the road and development moved in. Leaving nothing but what is left to storytelling as evidence of this short establishment. 

Black and white images are courtesy of Hawaii State Archives.

Museum Tuesday

An Ipu Hokiokio from the Queen Emma Collection. Again, belonging to Princess Nahi'ena'ena.

 

It's said that this was a whistle used to imitate the melody of love songs.

Photo courtesy of Hawaii State Archives

 

Hawaiians prefer the breath of the nose. As it is the only orifice on the human body that does not excrete filth. Unlike the mouth, it doesn't lie. Aloha has many meanings but it's mainly the greeting of breath from the nostrils being shared. On the reverse, Haole was first used to identify those that did not wish to participate in the greeting of breath. Ha'ole, no breath. Handshakes instead...

 

If you or anyone you know was fortunate enough to attend Explorations at Kamehameha Schools during summer as a child. Then you have probably seen or even made a nose flute for yourself.

Well my dad took mines pretty seriously and then the same with my little brother's. Through the years he's been playing them and varnishing them up. He even repaired mine when it cracked and swears it has the best sound of his collection of five that he has gathered through the years. He's pretty damn good at playing along to local tunes on the radio. Now he's working on his revival into the congas that we bought for him after overcoming a minor stroke.

My pops, Wilfred Yee II

Manoa , Palolo... Waikolu

One Thursday night ride with a few of my cycling friends, I was fortunate enough to be reintroduced to and then talk story with the artist John "Prime" at his workshop in Kaka'ako. Aside from some very fascinating stories about the blessing of the Pow Wow 2012 and 2013 events, and the locations of places from the old times entwined within those stories, Prime pulled out his only copy of a 2013 calendar that helps guide one toward better farming and fishing. In relation to the stages of the moon and the temperature of the environment the calendar is like an almanac devised from the ancient wisdom of countless years of Hawaiians living off of the land. They have names for the stages of the moon for each day and months that would coincide with certain deeds that needed to be done in order to prosper. Not like a royal mandate, but more of what nature itself would help you to gain if you pay heed. While working with the land, instead of trying to go against or controlling it like that of the modern world.

I won't delve too deep into this but hopefully this can help someone in Hawaii. I tend to take a look back at it and match up the days now and then. Prime hinted that it can also extend further onto a person's own growth. On the radio I heard a story about night marchers and it mentioned that they are usually spotted during the nights of Lono...

Prime mentioned a pretty "chicken skin" story that I would also like to share. It took place when they were organizing a mural for the Pow Wow event in 2012. Each artist had their own style and were assigned a particular Hawaiian god to paint. Well, an elder Hawaiian woman was able to view the plans and totally disagreed with the drafted images. She is said to be a seer and later with everyone present, started channeling messages from some separate realm about the mural design.  Prime suggests that she said it was a giant that came from the back of Manoa Valley. Anyhow, the mural was completed and is currently on the wall at the corner of Cooke St. and Auahi St. The gods were painted in more personable forms instead of powerful beings. Ku for instance takes the shape of a loving husband instead of the menacing warlike god. As for the giant from Manoa, well, that seer was the only one to be able to see it and she pointed out to Prime where it stepped on its way to instructing the artists in Kaka'ako. Wherever it stepped caused growth and although I forgot the location he told me. There is a spot where Taro has sprouted out of a random plot of soil in the city, usually littered on and dismissed.

Sometimes when I'm reading up on some historical places. Something pops out to me and I feel restless until I can learn more or visit it for myself.

I've read about and plotted the place on a Bishop Museum map identifying the location of petroglyphs in Palolo Stream, on a bluff about 600 ft. east of the St.Louis School bridge. After climbing down and rock hopping in cycling shoes. Then asking residents living near the stream. I couldn't find any sign of them. They were noted as already easy to miss and in bad shape back in the 1950's when the report was made. So, sometimes you come up short and as some might say, I should already be about a century too late to attempt to discover any physicality of certain things. That were already lost and forgotten to the people even searching for them back then. On another note, any bike ride or hike on its own is never an empty endeavor...

At a point that seemed to have a trail leading down into the stream and across it. I found these holes in a few large stones in the dried up section of the stream bed.

Further east behind some kind of Japanese dojo. I came across a shrine with peculiar stones. None with petroglyphs on them. Just to the left of the shrine was a pathway leading down into the stream where someone is doing some landscaping on both sides. I could see no way to cross to the mauka side in which the petrogyphs are supposed to be.

Somewhere near this intersection at 5th Ave, stood the Pohaku Kikeke, a bell stone. It was said that it could be heard from the shore in the old days when obstructions to the sea were few and far between. Someone recalled that children would throw smaller rocks at it in order to hear the resonance. Sometime during the widening of Waialae Ave. the stone was moved and broken up. Some say it is in a part of the wall surrounding Sacred Hearts School on that side of the road. Others say it was taken aboard a foreign ship and toured the world with other relics from Hawaii.

The same kind of stone rests in the property of Bishop Museum, from Kalihi Valley. Although I dare not throw a rock at it to confirm myself.  

At the intersection of Wilder Ave and Punahou St. you will find Pohaku loa. It was much larger and was dismantled as well. During road construction. Kamehameha III is said to have ridden on the stone when it was moved from higher up in Manoa. It was said to be a male Akua embodied into the stone. At first it did not wish to be moved but after the council of a kahuna. A feast was thrown around the stone for it and after it was done the stone could be moved. Pohaku loa is said to bring wisdom and strength to the minds of children and for good reason it was placed outside of Punahou School. After it was broken up, some pieces were left at Kapiolani Children's Hospital. Another, if not the same section. Was left deeper inside the of campus near the location of a spring called Kapunahou that the school is named after. Yet more are said to be a part of the wall next to it and another piece could have been brought to Japan by someone that wished to spread the blessing of it, for the children there...

Maui! Part Two

Just mauka of Malu Ulu Olele Park in Lahaina is Waiola Church. Originally known as Waine'e Church. The boundary of the cemetery and the park are hard to exactly determine. As Mr. Kapu told me, that when the park was being cleared. Iwi were found just a few feet underground beyond the cemetery toward the ocean. All clean up under the surface was halted. 

Like the royal burials in Pohukaina on the Iolani Palace grounds were moved to Mauna Ala in the Royal Mausoleum on Oahu. Moku'ula burials were transported to Waiola cemetery. Luckily, not quite as distant as it was on Oahu. Some legends exist about exactly who was buried at Moku'ula and some are left to mystery.

Kamehameha's wives Kaahumanu and Keopuolani had sway over the Hawaiian people after the passing of their husband. Together they set the ground work for the Hawaiian people converting to Christianity over that of the ancient Hawaiian gods and kapu that restricted much of the population. During the rule of Kamehameha II they enacted the Ai'noa, abolishing the Kapu system. A small uprising by kahuna from the old religion was put down, images of gods were destroyed or hidden away in caves, and heiau were dismantled. Men and women were free to dine together. Missionaries soon arrived and were able to preach to the people across the islands. This church was one of the first places that began to spread the word, and so the queens preferred to be put to rest here along with other royalty that accepted the bible. Keopuolani seems to be the first entered into Moku'ula island tomb. As her funeral was very well documented. Although in her last wishes, she asked to be buried in a Christian manner and not disturbed. She, along with the rest of the monarchs entombed along side her. Where relocated to the Waine'e cemetary.

The Olowalu petroglyphs located behind the Olowalu General Store just outside of Lahaina town. Are mixed with generations of visitors attempts to create their own carvings. I'm not sure which ones are authentic. Besides the ones behind the warning signs. You can only tell by a very close look at the depth, wear, and stroke of the carvings.

After meeting the women at the general store. We headed back to Maui Cyclery to return my bike rental. With a couple of hours to spare, we decided to visit a couple more historic and scenic sights in the Wailuku ahupua'a.

Two heiau exist on a hill top over looking Kahului Bay and the mouth of Iao stream.

What looks to be a gun placement reclaimed by traditional Hawaiian stonework.

Halekili is the first Heiau on the hill top from the makai entrance. 

Pihana Heiau is further down the foot path on another outcropping on the mauka side.

We headed further mauka to see the Iao needle or Kukaemoku in Iao Valley. A natural altar and lookout point from the sacred valley of Maui Ali'i.

When Kamehameha made his move to seize Maui. It is said that he landed on the shore, possibly near Halekili and Pihana Heiau. His warriors eventually routed Maui's forces to their sacred burial valley of Iao and the Battle of Kepaniwai ensued. Kahekili II was away ruling on Oahu leaving his son Kalanikupule to defend the base of the Maui dynasty. Kamehameha's forces, well trained with cannons and muskets were too much for Kalanikupule. The battle for Maui was lost and he fled through hidden pathways in Iao valley. Eventually fleeing to Oahu inhereting Kahekili II's kingdom, defending it against Kaeokulani, and later meeting his destiny with Kamehameha again when he came to take Oahu. This time at the Battle of Nuuanu where Kalanikupule would be backed onto a valley yet again. This time his escape was said to be a smaller party, if not just he alone. He was found hiding in the mountains between Nuuanu and Kalihi. After being captured it is said that he was taken to a Heiau on Pu'u Kapu, a hill in Moanalua where the Ali'i would meet with the commoners to discuss matters about all of the island. There he was taken and sacrificed to Kamehameha's war god. Ending the Maui dynasty and paving the way for Kamehameha's last target, Kauai ruled by Kaumuali'i. Things wouldn't turn out as bloody as the claiming of previous islands. Kaumuali'i spared the bloodshed of his people by conceding to Kamehameha's rule.

Kaumuali'i would later be forced wed to Kamehameha's wife, Queen Kaahumanu. After Kamehameha passed, to deter an uprising by Kauai. Which did actually happen for a short time when Kaumuali'i's son Humehume returned to his island and saw Kauai under Kamehameha's control. 

Eventually they all would be put to rest at Waine'e or Waiola cemetery. Except for Kamehameha, who's burial would be kept secret. His line would later be entombed in Mauna Ala at the Royal Mausoleum. 

Aloha Maui! It's been great. Hope to return! Next time Hana, and maybe cycle the Haleakala summit...

Maui! Part One

Day 1

 

So I spent the weekend on Maui with my fiance and her friend. All they wanted to do was pick fresh strawberries in Kula. All I wanted to do was ride a bike as far as I could within their schedule and then visit some historical areas. Maybe get a dip in the water as well.

 

The first day consisted of escaping the women after our stay in Kihei, and trekking Haleakala with a brand spanking new carbon Scott CR1 Team road bike I rented from Maui Cyclery in Paia with a Shimano 105 gruppo. Ed from Maui Cyclery loaded me up with great directions and nutrition for what they said was one of the best rides on the island. Then I was off from Hana Hwy to Baldwin Ave. On to Haleakala Hwy, Kekaulike Ave, back down Kula Ave and on to Ulupalakua to the winery to meet back up with the women. As destiny would have it, like the rest of the trip would turn out to be. I ran into the women at the strawberry patch because I took the wrong turn. We had fresh Maui produce as lunch together and they headed to the lavender farms. While I headed to the winery to relax until they arrived.

 

 

I love cannons!

Huge thanks to Ed and the crew at Maui Cyclery.

Day 2

I managed to jump back onto my rental in the morning after staying in Na pili. The women planned some farmers market visits nearby with the rental car. While I blasted toward Lahaina to visit as much historic places that I could in our limited amount of time on that side of the island during our last day in Maui.

Maui Ali'i and then the Kamehameha Dynasty had homes here up until the capitol was moved to Honolulu.

 

A reproduction of the south east corner of Kamehameha's Fort. Although actual stones from the original wall were used.

 

 Did I mention I love cannons?

 

The foundation of Kamehameha's home. The first brick and mortar structure in Hawaii at the time. 

Hauola Healing/Birthing Stone near the pier.

Across the street from the canoe landing and this reconstruction site near 505 Front St. is Malu Ulu Olele Park.

 

 

When I entered the parking lot I confirmed my search by asking a man if I was at the location of Moku'ula. Keeaumoku Kapu was standing outside of a gathering hall decorated with kanaka instruments, an 'uli'i, a small pohaku, fishing poles for what he told me was going to be an excuse for fishing with a group meeting later that day, and even a canoe sitting outside on the porch. He answered, "you're here." He must have noticed my excitement as he invited me in and gathered rolls of site maps from his office describing the past present and future aspects of the area.

In ancient times Moku'ula sat inside of Mokuhinia fishpond here where the park now stands. Fresh water still flows from the mountains and under the ground toward this area. Mr. Kapu pointed out the white layer on the dirt caused from salt water seeping up from the ground. If modern society disappeared today, nature would retake this land back into what it was millennia before early inhabitants of the pacific learned to harness its balance with their own.

The most sacred house site of Moku'ula stood about where the basketball court is now. Once housing Kamehameha's highest ranking wife Keōpuolani entombed in a Christian burial before being relocated to Waipio Church with her daughter Nahi'ena'ena.

The president of the group working toward restoring Moku'ula recently passed away and now things are kind of at a stand still.

 

 

 

Mr. Kapu showed me where the fresh water meets the ocean behind the 505 Fort St. property on a map and asked me to go take a look on the shore for myself. They have an underground parking lot that needs continuous pumping because of the water that is coming up from under the building where the inlet to the fishpond was located.