"Day of Conquest" -- Lana`i Island
The island of Lana`i gets little written attention compared to the others of Hawai`i. But in the book cited below that’s resolved.
In it are loads of stories about the tiny 13-miles long and wide island. Take its meaning. “La” for day – and “na`i” for conquest. Which memorializes the day mythic chief, Kaulula`au, defeated the evil ghosts there.
And about Walter M. Gibson’s crooked handling of the Mormon settlement between 1850s-60s. And of ranching in the 1890s: 45,000 mutton producing sheep; 500 cattle, goats, hogs; and 600 horses (why more cattle than horses?) Also in the 1920s, the biggie: 16,000 acres of Dole pineapple; and the increase from a miniscule100 or so Hawaiians to several thousand ethnically diverse field-hires.
Ironically, Lana`i is still called the Pineapple Isle. Yet, the beaucoup acres of the fruit are gone, replaced by two top-rated resorts and a golf course.
What fascinates is the ancient Kaunolu village of worship shrines, and house and farm plots. Where Kamehameha the Great and followers enjoyed a retreat – including fishing for swarms of kala, ohua, aku, ahi. And diving matches from the sea-cliff nearby.
Much more in, TO KNOW LANA`I ONCE AGAIN – E `IKE HOU LA LANA’I, by Kepa & Onaona Maly – Lana`i Culture & Heritage Center.
Tags: Hawaii Stories
