Comments on: The Epic Tale of Hi`iakaikapoliopele http://www.hawaiireaders.com/blog/2009/09/13/the-epic-tale-of-hiiakaikapoliopele/ The Hawaii Readers site Fri, 18 May 2012 14:50:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: Makana Risser Chai http://www.hawaiireaders.com/blog/2009/09/13/the-epic-tale-of-hiiakaikapoliopele/comment-page-1/#comment-348 Makana Risser Chai Sun, 11 Oct 2009 06:26:11 +0000 http://stage.hawaiireaders.com/?p=728#comment-348 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. 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.

]]> By: Makana Risser Chai http://www.hawaiireaders.com/blog/2009/09/13/the-epic-tale-of-hiiakaikapoliopele/comment-page-1/#comment-347 Makana Risser Chai Sun, 11 Oct 2009 06:25:21 +0000 http://stage.hawaiireaders.com/?p=728#comment-347 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!" 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!"

]]> By: Puakea Nogelmeier http://www.hawaiireaders.com/blog/2009/09/13/the-epic-tale-of-hiiakaikapoliopele/comment-page-1/#comment-343 Puakea Nogelmeier Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:20:49 +0000 http://stage.hawaiireaders.com/?p=728#comment-343 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. 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.

]]> By: Makana Risser Chai http://www.hawaiireaders.com/blog/2009/09/13/the-epic-tale-of-hiiakaikapoliopele/comment-page-1/#comment-184 Makana Risser Chai Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:35:12 +0000 http://stage.hawaiireaders.com/?p=728#comment-184 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... 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...

]]> By: Puakea Nogelmeier http://www.hawaiireaders.com/blog/2009/09/13/the-epic-tale-of-hiiakaikapoliopele/comment-page-1/#comment-153 Puakea Nogelmeier Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:53:02 +0000 http://stage.hawaiireaders.com/?p=728#comment-153 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! 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!

]]> By: Makana Risser Chai http://www.hawaiireaders.com/blog/2009/09/13/the-epic-tale-of-hiiakaikapoliopele/comment-page-1/#comment-152 Makana Risser Chai Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:35:57 +0000 http://stage.hawaiireaders.com/?p=728#comment-152 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 ... 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 ...

]]> By: Nahua Patrinos http://www.hawaiireaders.com/blog/2009/09/13/the-epic-tale-of-hiiakaikapoliopele/comment-page-1/#comment-115 Nahua Patrinos Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:04:47 +0000 http://stage.hawaiireaders.com/?p=728#comment-115 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. 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.

]]> By: Puakea Nogelmeier http://www.hawaiireaders.com/blog/2009/09/13/the-epic-tale-of-hiiakaikapoliopele/comment-page-1/#comment-73 Puakea Nogelmeier Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:29:32 +0000 http://stage.hawaiireaders.com/?p=728#comment-73 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 www.awaiaulu.org. Mahalo, Puakea 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

]]> By: Mark Chai http://www.hawaiireaders.com/blog/2009/09/13/the-epic-tale-of-hiiakaikapoliopele/comment-page-1/#comment-44 Mark Chai Wed, 23 Sep 2009 07:56:14 +0000 http://stage.hawaiireaders.com/?p=728#comment-44 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. 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.

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