Students Web Sleuth: New Names and Places from Stuart Holmes Coleman's "Fierce Heart"

Student Responses to Literature of Hawai'i and the Pacific course assignment.

February 1st 2021, Google Doc. Class Group Work, research:

Assignment for the essays "When Worlds Collide" and "Makaha Means Fierce" from Stuart Holmes Coleman's Fierce Heart. As you read the texts, you will be introduced to many new names, places and references: e.g. Kanaka Maoli, Makahiki Season, Waiʻanae, amakua. While you are reading, take notes and write down these new names, places and references. Once you have formed this list, look up 1 or 2  of these new names, places and references, research them and then write a short paragraph on your findings for each. MLA style required, including a Works Cited page. Submit both your list and your short paragraphs below on this google doc. Make sure your name appears with your submission.

Yunbo Mei: 

List: Lili'uokalani, Ku, Chief Boki, Ka’ena Point, Quicksilver surf

2/1/2021

Lili'uokalani : Lili'uokalani was the last sovereign monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Also, she is the only Queen for the Hawaiian Kingdom. During her reign, she attempted to draft a new constitution which would restore the power of the monarchy and the voting rights of the economically disenfranchised. Threatened by her attempts to abrogate the Bayonet Constitution. pro-American elements in Hawaiʻi overthrew the monarchy on January 17, 1893. The overthrow was bolstered by the landing of US Marines under John L. Stevens to protect American interests, which rendered the monarchy unable to protect itself. (Wikipedia)                 ----

“Liliʻuokalani.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 30 Jan. 2021, 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lili%CA%BBuokalani. 

List: Waianae, Menehune, Hokule’a, Makua, Makaha

2/3/2021

Menehune: Menehune are a mythological dwarf people in Hawaiian tradition who are said to live in the deep forests and hidden valleys of the Hawaiian Islands, hidden and far away from human settlements. The Menehune are described as superb craftspeople. They built temples (heiau), fishponds, roads, canoes, and houses. Some of these structures that Hawaiian folklore attributed to the Menehune still exist. They are said to have lived in Hawaiʻi before settlers arrived from Polynesia many centuries ago. 

“Menehune.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 4, Jan. 2021, 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menehune#:~:text=Menehune%20are%20a%20mythological%20dwarf,roads%2C%20canoes%2C%20and%20houses. 

Kamehameha: Born around November 1758. He was a Hawaiian conqueror and king. By 1810, he had united all of the Hawaiian Islands. He also founded the Kamehameha Dynasty which was later considered the best line of Hawaiian rulers. His dad was a high chief an“Liliʻuokalani.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 30 Jan. 2021, 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lili%CA%BBuokalani. 

Kamehameha: Born around November 1758. He was a Hawaiian conqueror and king. By 1810, he had united all of the Hawaiian Islands. He also founded the Kamehameha Dynasty which was later considered the best line of Hawaiian rulers. His dad was a high chief and his mom had a dad who was a former king. When Kamehameha was born, his grandpa (former king) made an order to have him killed. But he was saved and was able to grow to manhood. His name means “the very lone one” or “the one set apart. (Britannica) -Oscar Pardod his mom had a dad who was a former king. When Kamehameha was born, his grandpa (former king) made an order to have him killed. But he was saved and was able to grow to manhood. His name means “the very lone one” or “the one set apart. (Britannica) -Oscar Pardo

“Kamehameha I.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/biography/Kamehameha-I. 

Kaahumanu (1772-1832) was the favorite wife of Kamehameha I, and acted as regent to Hawaii from 1823-1832. During the rule of Kamehameha I’s successors, she assisted the crown often, and promoted the equality of women islanders. Kaahumanu was also very prominent in working closely with Christian missionaries, promoting the evangelizing and educational work of the missionaries in Hawaii, this allowed many Hawaiians the opportunity to learn to read and write.  -Clayton Chernich

T. (n.d.). Kaahumanu. Retrieved February 01, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kaahumanu

Kaho'olawe - Kaho’olawe is a small island located about 6 miles southwest of Maui. It was originally named after the Hawaiian god Kanaloa, symbolized by an octopus. This island was believed to be home to small Hawaiian villages around 400 A.D. It can be assumed that this island was the central hub for agriculture and religious ceremonies. Around the mid-1800s, the mismanagement of ranching leases led to accelerated erosion of the land of this island. Further destruction was made in 1941 as Kaho’olawe was established as a bombing area during World War II. Since 1994, the Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission has led efforts towards restoring this island to its natural composition. - Isabella Aguilar

 

Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. “KAHO'OLAWE HISTORY.” Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission History, State Department of Land and Natural Resources, 7 Jan. 2021, kahoolawe.hawaii.gov/history.shtml.

Lucyanna Herrera:

2/1/21 Assignment:

List: Wai’anea, Chief Boki, Queen Lili’uokalani

Chief Boki (before 1785-after December 1829) was a powerful Hawaiin leader, a High Chief, who served the Kingdom of Hawaii as royal governor on Oahu, as well as a venturist/entrepreneur. Chief Boki and his wife, Kuini Liliha, were members of a delegation to England, which was led by King Kamehameha II and Queen Kamamalu in 1824. After the King and Queen eventually died of the measles, Boki and his wife decided to return to Hawaii. On their way, their ship stopped in South America and acquired several Arabica coffee trees and native turkeys to bring back to the island. 

Boki’s death is actually an interesting tale. The sandalwood business was booming during his reign as High Chief, and once sandalwood restrictions lapsed he decided to immerse himself in the business. Like many other chiefs, he grew very rich, however his lack of understanding of finances caused him to go into debt in 1829. He heard that New Hebrides, the colonial name for the island group in the South Pacific Ocean that is now Vanuatu, was heavily forested in the sandalwood business, so he got two ships to set sail to get in on this. It is believed that he died during this expedition, however there is some evidence that he was alive in Samoa in 1830. According to Marques' 1893 report, Boki's ship was wrecked in 1830 near Iva on the Samoan island of Savaiʻi where he rallied under the banner of the Samoan chief, Malietoa Vaiinupo. The Hawaiian embassy delegation sent to Samoa by King Kalakaua in 1886 learned that the two Prussian cannons from Boki's ships were found in Iva village along with “many of his descendants”. However, he never returned to his reign on the island of Oahu, so his exact death may always be a mystery.

Source: “Boki (Hawaiin chief).” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boki_(Hawaiian_chief). Accessed 31 January 2021.

2/3/21 Assignment: 

List: Rusty Keaulana, Brian Keaulana, Buffalo Keaulana, Melvin Pu’u, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole “Bruddah Iz”, Rabbit Kekai, Bonga Perkins, Eddie Aikau, Rell Sunn, Makaha

Eddie Aikau, also known as the ultimate waterman, has inspired future generations of surfers all around the world. Eddie was born in Kahului, Hawaii, on May 4, 1946 and had been a competitor ever since he was a young boy, probably due to the fact that he was one of five children. Eddie actually began his surfing career as a lifeguard at Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore, but at the same time he was saving over 500 people, he was taking on some risky water himself. Beginning in 1967, he took on every major swell to come through the North Shore, with his best contest results coming from a win in the 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship. Many believe he was so successful not because he saw surfing as a competition, but as an actual personal goal he aspired to achieve. He surfed and explored the islands any opportunity he had, so when the opportunity to go on a cultural expedition of the Polynesian double-hulled voyaging canoe Hokule’a in 1978, he took it. Buffalo Keaulana was even his mentor, training him for the voyage. Unfortunately, the canoe capsized from treacherous seas soon after their departure, and he paddled his board to Lanai in search of help and rescue for the rest of his crew, but was never seen again. His death was the largest air-sea search in Hawaiin history, and the body and soul of Eddie Aikau was never seen again. 

Source: “The Surfing Life Story of Eddie Aikau.” SurferToday, https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/the-surfing-life-story-of-eddie-aikau. Accessed 3 February 2021.

Vanessa Zamora - Kanaloa 

List: Makaha, Makua, Kaneana, Kanaloa, Ka’ala, Kalo, Hokule’a, Kamehameha, Ka’ahumanu, Waiʻanae, Duke Kahanamoku, Kaho’olawe 

Kanaloa Research: 

Kanaloa is one of the four major akua (gods) of traditional Hawaiian religion and is typically associated with Kāne (also one of the four gods). Kanaloa is known as Kāne’s traveling partner. Kanaloa is considered to be the god of the underworld. He is associated with the ocean, long distance voyaging, and healing. The Hawaiians prayed to him for anything that had to do with the ocean. In the traditions of ancient Hawaii, Kanaloa is a god symbolized by the squid or by the octopus. It is also the name of an extinct volcano in Hawaii. (Kanaloa)    

Source:

“Kanaloa.” Kumukahi, Kamehameha Publishing, 2021,              www.kumukahi.org/index.php/units/ke_ao_akua/akua/kanaloa. 

Nu’uanu Pali – Amelie Elsässer

List: O’ahu, Mount Ka’ala, Makaha, Wai’anae Valleys, Makua, Kaneana, Kaena Point, Kane, Ku, Lono, Kanaloa, ‘aumakua, Kumulipo, Hokule’a, Makahiki, Nu’uanu Pali, Keaulanas, Ka’ahumanu, Nanakuli, Mary Phoebe Mahi Keaulana, Kamehameha.

Nu’uanu Pali is a lookout spot that is around 5 miles northeast of Downtown Honolulu. It is a great spot for panoramic views of the sheer Koolau cliffs and lush Windward Coast. Taking the car to the lookout spot, visitors are driving through tall trees and dense forests. It is special because on the way to the viewpoint, the city disappears, and the beauty of Hawaii and its natural landscape emerges. 

The lookout does not only offer a stunning view, but also has great historical value. Pali means cliff in Hawaiian, and the Pali Lockout is the site of the Battle of Nu’uanu. Here, King Kamehameha I won the fight that untied Oahu in 1795. Hundreds of soldiers lost their lives, and many were forced to jump off the Pali’s sheer cliffs. 

Works Cited:

Anonymous. “Nuuanu Pali Lookout”. Go Hawaii – Hawaii Tourism Authority, 2021, 

https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/windward-coast/nuuanu-pali-lookout.

Madison Jessup: Makaha and Nanakuli

List: Makaha, Waiʻanae, ahupuaʻa, Makahiki, lua, Kamehameha, Nuʻuanu Pali, kuleana, Queen Liliʻuokalani, Nanakuli, Lualualei

Makaha Research:

Makaha is located in Honolulu Country, Hawaiʻi but is 35 miles northwest of Honolulu. It is the last leeward town that is on Oʻahu. According to the 2010 census, the population of Makaha is 8,278. The meaning of the word is “fierce” or “savage” in the Hawaiian language. This is referring to the group of bandits who were based in the Makaha Valley. Compared to other places on Oʻahu, Makaha has a higher percentage of Native Hawaiians and other Pacific islanders. Makaha is known for its surfing waves and surfing history. Throughout the summer, the waves are typically about 4 feet, however during winter they exceed 15 feet. To this day the Buffalo’s Big Board Contest is still held at Makaha. 

Source: “Mākaha, Hawaii.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 27 Jan. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C4%81kaha,_Hawaii. 

Nanakuli Research:

Nanakuli is a small town located on the west shore of Oʻahu and is about 30 miles northwest of Honolulu. There is a beach called Nanakuli Beach Park where the waves are very strong in the winter months and tend to be calm in the summer. During the summer families often gather here and it is one of the locals favorite places to gather. Many of the residents of Nanakuli live in the valley across from Farrington Highway. In the Hwaiian language, “nana kuli” means to “pretend to be deaf.” It was given this name since the Hawaiians knew it was hard to grow food there and they felt bad that they could not offer any to those who were traveling through. Most of the time they hid from travelers, but if they were seen they would pretend they were deaf. Therefore, Nanakuli was known as the town full of deaf people. 

Source: “Home.” , Oahu, 2021, www.to-hawaii.com/oahu/cities/nanakuli.php. 

Cristal Ciqueiros Loaiza

List: O’ahu, Mount Ka’ala, Makaha, Wai’anae, Tahiti, Maui, Nu’uanu Pali, Kamehameha, Poka’i Bay, liholiho, Ka’ahumanu, Chief Boki, Keaulanas, High Chief Abner Paki, Queen Lili’uokalani, Nanakuli, Honolulu, Keaulanas, Lualualei

Poka’i Bay Research 

Poka’i Bay is a very preserved beach on the leeward coast due to its “breakwater offshore that blocks high surf” (Hawaii Travel Guide). Poka’i Bay is very calm all year round and it is a good place to take kids and it is good for those who are learning to surf (Hawaii Travel Guide). Poka’i Bay is between an Ancient Hawaiian temple site (Ku'ilioloa Heiau) and it is located on the nearby peninsula (Kaneilio Point) (Hawaii Travel Guide). This bay is named after the Hawaiian chief Poka, who allegedly “brought the first coconut palm tree to Hawaii” (Hawaii Travel Guide). Lastly, Pokai Bay gets its name from Malaea which can either mean "calm" or "serene” (Hawaii Travel Guide). 

Source: Park, P., 2021. Pokai Bay Beach Park, Oahu. [online] To-hawaii.com. Available at: <https://www.to-hawaii.com/oahu/beaches/pokaibeachpark.php#:~:text=Pokai%20Bay%20was%20originally%20named%20Malaea%2C%20meaning%20%22calm%22,heiau%20protected%20those%20traveling%20by%20land%20and%20sea.> [Accessed 2 February 2021].

Liholiho Research

Liholiho was the ruler of Hawaii from 1819 to 1824 and he was also known as Kamehameha II (Britannica).  He was the son of Kamehameha I who was the “Hawaiian conqueror and king” who gave rise to the Kamehameha dynasty (Britannica). Liholiho was quite against Christianity and so he resisted conversion due to a couple of reasons. These reasons consisted of refusal to give up four of his five wives and rum drinking (Britannica). Aside from being king, he brought in the first company of missionaries from New England within a certain amount of years, the missionaries “learned the language, reduced it to writing, and printed the first textbook” (Britannica). Unfortunately, when Liholiho traveled to England to see his two wives, he became sick from Measles and died in London with his wife Kamamalu (Britannica). 

Source: "Kamehameha I." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Web.

"Kamehameha II." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 01 Jan. 2021. Web.

Kori Koverman: Makahiki Season

02/01

List: Makahiki season, Kahuna, Chief Boki, Great Mahele, Lualualei

Makahiki season research 

The Makahiki season normally begins around mid-november and lasts for about 4 months. The Makahiki season indicates the beginning of the Hawaiian lunar year celebrating one of the four primary Hawaiian gods, Lono. During these four months there are signs of Lono that are present to Islanders, such as, rain showers, dark cloud clusters, thunder, and rainbow pieces. This is a time of abundance, harvest, peace, and games. This was also a time where taxes were collected and Lono would observe the productivity and well being of the people of the land. 

Burgess, Kawika. “The Makahiki Season.” Kalona Brand, Kalona Brand, 4 Feb. 2020, kalonabrand.com/blog/2020/2/4/the-makahiki-season. 

02/03

List: Hokule’a, Makua, Makaha 

Hokule’a is a well known famous canoe that is part of the Hawaiian culture. Hokule’a means Star of Gladness. The Hokule’a had its first voyage  in 1976 and traveled to Tahiti. It was a huge success and at that time Tahitians did not have voyaging canoes. More than half of Tahiti was there to see the arrival of the Hokule’a. Now the Hokule’a is a prized history of the Hawaiian culture. 

“The Story of Hōkūleʻa.” Hōkūleʻa, www.hokulea.com/voyages/our-story/. 

JaNay Wooten

List: Chief Boki, Makaha, Kamehameha, Nanakuli, Mahakiki Season, ahupua’a

Kamehameha Research

Kamehameha I was a Hawaiian king. By his death in 1810, he had successfully united all of the Hawaiian islands. He also founded the Kamehameha Dynasty (or the House of Kamehameha) which was later considered the best line of Hawaiian rulers. The kingdom would continue for another 21 years until its overthrow in 1893 with the fall of the House of Kalakaua.

WORKS CITED

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Kamehameha

JaNay Wooten (Makaha Means Fierce)

List: Melvin Pu’u, George Downing, Greg Null, Bonga Perkins, Eddie Aikau, Kanaka Maoli, Rusty Keaulana, Waimea Bay, Ka’ena Point, Makaha, Nanakuli

Melvin Pu’u Research

Melvin Pu’u is a Mākaha lifeguard who is one of the most respected Hawaiian waterman of his generation. Pu‘u has towed into monster swells off O‘ahu’s Ka‘ena point and at Jaws on Maui, and he was the first person to ride a twenty-five-foot wave in a one-man canoe (performed at Mākaha in 2000). Pu‘u was among a group of big-wave lifesavers who pioneered the use of jet skis for rescues in the early 1990s, which has revolutionized ocean safety. Before the skis, Pu‘u performed rescues equipped with only a paddleboard, fins and a float. 

WORKS CITED

https://hanahou.com/21.5/man-of-makaha 

Geordan Villanueva List: Kaneana, Kaena Point, Heiau, Kane, Ku, Lono, Kanaloa, ‘aumakua, Kumulipo, Haloa, Hokule’a, 

Kaneana: Located right off the Farrington Highway in Kaena Point, there is a cave that is said to be the haunted home of a Hawaiian God by the name of Kane. There is another story of a shapeshifter by the name of Kamohoali'i who turns into a shark and drags people into the cave to feed off of them. However, these are all just ancient Hawaiian stories passed down by generations of hear say. (OnlyInYourState.)

Shute, Megan. “There's A Terrifying Haunted Cave In Hawaii And It's Not For The Faint Of Heart.” OnlyInYourState, 21 Oct. 2017, www.onlyinyourstate.com/hawaii/haunted-cave-hi/. 

Kanaloa: Kanaloa is one of the four Hawaiian Gods. Kanaloa is derived from the big bodies of water, he is also the God of healing and maritime expeditions. It is thought that if you are swimming in Kanaloa’s body (ocean) and you are encountered by a squid or octopus that is the physical embodiment of Kanaloa. Kanaloa is also known to be embodied as bananas on land, and medicinal plants. (Kumukahi)

Kumukahi, www.kumukahi.org/units/ke_ao_akua/akua/kanaloa. 

John Rohrer

List: Wai’anae, Ka’ala, Wakea, Heiau, Ku, Lono, Kanaloa, ‘Aumakua, Kumulipo, Hokule’a, Lua

Kū Research (When Worlds Collide)

Kū is the Hawaiian god of war and is husband to the goddess Hina (The British Museum). Kū is one of the most important gods in Hawaiian mythology along with his siblings Kanaloa, Kāne, and Lono (The British Museum). Kū is known to represent masculinity and is associated with domains having to do with providing such as farming or fishing (Kumukahi). Interestingly, the domains of provision are so vast that Kū is said to take on multiple iterations or forms (Kumukahi). These iterations or forms taken on by Kū are an entire separate group of deities who all are spelled with his name as a prefix (Kumukahi). For example, Kūʻulakai is known as the “Kū of the abundant sea, god of fishing” (Kumukahi).

Works Cited

“Ku.” The British Museum, The British Museum, www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/BIOG170969. 

“Kū.” Kumukahi, Kumukahi, www.kumukahi.org/units/ke_ao_akua/akua/ku. 

Monyque Teixeira

List: Makahiki, Lualualei, Nuʻuanu Pali, Makaha, Waiʻanae, ahupuaʻa, Lua, Kamehameha, Kuleana, Nanakuli, Queen Liliʻuokalani.

Makahiki: The Makahiki festival punctuated the yearly farming cycle in ancient Hawai`i. Celebrating harvest and Lono, the Hawaiian god associated with rain and fecundity, Makahiki marked a temporary halt to activities of war and occasioned lesser changes in many other daily routines. For religious reasons that coincided with seasonal weather, activities such as deep-sea fishing – associated with Ku, the god of war – were kapu, or prohibited, during Makahiki. Beginning in late October or early November when the Pleiades constellation was first observed rising above the horizon at sunset, the Makahiki period continued for four months, through the time of rough seas, high winds, storms and heavy rains.

Source: http://www.hawaiihistory.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=ig.page&PageID=534 

Kamehameha: Kamehameha I, original name Paiea, byname Kamehameha the Great, (born November 1758, Kohala district, Hawaii island—died May 8, 1819, Kailua), Hawaiian conqueror and king who, by 1810, had united all the Hawaiian islands and founded the Kamehameha dynasty, the most-enduring and best-documented line of Hawaiian rulers. At the death of King Kalaniopuu in 1782, the island of Hawaii was divided between his son, Kiwalao, and his nephew, Kamehameha. Despite jealousy between the two cousins, relations were peaceful until July 1782, when a dispute between their chiefs at Keomo led to the outbreak of war. In the ensuing battle at Mokuohai, Kiwalao was slain. Kamehameha then embarked upon a series of conquests that by 1795 had brought all the islands but Kauai and Niihau under his control. When these were ceded to him through peaceful negotiations in 1810, Kamehameha was undisputed ruler of the entire island group.

Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kamehameha-I 

Audrey Lee

List: Keaulana, Menehu Contest, Makaha, Hokule’a, Kamakawiwo’ole, Quicksilver surf, lu’ua, Pearl Harbor

Keaulana: Born in 1935 Keaulana is a well-known Hawaiian surfer, lifeguard, and waterman. He has been in many major motion pictures, including Baywatch. He is often referred to as the “Mayor of Makaha.” His genealogy on his mother’s side is connected to King Kekaulike and on his father’s side, King Kamehameha I. Although, his past is well known his fame came from humble beginnings. Between 1957 and 1965 Keaulana captured six top-four finishes in the surfing contest. In 1969, Keaulana was named Makaha’s lifeguard chief. Keaulana, known as one of the founding fathers of surfing, spent 34 years as a lifeguard at Makaha Beach. An avid surfer and bodysurfer, he earned many titles in the 1950s and 1960s at the Makaha International Surfing Championship, which was known at the time as the most prestigious surfing contest in the world.

Source: https://careerkokua.hawaii.gov/career/article/?id=83 

Cristal Ciqueiros Loaiza 

List: Rusty Keaulana, Kaʻena Point, Waikiki, Melvin Puʻu, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, Makua, Russ K Makaha, rabbit Kekai, Buffalo, Momi Keaulana, Eddie Aikau, Hokuleʻa, Waimea Bay, Rell Sunn, Aikaus, Duke Kahanamoku, Bruddah Iz

Kaʻena Point: Kaʻena Point is filled with miles and miles of beautiful ocean and mountain views that many individuals would enjoy to see. This location is only reachable by walking there and it is very distant from heavily populated locations. At the Kaʻena Point, there are many paths an individual can take. For example, one can climb down a pile of fallen boulders or move upwards towards the path. In this location, one will see eye-catching colors and the scenery is beautiful. 

Source: "Kaʻena Point on Oahu." Hawaii.com. 28 July 2020. Web.

Rell Sunn: Rell Sunn was a Hawaiin surfer who stole a lot of peopleʻs heart and was admired by many. She was born in Makaha, on the island of Oahu and she was quite young, 47 years old. She was very unique because she was not only good at surfing, she challenged many men within the sport. She truly encouraged many women to try surfing and she was the founder of the first womenʻs professional tour. Unfortunately, she had lived with breast cancer for a long time and her death occurred as a result of her medical condition. She will always be remembered because she really put herself out there. 

Source: Mcg, Robert. "Rell Sunn, 47, Hawaiian Surfing Champion." The New York Times. The New York Times, 26 Jan. 1998. Web.

Courtney Yamaguchi

List: Kahuna, Heiau, Wakea, Papa, Kumulipo, wai, pali, aliʻi, manini

Wakea

In the Hawaiian culture, Wakea or Wākea, is the sky father. Wakea’s other half is Papa, who together they created the Hawaiian Islands. On the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, there is the world's tallest mountain from sea level, Mauna Kea. Another name for Mauna Kea is Mauna a Wakea, which means mountain and Wakea. The meaning and importance behind Mauna a Wakea is that the mountain Mauna Kea holds the connection between the sky and the land. Mauna Kea starts from the very bottom of the ocean and stands tall above the clouds, creating the link from land to the sky. -Courtney 

“CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE.” Papa and Wakea, www.theology101.org/pac/ku/ku23.htm.

Kumulipo

Kumulipo is the sacred chat that explains all the creation of life and the families of Hawaiian Aliʻi. It was composed and transmitted entirely in the oral tradition. It has 2000 lines that provide an in-depth genealogy of the family's divine origin and tracing the history to the beginning of the world. -Courtney 

“The Kumulipo.” Ulukau, www.ulukau.org/elib/cgi-bin/library?e=d-0beckwit2-000Sec—11haw-50-20-frameset-book—1-010escapewin&a=d&d=D0&toc=0.

Oscar Pardo

List: Aikau, Nanakuli, Wai’anae, Hokule’a

Nanakuli: it means “pretend to be deaf” or “look at knee”. That translation is based on an old story about the town’s past. The translation came to be because in Hawaii it is a custom to offer food to passing travelers, but since this particular coast has a hot and dry climate, it makes it difficult to grow food. Or at least the natives then weren’t really successful at growing much food. So, since there was no food to be offered to travelers, they would pretend to be deaf. It is also said to be one of the first towns you encounter as one drives along the island’s Leeward coast.

“Nanakuli.” Hawaii, htourshawaii.com/Nanakuli. 

Lianwei Deng:Kalo and Mount Ka’ala  

List: Mount Ka’ala, Wai’anae Coast, Wakua Coast, Kalo, Russ Takaki, Buffalo keaulana

Kalo Research: 

it is the Hawaiian name given to the cultivated plant, taro.Kalo specifically refers to the name of the first taro growing from the planted stalk. Taro is considered by some to be the world's oldest cultivated crop. However, the common name, "taro", is also used interchangeably to refer to one of four genera in the family Araceae, the Aroid or Philodendron family. These genera include Colocasia, Xanthosoma, and Alocasia, and Cyrtosperma. There are currently eight recognized species of Colocasia in the world, but only two are found in Hawai‘i: C. esculenta (L.) Schott and C. gigantea (Blume) Hook. C. esculenta was initially introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by Polynesians migrating to Hawai‘i. 

Mount Ka’ala Research: 

Mount Kaʻala is the highest mountain on the island of Oahu, at 4,025 feet (1,227 m). It is a part of the Waianae Range, an eroded shield volcano on the west side of the island. The FAA maintains an active tracking station at the summit, which is closed to the general public and secured by the US Army which is stationed at the base of the mountain, at Schofield Barracks. The tracking station can be clearly seen from afar as a white domed shaped structure.

Source: What Is Kalo?, hbs.bishopmuseum.org/botany/taro/key/HawaiianKalo/Media/Html/whatistaro.html. 

“Kaʻala.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 29 Jan. 2021,

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ka%CA%BBala. 

Isabella Aguilar

List: Ka’ena Point,Duke Kahanamoku, Menehune Contest, Kauna, Ulua

Duke Kahanamoku: Duke Kahanamoku was born in 1890 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He grew up in Waikiki with an immense passion for surfing and other sports. At the age of 21, Duke earned 2 Gold Medals in Olympic Swimming competitions. He demonstrated incredible character and sportsmanship throughout his life. Duke Kahanamoku even served as Sheriff of Honolulu 13 times through re-election! He brought the spirit of aloha everywhere he went and was cherished by many. 

Reference: Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Duke Kahanamoku". Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Jan. 2021, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Duke-Kahanamoku. Accessed 3 February 2021.

Kahanamoku, D. “Duke Kahanamoku.” Duke's Restaurants, Jan. 2020, www.dukeswaikiki.com/duke/. 

Part 2 due 02/04/21: Amelie Elsasser

List: Makaha, Kanaka Maoli, Rusty Keaulana, Makahiki Season, Waiʻanae, amakua, Buffalo, Momi Keaulana, Bruddah Iz, Rell, Ka’ena Point, Melvin Pu’u, Makua, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, Rabbit Kekai, Peter Cole, Bonga Perkins, Eddie Aikau, Waimea Bay, Makua, Nanakuli, Melvin Pu’u, George Downing, Greg Noll, Rell Sunn, 

 

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (Amelie Elsasser):

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole is one of the most famous Hawaiian musicians and he even is considered to be one of the best on the international level. He was born in Honolulu on May 20th, 1959, and he was first on stage in 1970 together with his brother Skippy and his cousin Allen Thornton. None of his parents were musicians, but he experienced the Hawaiian music from a very young age. However, his uncle had a lot of influence on him, and as a professional musician, he was the reason why Kamakawiwo’ole started to play an instrument at the age of 6. Together with his brother Skippy, he formed the Makaha sons of Ni’hau with Louis “moon” Kauakahi, Sam Gray and Jerome Koko. They were recording 5 studio albums together until Skippy died in 1982 after a heart attack. In 1990, Kamakawiwo’ole released his first solo album which won the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Award. With his Music, Kamakawiwo’ole brought his heritage, pride and independence to life. For the next 6 years, he was very successful as a solo artist. He got the Entertainer of the year 1994 award as well as the Vocalist of the year award in 1997. On June 26th 1997, Kamakawiwo’ole died at the age of only 38. 

Works Cited

“Biography of Kamakawiwo’ole Israel”. Kamakawiwo.net. 2019-2021. 

https://www.kamakawiwo.net/israel-biography.php.

Makahiki Season (Amelie Elsasser):

In ancient times, Hawaiian priests were searching the dark sky at night for Makali’i which is known today as the Pleiades. The sighting of the Makali’i is a sign of the presence of Lono, the Hawaiian god of fertility and at the same time, the start of Makahiki season. Makahiki season is the start of the four months of Hawaiian new year. As Lono passes over the different districts on each island, the Hawaiians stop working, making offerings to their Ali’i and celebrate. Ali’i means as much as chief. The Makahiki is always a time of joy and prayer in which they are thankful for the prosperity of the land, abundance of harvest and good health for their families. 

Traditionally, Hawaiians are eating pic, a tender, shredded pork cooked in an underground pit. While there is not only food, but a Hawaiian new year would also not be the same without thousands of fireworks across the different islands. This creates a great picture of lights in the night sky which should mirror the Pleiades. 

 

Works Cited

 Holualoa Inn. “Welcome to the Makahiki Season – Hawaiian Tradition”. Holualoainn.com. 

2021.https://www.holualoainn.com/holualoa-inn-welcomes-you-to-the-makahiki-season/.

Megan Fulcher

List: Makaha, Kauna, Ulua, Ka’ena Point, Melvin Pu’u, Wai’anae, Eddie Aikau, Duke Kahananamoku, Kauna

Melvin Pu’u:

Mevlin Pu’u, known as “Mel”, is from Oahu, Hawaii. He is very interested in all water sports and outdoor activities. He is a very respected surfer and has focused much of his life on surfing. He is now married and has 8 children. He is a lifeguard and promotes water safety as an important practice. He also loves music and plays guitar and the ukulele. He retired as a lifeguard in 2017 but is still widely known in his community and continues to surf and participate in other water sports daily.

Works Cited: 

“Mel Pu'u Biography, Videos & Photos.” Quiksilver, quiksilver.com/surf/team/mel-pu-u-.html. 

John Rohrer

List: Ka’ena Point, Makaha, hanai, kauna, ulua

Hānai Research (Makaha Means Fierce)

Hānai can roughly be defined as the Hawaiian word for adoption (Essoyan). However, the concept of hānai is much more lenient with custody then the concept of adoption in English speaking cultures (Regelman). Hānai is believed to have stemmed from the ancient Hawaiian customs regarding child custody (Regelman). It is said that before Hawaii was colonized, “paternal grandparents had an indisputable claim on the first-born boy, maternal grandparents on the first-born girl” (Regelman). In short, the practice of hānai is the sharing of children between close friends and family due to their immense value in Hawaiian culture (Essoyan).

Works Cited

Essoyan, Susan. “In Hawaii, Hanai Helps to Fill in for the Stork : Some Fear a Modern Culture Clash May Be Endangering the Ancient Custom of Sharing Infants from Large Families with Childless Couples.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 1993, www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-01-04-mn-915-story.html. 

Regelman, Kazz. “All in the Family.” Maui No Ka Oi Magazine, Haynes Publishing Group, 2016, www.mauimagazine.net/hawaiian-hanai/. 

Madison Jessup: 

List: Rusty Keaulana, Kaʻena Point, Waiʻanae, Melvin Puʻu, Makua, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, Rabbit Kekai, Bonga Perkins, Buffalo Keaulana, Momi Keaulana, Eddie Aikau, Hokuleʻa, Rell Sunn, Duke Kahanamoku, Kauna

Israel Kamakawiwoʻole: 

Israel is known as the fearless eye, the bold face and went by Bruddah Iz or IZ. He was a Hawaiian singer-lyricist, musician and Hawaiian sovereignty activist who was born on May 20, 1959 and passed away on June 26, 1997. Israel’s career really took on when his album Facing Future was released and became known outside of Hawaii. One of his most famous songs that was in many movies, etc. was “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World.” He was born and raised in Honolulu. At the age of 11 is when he first started playing music with his brother and cousin. Israel is known for promoting Hawaiian rights and independence, not only through his actions, but also through his lyrics. He also suffered from many medical problems because of his obesity. Today his koa wood casket lay in the state capitol building of Hawaii and is only the third person to be honored who is not a government official. 

Source: “Israel Kamakawiwoʻole.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Feb. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Kamakawiwo%CA%BBole. 

Kaʻena Point:

Kaʻena Point is the westernmost tip of land on the island of Oʻahu. This point is only accessible on foot, but can be reached from both the East and Southeast. Kaʻena Point contains a track that is 3 miles long. It runs along the coast starting at the east side which is the end of a paved road. There is a gate that prevents unauthorized vehicles which is why it is only accessible by foot. On the south side it is known as  Kaʻena State Park and it is a paved road that passes a beach before it reaches the unimproved track. When traveling this point, on one side there is a cliff and on the other side it is basalt rocks. Kaʻena means “the heat” in the Hawaiian language. Kaʻena Point got its name from a brother or cousin of Pele who accompanied her from Kahiki. In order to protect nesting Laysan Albatrosses and wedge-tailed Shearwaters, Hawaiian monk seals, and the fragile native strand vegetation that has been restored here, the State of Hawaiʻi designated this point as a Natural Area Reserve. Lastly, some ancient Hawaiians believe that this point is the “jumping-off” point for souls leaving this world. 

Source: “Kaena Point.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 Jan. 2021,

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaena_Point. 

 

Zihan Zhang

List: Buffalo Keaulana, Momi Keaulana, Kauna, Rell, Ka’ena Point, Quicksilver surf, Ku,  Chief Boki, Lono, Ka’ala, Makaha,  Chief Boki

Buffalo Keaulana : Buffalo Keaulana is one of Hawaii's most naturally-talented surfer. Richard “Buffalo” Keaulana, patriarchal Hawaiian surfer and lifesaver, is known as the Mayor of Makaha, especially considering that he’s given rise to a Westside dynasty that’s now in its third generation. Richard Keaulana was born in 1935 in Honolulu and his family settled in Makaha while he was still a young boy. He learned to surf in the gentle rollers off Waikiki, eventually graduating to the level of “beach boy” during the 1950s. Dubbed “Buffalo” by friends due to a large head covered in copious amounts hair, he was considered one of Hawaii’s most naturally-talented surfers. His smooth style, switch-stance skills and nose for the pocket made him an annual favorite at the Makaha International contest, an event he won in 1960. In fact, Keaulana captured six top-four finishes in the contest between 1957 and 1965. Built with the sturdy frame of a Polynesian warrior, he was also considered by many at the time to be the world’s best bodysurfer. A consummate waterman, Keaulana was named Makaha’s lifeguard chief in 1969, a position he managed for the next two and a half decades. In 1972, local officials erected a statue in his honor in front of a library near Makaha. Buffalo’s Big Board Classic — a surf contest and beach party held at Makaha for over four decades — has become a community mainstay. Two of his six children have gone on to noteworthy careers in surfing: Brian, a world class waterman and big-wave surfer; and Rusty, a three-time world longboard champion (1993-95).

Works Cited

“Buffalo Keaulana ‘2005 Surf Pioneer’ Surfing Walk of Fame.” Surfing Walk of Fame, 2 May 2019, 

surfingwalkoffame.com/buffalo-keaulana/. 

Geordan Villanueva

List: Buffalo Keaulana, Israel Kamawiwo’ole, Eddie Aikau

Eddie Aikau: Eddie Aikau is a native Hawaiian. Who was known as a bodyguard, musician, and friend to all. But more importantly he was known for his talent riding waves, nothing small only big ones. The term “Eddie Would Go” is a local nomenclature that surfers or body boarders use when referring to the conditions of the water, if the waves are big… “Eddie Would Go.” To continue his legacy there is a surf contest held in Hawaii every year named “The Eddie.”

https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/the-surfing-life-story-of-eddie-aikau

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole: Israel better known as “Braddah Iz” or “Iz” is a very famous Hawaiian singer and songwriter. Israel is from Makaha, he is most known for his song “Over the Rainbow.” Israel comes from a family of heart disease and shortly after the release of one of Hawaii’s most notable songs he passed away due to respiratory failure.

https://www.npr.org/2010/12/06/131812500/israel-kamakawiwo-ole-the-voice-of-hawaii

Thomas Depontes

List: Eddie Aikau, Ka’ena point, Haieu, Ali’i,  Israel Kamawiwo’ole, Duke Kahanamoku

 Duke Kahanamoku: Duke was also known as “The Big Kahuna.” Duke was an amazing swimmer and an even more amazing surfer. He is the first man to be in the hall of fame for both surfing and swimming. If you ever look up Hawaiian surfers it’s hard not to come across duke as he made so many accomplishments and was names ambassador of Aloha when Hawaii became an official state.

SurferToday.com, Editor at. “The Extraordinary Surfing Life of Duke Kahanamoku.” Surfertoday, www.surfertoday.com/surfing/the-extraordinary-surfing-life-of-duke-kahanamoku. 

Eddie Aikau: While Duke was more of a modern style surfer Eddie was a big wave surfer. He pursued big waves with a passion this is where they get the phrase “ Eddie would go” from because he would challenge himself no matter the wave height. He was so notorious for going for big waves they named a competition after him “The Eddies” where the faces of the waves are typically anywhere from anywhere from 70-80 feet tall. This competition is seen as the super-bowl for surfing. Something both Eddie and Duke have in common is that they both saved people in their lives. Eddie saved people as a lifeguard and Duke saved people off a shipwreck.

SurferToday.com, Editor at. “The Surfing Life Story of Eddie Aikau.” Surfertoday, www.surfertoday.com/surfing/the-surfing-life-story-of-eddie-aikau. 

Ziang Jiao

List: Heiau, Aikau, Lono, Ka’ala, Buffalo keaulana, Nanakuli, Keaulana, Ulua, Menehu Contest

Heiau: A heiau is a Hawaiian temple. Made in different architectural styles depending upon their purpose and location, they range from simple earth terraces, to elaborately constructed stone platforms. There are heiau to treat the sick, offer first fruits, offer first catch, start rain, stop rain, increase the population, ensure the health of the nation, achieve success in distant voyaging, reach peace, and achieve success in war.

After the official end of Hawaiian religion in 1819 and with later pressure from Christian missionaries, many were deliberately destroyed, while others were allowed to fall into disrepair. Some heiau structures have been fully restored physically and are operated in the 21st century as public attractions.

Works Cited

“Heiau.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 13 Jan. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heiau.

 

Nanakuli: Nānākuli is a census-designated place in the Waiʻanae District on the island of Oʻahu, City & County of Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. In Hawaiian, nānā kuli means literally "look at knee". The population was 12,666 at the 2010 census.

Works Cited

En.wikipedia.org. 2021. Nānākuli, Hawaii. [online] Available at: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C4%81n%C4%81kuli,_Hawaii> [Accessed 4 February 2021].

Melvin Pineda 

List: Queen Liliuokalani, Duke Kahanamoku, Eddie Aikau, Kamehameha, Melvin Pu’u, Makaha, Buffalo Keaulana

Queen Liliuokalani: She was the last sovereign of the Kalākaua dynasty, which had ruled a unified Hawaiian kingdom since 1810. She became crown princess in 1877, after the death of her youngest brother made her the heir to her elder brother, King Kalākaua. By the time she took the throne herself in 1891, a new Hawaiian constitution had removed much of the monarchy’s powers in favor of an elite class of businessmen and wealthy landowners (many of them American). When Liliuokalani acted to restore these powers, a U.S. military-backed coup deposed her in 1893 and formed a provisional government; Hawaii was declared a republic in 1894. Liliuokalani signed a formal abdication in 1895 but continued to appeal to U.S. President Grover Cleveland for reinstatement, without success. The United States annexed Hawaii in 1898. 

 

Source: History.com Editors. “Liliuokalani.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2 Dec. 2009, www.history.com/topics/19th-century/liliuokalani. 

 

Eddie Aikau: Eddie Aikau is one of the most respected names in surfing. He was the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay on the island of Oahu. He saved many lives and became well known as a big-wave surfer. Eddie was a true symbol of Aloha. When Eddie competed at his first Duke invitational in 1967l, he placed sixth but crushed one of the toughest waves. Eddie won first place in the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship contest in 1977. He became involved in perpetuating his Hawaiian heritage. In 1976, the Polynesian Voyaging Society sailed the Hokule'a on a successful 30-day journey. In 1978, a second voyage of the traditional sailing canoe was planned. The canoe developed a leak and later capsized in stormy weather. In an attempt to save his crew and the Hokule'a, Aikau paddled toward Lanai on his surfboard. Hours later a commercial airplane spotted the Hokule'a and the rest of the crew was soon rescued. Aikau was missing at sea. Despite great search efforts Eddie was never seen again. 

 

Source: Eddie Aikau, archive.hokulea.com/index/founder_and_teachers/eddie_aikau.html.