The Epic Tale of Hi`iakaikapoliopele
Hi`iaka, the youngest and most daring of Pele's sisters, accepts the challenge to retrieve Lohi`au, lord of all Kaua`i, whom Pele had met and loved during a dream journey. Hi`iaka's quest is filled with great trials, her powers and wits repeatedly tested by unruly spirits and dangerous supernaturals, by human intrigue and mortal obligation.
She and her companions reach Kaua`i only to find Lohi`au dead, his spirit hidden away by the cliff-dwelling mo`o women. She performs the rituals to restore his life, and guides them all back to the crater, where Pele's jealous anger brings about an earth-shattering climax of destruction. Revenge, resolution and revival bring about an ending that is happy for most, but not final for all.
Ho`oulumahiehie's Hawaiian version of this grand tale makes up one volume of this pair of wonderful books, its companion text a full English translation by Puakea Nogelmeier. Each 500-page hardcover volume is the complete narrative of the tale, articulated with over 300 chants, and enhanced with an afterword, commentary and multiple indexes in the language of each text. Both books, designed by Barbara Pope, are beautifully illustrated with fine, full-color reproductions of Solomon Enos' images, commissioned for this project.
The book is available at all better bookstores, including Native Books at Ward Warehouse, and online at Booklines Hawaii.
Published by www.awaiaulu.org
Tags: Awaiaulu, hiiaka, myth, pele, puakea nogelmeier
September 22nd, 2009 at 9:56 pm
I found this book challenging to read. I am only now discovering my Hawaiian heritage and find it rather embarrassing that I knew nothing at all of the tales of Hi'iaka prior to reading this book. Nevertheless, it was a fascinating tale to read. Reminded me of the Greek Mythology that we had to read in high school. Solomon Enos's amazing illustrations helped to give me a better visual of the ordeals and adventures our heroine encountered on her journey. What would help readers unfamiliar with Hawaii would be to have a map of the Hawaiian Islands at hand as well as a Hawaiian dictionary. Reading about the places mentioned inspired me to seek out additional information about them in historic cultural context.
September 23rd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Aloha,
This wonderful saga was a challenge to translate - we learned a great deal, and enjoyed the journey. We hear from many readers that the story is gripping once you're really in it. Like many legends, the Hi'iaka epic reflects real life today, but in the fabled setting of old. I'd like to know if others find parallels. There's more on the why and how of this book at http://www.awaiaulu.org.
Mahalo,
Puakea
September 26th, 2009 at 11:04 am
I teach a class entitled "Indigenous People" at Holy Names University in Oakland California. Our one and only text this semester is Hi'iakaikapoliopele because of its rich narrative and enthralling epic tale. We studied the Hawaiian names, plotted the journey and discussed the idea of "indigenous narrative" and then began to read the story. The students are thoroughly enjoying the tale and seem surprised that this Hawaiian heroic saga is similar to other tales of adventure with monsters and angels, morals and virtues, love and friendships. I was charmed when I first read this book and even more delighted to be sharing it with my students.
September 29th, 2009 at 7:35 am
Aloha Puakea, This book is such a treasure! I was just reading about the lomilomi Hi'iaka gave to Lohi'au to revive him from death. It says, "Kahuli and Kahela are the oils I shall use." Then I see Kahuli, Kahela is the supine woman who owns the 'awa drinking house. What is your mana'o as to why the oils are called by her name? I remember Auntie Margaret used oils blended with 'awa ...
September 29th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Aloha Makana,
The oils bearing the name of the 'awa woman is a challenge to fully understand, except for the links of healing and restoring connecting 'awa with Hi'iaka's ministrations. I didn't know 'awa was included in healing oils, so your note there adds a layer to that link. Mahalo - as I said, the book was a rich challenge, and it keeps unfolding richly.
To Dr. Patrinos, I am excited to see how the book is embraced by a whole group beyond Hawai'i. What great bridges are being buit!
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:35 pm
As much as I love the neatness of the 'awa explanation, I just found another reference to Kahela and Kahuli. This is in the book, Kepelino's Traditions, Bishop Museum Press, p. 185, in a Prayer to the God, Alalalahe. Beckwith in a footnote states, "Kahuli and Kahela refer to the billows of the ocean Haalewawahilani, now the Arctic Ocean." I wonder about Beckwith's interpretation, though. Seems rather far afield...
October 10th, 2009 at 9:20 am
Aloha hou, e Makana,
We found the Beckwith reference when we were working on the translation, and we couldn't incorporate it in a way that would apply or enrich the understanding. I'd forgotten it was out there. The images of sweeping change and of expanse do seem to connect to Arctic billows, to 'awa indulgence, and to restoration of the spirit, but in such different ways that it's hard to tie them into a narrative. I really appreciate the multi-level way you approach the story. It's thought-provoking. Mahalo.
October 10th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
I woke up today knowing that kahuli was in the Kumulipo and wondering if kahela was in it. John Charlot notes that the second section (lines 8b--14) invokes female goddesses - the first in a sexual position: "Oh Kahela, the female who lies down with her face up." She is called upon to be active: E ala!
The next lines describe the rain, mists, and spray, traditional poetic symbols for sexual activity. Then comes the wave from Kahiki, origin of the gods, stressing the godly character of the mating. This section ends: E ola! "May there be healthy, vigorous life! May it live!"
October 10th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Mahalo e Puakea. As a new student of Hawaiian language, I am amazed at the translation you folks achieved in this book. I always thought "translation" was a fairly simple exercise. Now, when I look at your translation of just one sentence, I am in awe of the subtly and nuance you bring to this art.