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Movie
and TV Reviews
Book Reviews
CD Reviews
Other Reviews
Talk Stories
Recipes
Health Tips
Hawaiian Historical Society
Hawai‘i State Archives
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Movie
and TV Reviews:
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| Keepers
of the Flame reviewed by Kīhei
de Silva
Eddie Kamae’s "Keepers of the Flame," the eighth project in
his Hawaiian Legacy Series, serves to commemorate -- through
still-photos, film clips, interviews, and voice-over narration
-- the lives of Mary Kawena Pukui, ‘Iolani Luahine,
and Edith Kanaka‘ole, three women "who, perhaps more
than any other 20th century figures, helped to revive the
flame of traditional Hawaiian culture."
Stitch Has
A Glitch reviewed by Kīhei de
Silva
Walt Disney Pictures released Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch
Has A Glitch in late August as an all-new, straight-to-DVD
movie whose content, Disney proclaims, is "an artistically
stunning continuation of the original." I agree. I am stunned
by the artistry with which Disney continues...
Ruth Ke‘elikōlani reviewed by
Camille Naluai
Ruth Keʻelikōlani is one of Hawaiʻi’s most recognizable figures.
Despite her well known face, most island residents know very
little about this formidable Hawaiian woman. With the help
of the Center for Biographical Research at the University
of Hawaiʻi, PBS will be airing a new biography...
NBC's "Hawai‘i" Premier
reviewed by Kīhei de Silva
The killer's name is Allah-pie (Alapa‘i),
a native practitioner of the black art of uhna-uhna (‘anā‘anā).
He decapitates his victims on Fridays, the sacred sixth day
of traditional Hawaiian sorcerer-gangsters, with a traditional
le‘o-mah-know (lei o manō)...
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Book
Reviews:
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| Buke
Mele Lahui, Book of National Songs (Hawaiian
Historical Society) reviewed
by Kīhei de Silva
Buke Mele Lahui was published in the last months
of 1895 by Francisco Jose Testa, editor of the Hawaiian language
newspaper Ka Makaainana. “Hoke” Testa’s pocket-sized
volume contained 105 mele of decidedly nationalist sentiment...
Nā Lei Makamae, The Treasured Lei
(Marie A. McDonald and Paul R. Weissich)
reviewed by Kīhei
de Silva
Lima hana maiau is a phrase descriptive of work done with
the hands in a meticulous, loving manner – of work that belongs
to a value system removed from western concepts of time, effort,
and marketability. Although Nā Lei Makamae is a book with
a price tag, it belongs unmistakably to the hana maiau tradition...
Nā Wahi Kapu o Maui
(Kapulani Landgraff) reviewed by Kīhei
de Silva
This is a book of extraordinary photographs, mostly of stone
and water, or of stone and the absence of water. This is also
a book of extraordinarily stone-like poems that refuse to
yield their meaning to cursory readings...
He Mele Aloha, A Hawaiian Songbook
(Wilcox, Hussey, Hollinger, and Nogelmeier)reviewed
by Kīhei de Silva
The authors of He Mele Aloha remind us that the practice
of kanikapila, “play music,” was once a part of our daily
lives -- an informal gathering of family and friends on front
porches and in back yards for the simple purpose of singing
Hawaiian songs. Today, however, our music has moved from the
home to the stage...
The Boy Who Tricked The Ghosts (Ellie
Crowe) reviewed by Kīhei de Silva
The visual appeal of Ellie Crowe’s The Boy Who Tricked
the Ghosts and the book’s seeming authenticity as a retelling
of the legend of Kaululāʻau make for a fine-looking sugar
mill, but its machinery, although hardly absent, is that of
a confectionery geared to spinning cotton candy...
Then There Were
None (Martha Noyes) reviwed by Camille
Naluai
At 109-pages, Then there were none
is a story about Hawaiian history, not complete, but a story
worth telling over and over again, lest we forget what the
little girl in lei whose face graces the cover of this book
went through...
Whale Rider (Witi
Ihimaera) reviewed by Kīhei de Silva
Why read the book when you’ve already seen the movie more
times than you’re willing to admit and don’t want anything
to take away from the empowerment that the on-screen rendering
of Paikea’s triumph delivers each time, undiminished and transcendent?
Because the book is Witi Ihimaera’s. He is the first published
Maori novelist...
The Little Makana
(Helen Dano) reviwed by Camille Naluai
This is a children’s book with a simple
story line, interesting illustrations and cherished Hawaiian
songs. The Little Makana is a story about a baby,
still in his mother’s womb, who explores the world...
Molokaʻi
(Alan Brennert) reviwed by Camille Naluai
The book Molokaʻi takes us on
a journey of sadness, love, regret, hope, and despair. Set
in Kalaupapa, Moloka‘i the reader is taken on a lifelong journey
filled with characters as familiar as any you could ever meet.
There is one exception...
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CD Reviews
Linda
Dela Cruz, Hawai‘i’s Canary reviewed
by Kīhei de Silva
It’s been years since I lost my collection of Linda
Dela Cruz LPs. Alice, Linda, and Sybil; Linda, Hawai‘i’s
Canary; Twilight at the Halekulani; Linda Sings;
Kuhio Beach Girl; Best of Linda. They melted
in the trunk of my Austin-Healy while in transit from Mānoa
to Kailua...
Na Mele Ohana
reviewed by Kīhei de Silva
No, it’s not Tony Tauvela’s Tokyo-based hula studio - that
would be Mele ‘Ohana Nā Hau‘oli. Nor is it
Mark Ho‘omalu‘s now-disbanded, Oakland-based troupe
- that would be Nā Mele Hula ‘Ohana. And no, it’s
not a track on Keali‘i Reichel’s latest compact disc
release...
The Haku Mele Nominees, Nā Hōkū
Hanohano 2004 reviewed by Kīhei
de Silva
The complete list of nominees for the 23 categories of the
Nā Hōkū Hanohano 2004 awards (for recordings released in 2003)
was published in the Honolulu Advertiser on April 20. Among
the most significant of these awards, from an ‘ōiwi perspective,
is that of Haku Mele...
Learn Hawaiian on CD reviwed
by Camille Naluai
With all the material out there making language learning easy,
it’s about time someone did the same for ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i. Kaliko
Beamer-Trapp and Kiele Akana-Gooch have created an 8 disc
“Instant Hawaiian Immersion” course produced by Topics Entertainment.
The makers say they hope people will be able to hold a decent
conversation...
Pa‘ahana: Soft Breezes
reviewed by Kīhei de Silva
Those of us who treasure the unamplified Hawaiian music of
our nahenahe past will find much to be thankful for in Pa‘ahana’s
Soft Breezes. We give thanks that young men are still
capable of making such beautiful, old music...
Holunape: He ‘Olu
reviewed by Kīhei de Silva
They have a great name, if I do say so myself. Holunape. It
means "swaying, resilient," as in ka holunape o ka lau o ka
niu, the gentle swaying of palm fronds. It fits both their
music and group identity. It suggests, right off, that these
guys belong to an older day...
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Other
Reviews:
Nani Iapana - The First Annual Japan
Hula ‘Oni Ē Festival
by Kīhei de Silva
Uluhua wale. That’s me when it comes to hula. Quickly
irritated. In my grumpy-old-man opinion, things that belong
should stay where they belong. The seven-pulse beat of the
pahu belongs to the hula pahu, not to ipu-accompanied dances.
‘Ulī‘ulī, pū‘ili, and kālā‘au
belong in the hands of dancers, not in the hands...
Noho Pono i
ka Ihu -- Tips from a Language Judge
by Kīhei de Silva
I served as one of three Hawaiian language judges for the
15th annual Hula ‘Oni Ē hula competition held last
Labor Day weekend at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. After critiquing
48 kahiko performances over the three-day event, I took some
time to review my notes and think through my all-too-often
repeated comments...
The Legend of Kaululā‘au
reviewed by Kīhei de Silva
Pulelo haʻaheo ke ahi a Kaululāʻau! Be proud.
Be very proud. The signal fires of Kaululāʻau blazed
brightly last Sunday, November 7, at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
Theater, having been fanned to new life by Kealiʻiwahine Hokoana
and Moses Goods III from the embers of W. N. Pualewa's nearly
forgotten "Ka Moolelo o Eleio," a Hawaiian language
story...
Holunape Wins
at Ka Hīmeni ‘Ana reviewed by
Kīhei de Silva
The third time proved to be the charm for Holunape, this year's
winner of the Ka Hīmeni ʻAna old-fashioned Hawaiian singing
competition held Saturday night, August 14, at the Hawaiʻi
Theater. The all-male quartet formerly known as Kilinahe...
Massie / Kahahawai: Native Degeneracy
Revisited reviewed by Kīhei
de Silva
Kumu Kahua’s presentation of
Dennis Carroll’s Massie/Kahahawai points its finger
at a considerably more blatant atrocity. It requires us –
in powerful, uncomfortable, ei‘a nō fashion – to re-learn
the ugliness of racism run rampant. The Massie case supplies
us with much of what Apio says is missing...
Hīmeni
Hou - The Return of Ka Hīmeni ‘Ana reviewed
by Kīhei de Silva
The lights went out last August on my favorite song contest,
Ka Hīmeni ‘Ana, after 22 consecutive years of unamplified
Hawaiian music performed mostly in the nahenahe style. "Not
enough entries," explained Richard Towill in a letter of apology
to his long-time supporters. "Another one bites the dust,"
I grumbled to myself...
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Talk Stories:
Andrade,
Maile with Melehina Groves
Maile Andrade is an Assistant Professor at Kamakakūokalani
Center for Hawaiian Studies, where she is working to create a Native
Hawaiian Visual Culture Program. She believes strongly in the importance
of networking with other indigenous peoples across the world as
we share the struggles and the victories involved in rewriting our
own unique histories.
Aona-Ueoka,
Kawai with Camille Naluai
Kawai Aona-Ueoka was born and raised in Nānākuli. It was through
her love of hula that she began her journey in the art of kapa making...
Barclay-Kerr,
Hoturoa with Camille Naluai
Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr is a professor of Māori
Studies at the University of Waikato. He grew up knowing his Māori
culture and understanding the importance of a Western education.
With his wit and cultural sensibilities "Hotu", as his
friends call him, plans to lead another generation of Māoris...
Braine, Naomi with
Camille Naluai
Naomi Braine has been making lei all her life. She is the third
"Aunty Bella”, her grandmother, the original Aunty Bella, would
sew lei for tourists as they jumped off their ships...
Cachola,
Fred with Camille Naluai
The first thing you should know about Fred Cachola is that his heart
is in Kohala. He is a "Kuaʻāina kid." Mr. Cachola grew
up during a time when the very fabric of what it was to be Hawaiian...
Ching,
Bernie with Camille Naluai
One time Hawaiian musician Bernie Ching grew up on the water. It
wasn't until he graduated from Kamehameha and went to college that
he met three other young Hawaiian boys who would change his life
forever.
Chun,
Ka‘ili
with
Melehina Groves
Born on O‘ahu in 1962, Chun graduated from Kamehameha
Schools before earning her B.A. from Princeton University and M.E.A
from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in 1999. As an
artist, Chun draws on both the Western and Hawaiian heritages with
which she is familiar, considering Hawaiian history and culture
and the changes wrought by Westernization.
de
Silva, Kahikina with Melehina Groves
Kahikina de Silva is an instructor in the Hawaiian Language Department
at the UH Mānoa. She recently received her Masters Degree in
English from UH Mānoa. She is many things: a kumu hula, an
accomplished chanter, a haku mele, and a DJ...
Eskaran,
Kāwika with Melehina Groves
Kāwika Eskaran is a faculty member and master carver at BYU
Hawai‘i. He recently presented Ho‘opili, a
koa carving offered in a cultural exchange...
Grant,
Lyonel with Melehina Groves
Lyonel Grant, Māori carver, sculptor, and designer, was an
artist in residence for over two months at Kamakakūokalani
Center for Hawaiian Studies. He participated in the pilot exchange...
Kawelo,
Kapua with Melehina Groves
Kapua Kawelo is a conservation biologist with the Army Natural Resource
Program on O‘ahu. The danger of introduced species - weeds
- lies in their ability to alter native habitats and compete with
native plants...
Keahi,
Sarah with Camille Naluai
Sarah Keahi is living a life dedicated to mea Hawai‘i. "A proud
product of Hawai‘i's public school system" Keahi once worked
as a Hawaiian language teacher at Kamehameha Schools...
Kouka, Hone with
Melehina Groves
Hone Kouka has ancestral ties to the Ngati Porou, Ngati Kahungungu
and Ngati Raukawa. He was born in Balclutha in 1968 and raised in
Rangiora, the pōtiki of a large whānau. Although Hone is best-known
for his excellence as a playwright, he is currently the Development
Executive for the New Zealand Film Commission, he writes for television,
has acted as...
Kwan,
Keala with Camille Naluai
Keala Kwan is currently the head of the language department at Kamehameha
Schools High school Kapālama campus. Growing up in Wai‘anae,
he became immersed in the Hawaiian culture of the day, learning
from his "great-grandmother" the Hawaiian language and
Hawaiian style living.
Kukahiko, Puni with
Camille Naluai
Puni Kukahiko's work reflects the triumphs and struggles of the
Hawaiian people or, as Puni puts it, multi-media Hawaiian culture
based art. Her art has been showcased at exhibits across the island
and she is currently working on her Masters of Fine Arts...
Marzan, Marques
Hanalei with Camille Naluai
Marques Hanalei Marzan grew up in Ha‘ikū
on the island of O‘ahu. The ancient art of lau hala weaving runs
in the family. Until Marzan began weaving, his great-grandmother
had been the last one...
McKenzie,
Melody Kapilialoha
with Melehina Groves
Currently the director for the Center of Excellence in Native
Hawaiian Law at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Kapilialoha
MacKenzie has extensive experience in Native Hawaiian rights and
the law. She joined the staff of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation
in 1980...
Motta, Pi‘olani
with Melehina Groves
Produced by Ka‘iwakīloumoku, Lena
Machado: Songbird of Hawai‘i, was written by
Aunty Pi‘olani Motta with writer and researcher Kīhei
de Silva and details the musical legacy of Lena Machado, including
words, translations, and musical sheets for thirty of her most-loved
compositions. Aunty Pi‘o firmly believes in the value of telling
our kūpuna's stories - in so doing, we connect the past with
the future, stringing one continuous lei of mo‘olelo and cherished
memories...
Natividad, Anthony with
Camille Naluai
In ancient times the creators of the 'ohe hano ihu were often sought
by couples in love. The instrument provided sweet sounding accompaniment
to mele ho'oipoipo, wooing and love-making chants. Anthony Natividad
is a modern day 'ohe hano ihu maker. It was a calling...
Nobrega, Malia
with Melehina Groves
"To see that growth in the kids as Hawaiians, to me, that’s what
I get most proud of. Seeing Hawaiian kids be proud of who they are
and where they come from. Learn a little bit and hopefully open
up the door to do a little bit more as a Hawaiian." Malia Nobrega
specializes in curriculum development...
Pānui, William Kalikolehua with
Camille Naluai
William Kalikolehua Pānui was born at Ke‘ei, South Kona, Hawai‘i,
on November 16, 1928. He was raised by his hānai parents Louis Kauanoekauikalikokahalaopuna
Pānui and Annie Kahalulu Kauhi-Pānui. The Pānui-Kauhi lines have
resided on the same land at Ke‘ei for many generations...
Pao,
Carl with Melehina Groves
Carl Pao was born and raised in Kailua on the island of O‘ahu
and, in 1994, graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University
of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Furthering his study in Auckland,
Aotearoa, Pao earned his Masters in Fine Arts from Elam School of
Fine Arts and also came to realize the strength and validity that
exists in the artistic expressions of indigenous peoples. Pao shares
that, "My work revolves around the concepts of kaona and wā.
My kanaka māoli culture describes kaona as..."
Paratene, Rawiri with
Camille Naluai
Maori Actor Rawiri Paratene gained international acclaim for his
role in the movie Whale Rider. Paratene visited Kamehameha
Schools in April of 2004 to discuss the movie and the various cultural
themes featured in the movie.
Portabes, Manny with
Melehina Groves
The International Festival of Canoes was held May 13 - 27 in Lāhainā,
Maui, and brought together master carvers from islands across the
Pacific. Manny Portabes, a kanaka maoli and master assistant for
the 2006 Tahitian crew led by master carver Marirai "Freddy" Tauotaha,
invited us to talk story in the shade of banyan trees...
Rubin, Winona with Camille Naluai
Winona Rubin has been at the forefront of the Native Hawaiian movement
since its beginnings. Rubin is a well respected leader in the Hawaiian
community and sits at the head of Alu Like...
Serrao, John with
Camille Naluai
With over 1000 Hawaiian quilt designs under
his belt, John Serrao is known as one of Hawai‘i's best quilt designers.
Serrao, along with his daughter Cissy, teaches quilting regularly
at ‘Iolani Palace...
Solis, Kekeha with
Melehina Groves
Kekeha Solis is an instructor of Hawaiian
Language in the Kawaihuelani Hawaiian Language Department at the
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. His interview below is
significant not only for the mana‘o shared and preserved,
but because it is Ka‘iwakīloumoku's first "talk
story" done almost entirely ma ka ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i...
Souza, Joe with
Camille Naluai
Joe Souza makes ʻukulele when he's not at his other job working
as a Honolulu fire fighter. His small company produces about 25
ʻukulele a month. A small number, says Souza, considering...
Smith, Pi'ilani with
Camille Naluai
Pi`ilani Smith is the youngest of four children of Kumu Hula Alicia
K. Keawekane Smith and the late Robert K. Mahoe Smith. Trained in
hula by her mother, Pi`ilani also manages the ‘Īlio`ulaokalani
Coalition office and continues to break new ground through her creative
performance works...
Taito, Sapeta with
Camille Naluai
Sapeta Taito, a 17-year-old from the island of Rotuma, plays the
lead role in one of this year's most talked about films, Te Maka
Production's The Land has Eyes. The 90-minute film tells
the story of Viki, a young Rotuman...
Tauotaha, Marirai
"Freddy" with Melehina Groves
The International Festival of Canoes
was held May 13 - 27 in Lāhainā, Maui, and brought together
master carvers from islands across the Pacific. The Tahitian crew
was led by master carver Marirai "Freddy" Tauotaha, son
of Puaniho Tauotaha, a canoe carver and paddler of international
renown.
Te Whaiti,
Andrew with Melehina Groves
Early this month, Ka‘iwakīloumoku
caught up with Te Puia CEO Andrew Te Whaiti while he and his family
were spending some time in Hawai‘i. In addition to conducting
various presentations...
Topolinski, John Kaha‘i with
Camille Naluai
Kaha‘i Topolinski is best known for the powerful hula of his Ka
Pā Hula Hawaiʻi, for the elevated, courtly language of the mele
he has composed, and for the uncompromising defense of his traditional
and loyalist beliefs. He is also, in quieter moments, a feather-worker
par excellence.
Walker,
Ngaria and Tony of Taiohi Puareare Roopu Kapa Haka with
Melehina Groves and Keoni Wilhelm
The Walker's roopu (similar to a hālau hula) focuses on fostering
education through culture and giving their students a sense of self-discipline
and self-worth, values they come to understand through learning
their language and their dance.
Wooton, Kunāne
with Melehina Groves
Kunāne Wooton is a Native Hawaiian artist and cultural practitioner.
He recently started his own business,Kanulu o Kālai; he is
a member of Pā Ku‘i a Lua; he is a student of Hawaiian
language...
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| Recipes:
E
‘Ai Kākou! Episode 1 courtesy
of Sharon Odom
Laulau courtesy
of Hāloa
Salmon Stew courtesy
of Hāloa
Poi Smoothie courtesy
of Hāloa
Kalo Burgers
courtesy of Hāloa
"For Marry Kine" Brownies courtesy
of Duane and Kathy Smith
Pūlehu Short Ribs
courtesy of George Groves, Jr.
Aunty Irmgard’s Kailua Banana Bread Pakala
Fernandes, Ohana Recipes, as shared by Hailama Farden
Poi Palaoa courtesy of Hailama Farden,
Farden Family Collection
Chicken Lū‘au
courtesy of Ma Ke ‘Ano Kūloko
Hawaiian-Style Aku Poke
courtesy of Ma Ke ‘Ano Kūloko
Hō‘i‘o
in Salad and Story courtesy of Becky Ravey
Haupia Liliko‘i
Pie courtesy of Oldies But Goodies, Vol.
1
‘Ōhelo Berry
Jam II courtesy of Oldies But Goodies,
Vol. 1
Easy "Squid" Lū‘au
courtesy of Ken W. Ordenstein
Passion Fruit
Pineapple Bread courtesy of Oldies
But Goodies, Vol. 1
Manapua courtesy
of Alohaworld.com
Poi courtesy
of Alohaworld.com
Kō‘elepā‘lau courtesy
of Camille Naluai
Haupia Cake courtesy
of Alohaworld.com
Kalua Turkey courtesy
of Alohaworld.com
Kalua Pig and Cabbage
courtesy of Alohaworld.com
Mango Bread courtesy
of Alohaworld.com
Tripe Stew courtesy
of Alohaworld.com
Lomi Salmon
courtesy of Alohaworld.com
Baked Bananas courtesy
of Faith Naluai
Pipi Stew courtesy
of Don McDiarmid Jr.
Urban Warrior Oven-Kine
Laulau courtesy of ‘Anakala Lelepali
Poina‘ole
Chicken Hekka courtesy
of The Electric Kitchen; Hawaiian Electric Co., Inc
Poisson Cru/I'a Ota
courtesy of Lilinoe Andrews
Kūlolo courtesy
of Mrs. Rebecca McLean to The Hilo Women’s Club Cook Book, 1943
Limu and Hō‘i‘o Salad courtesy
of Ka‘iulani Odom
50 Pound Bambucha Lū‘au Stew
courtesy of Sam Choy
Pohā Berry Jam courtesy
of Mrs. E.B. Wicke to Frances Wadsworth’s, Maui Cookery
Baked ‘Ulu with Butter and Brown
Sugar courtesy of Fae Hirayama, author
of The Breadfruit Cookbook
Lucky's Pipi Kaula courtesy
of Robert M. Luck
Pūlehu ‘Āweoweo courtesy
of Mahealani Chang and Lawrence Laumauna Chang, Sr. of Kaukini,
Maui
How to Make an Imu courtesy
of eho.com
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to Top
Health
Tips:
‘Uhaloa
courtesy of Lilinoe Andrews who received it from Ka‘iulani Odom
ʻUhaloa tea is a good way to make a sore throat of cough
disappear...
‘Awa courtesy of Hawaiian
Herbs of Medicinal Value
There are several different types of ʻawa and not surprisingly
there are just as many ways to prepare the plant for consumption.
The differences vary depending on the ailment you wish to alleviate.
‘A‘ali‘i courtesy
of Hawaiian Herbs of Medicinal Value
It was the plants leaves that made the plant invaluable for early
Hawaiians. Along with curing rashes and itches, the liquid mixture
was also helpful as a remedy for infectious diseases.
About Kahuna Lā‘au Lapa‘au courtesy
of Healing Island, A Five Mountains Hawai‘i Project
In traditional Hawaiian medical practice, the kahuna lā‘au lapa‘au
was the herbalist who selected and prepared plants for use as treatments.
His training and knowledge included botany...
Lepo lo‘i or Maku‘u courtesy
of Hawaiian Herbs of Medicinal Value
The lepo lo‘i together with the waikōloa,
the small reeds that grow in the taro patches, are used to treat
bad sores or openings at the bottom of the feet, under the armpit
or on the chest.
Māmaki and Ko'oko'olau
courtesy of Ka‘iulani Odom
Two popular teas here in Hawai‘i are made from leaves of the māmaki
and ko‘oko‘olau plants. Research has shown that drinking tea may
help protect against diseases such as cancer, heart disease and
osteoporosis.
Ma‘o courtesy of Hawaiian
Herbs of Medicinal Value, D.M. Kaaiakamanu and J.K. Akina
The bitter tasting flowers resemble the hibiscus and were eaten,
along with the bark and roots, to help relieve severe stomach cramps.
The ma'o was also used to dye kapa.
`Ōhāhāwainui courtesy
of Hawaiian Herbs of Medicinal Value
The `ōhāhāwainui
was used for several ailments...
‘Ohe courtesy of Canoe
Plants of Ancient Hawai‘i
ʻOhe was brought to these islands by migrating Polynesians who braved
the vast Pacific Ocean searching for new land. These voyagers understood
ʻohe's importance and made good use of the plant.
Ilioha courtesy of
Hawaiian Herbs of Medicinal Value
Ilioha is the dark green moss which grows on the rocks and beds
of rivers and streams. The ilioha was used as a remedy for cold
sores and heart-burn.
The Mighty Koa courtesy
of Hawaiian Herbs of Medicinal Value
The koa is one of the most popular trees of the Hawaiian Islands.
Traditionally, because of the wood's strength and size, the koa
was often carved to make surfboards, canoe paddles and canoes...
Limu Kala and Forgiveness courtesy
of Ka‘iwakīloumoku Staff
Limu kala (sargarssum) is a fairly common variety of seaweed greatly
valued for its many uses as well as for its meaning: kala means
to forgive, to release, to unbind. Hawaiian authority,
Mary Kawena Pukui, tells us that...
Makou courtesy of Hawaiian
Herbs of Medicinal Value
An expectant mother would often seek the aid of a midwife to help
guide her through the pregnancy. Among other things, the midwife
would recommend that the mother eat the leaves of the makou plant..
‘Ulu courtesy of Ka‘iwakīloumoku
Staff
‘Ulu is considered to be a kinolau (manifestation) of Lono,
god of agriculture and fertility. As a result, it was included in
certain ceremonial offerings and was held in high regard...
Noni courtesy of Ka‘iulani
Odom
Noni was used externally for kidney problems, skin infections,
bruises, boils, sores, and wounds...
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Hawaiian
Historical Society:
Hawai‘i Train
Wrecks by Robert C.
Schmitt
Train wrecks in Hawai‘i have usually lacked the spectacular
quality and human carnage of those on continental lines, but at
least three deserve mention. The Kahului, Wailuku & Hāmākua
Poko Railroad went into operation in 1879, the first common carrier
rail line in the kingdom. On February 14, 1884...
The Paulet Episode
by Helen G. Chapin
Hawai‘i has long been a strategic point on the global
map. Contending maritime powers in the nineteenth century -- principally
England, France, and the United States -- recognized this strategic
importance...
Water Supply and Plumbing
by Robert C. Schmitt
Before 1820, Islanders relied on springs and fresh
water streams for their water supply. In that year, missionary wife
Maria Loomis visited the home of Anthony Allen two miles east of
Honolulu and recorded the presence of a well, which she believed
to be "the only one on the Island."
The Kamehameha Statues
by Helen G. Chapin
In 1878, the Hawaiian legislature appropriated $10,000
for a monument to be built honoring Kamehameha the Great. Well-known
Boston sculptor Thomas R. Gould was commissioned for the work. After
the statue was cast in bronze in Florence, Italy...
The Kalaupapa Lighthouse by Helen
G. Chapin
In 1880, the long, narrow island of Moloka‘i had only one
lighthouse, located in Kaunakakai. Yet by 1900, hundreds of vessels
of the Pacific Coast trade annually passed through the channel between
O‘ahu and Moloka‘i’s north side -- where the Hansen’s
Disease Settlement was located.
Bridgework by
Robert C. Schmitt
The earliest recorded bridge in Hawai‘i was a crude footbridge
across the Wailuku River in Hilo and was reported by missionary
C. S. Stewart in 1825. The first major bridge on O‘ahu appears
to have been one extending North Beretania Street across Nu‘uanu
Stream, erected at a cost of $1,200 in 1840.
The Queen's Hospital by
Helen G. Chapin
In his opening speech to the 1855 Hawaiian legislature, Kamehameha
IV identified Hawai‘i’s most serious problem as the radical
decrease of the Hawaiian population. The king proposed two acts
aimed at reversing this trend.
The Pali Tunnel by
Helen G. Chapin
The idea of building a Pali tunnel first appeared in 1852!
The Polynesian, a popular newspaper of the day stated, "O‘ahu
residents will never be satisfied till a tunnel is dug through the
Pali, suitable for the passage of carts and wagons."
The Mānoa Trolley by Helen
G. Chapin
Mānoa Valley in the late nineteenth century was not
as it is today. There were taro fields, dairy ranches, a poi factory
-- and only a few residences. On September 2, 1901, an electric
trolley was introduced into that bucolic setting. Why? Not to reach
the residents, but to bring them with it.
The Folio of 1855 - A Plea
for Women’s Rights by
Helen G. Chapin
It may surprise you that the first newspaper for women's
rights appeared in Honolulu in 1855! This was The Folio,
and it was the first feminist journal west of the Rocky Mountains.
Three Women Editors by
Helen G. Chapin
Like their American counterparts, women successfully edited
and published early Hawaiian and English newspapers. The first was
Elizabeth Jarves...
The ‘Auwai of Nu‘uanu
Valley by Thomas K. Lalakea
Wetland kalo was the food staple for Hawai‘i. Extensive
terraced fields and irrigation ‘auwai were created to grow
the staple. Construction of irrigation ‘auwai was a communal
undertaking. For example, the Pākī ‘auwai...
The New Zealand Connection by
Helen G. Chapin
In January of 1892, two groups of men separated by the vast Pacific
organized historical societies -- one in Hawai‘i, the other
in New Zealand. In late 1891, ten men met in Honolulu to form such
a society...
Ko‘olau and Pi‘ilani:
A Leper and his Wife by Helen G.
Chapin
Ko‘olau, a cowboy, trainer of horses, and expert marksman,
was born in Kekaha, Kaua‘i in 1862. Ko‘olau and Pi‘ilani,
who were childhood sweethearts, married. Together they had a son,
Kaleimanu. Then Ko‘olau contracted leprosy...
A Hawaiian Nationalist Press
by Helen G. Chapin
An event of 1861 received little notice at the time but was to have
a lasting influence -- the birth of the first Hawaiian nationalist
newspaper.
The Founding of the Hawaiian Historical
Society by Helen G. Chapin
Late in December of 1891, a group of men, aware of living in historic
times, met to organize a historical society. This they did after
the new year and welcomed...
Death of the Prince of Hawai‘i
by Helen G. Chapin
The flag atop ‘Iolani Palace was lowered to half mast and
church bells throughout the Hawaiian Islands rang a solemn dirge.
The four-year-old prince of Hawai‘i, [Albert Edward Kaleiopapa-a-Kamehameha,
affectionately known as Ka Haku o Hawai‘i], was dead.
Hawaiian Studies Abroad by
Helen G. Chapin
A farsighted King David Kalākaua knew that a modern Hawai‘i would
need leaders if it was to take its place among the nations of the
world. His ambitious program between 1880 and 1887 was to educate...
The Duke Strikes Olympic Gold by
Jim Becker
It was at the Fifth Olympiad in Stockholm in 1912 that the
sports spotlight of the world was first focused on Hawai‘i—and on
a tall, bronzed swimmer named Duke Kahanamoku. It was also the start
of...
Hawaiian Cowboys at the Cheyenne Rodeo
by Helen G. Chapin
Headlines in Island and Wyoming newspapers in August of 1908 announced
rodeo history. Twelve thousand spectators, a huge number for those
days, watched Ikua Purdy, Eben “Rawhide Ben” Low, and Archie Kaaua
carry off top awards at...
Hawai‘i State Archives:
Royal Standards
A Royal Standard is the personal flag of a reigning King or Queen.
The standard is flown or displayed to mark the presence of the monarch.
Each Hawaiian monarch beginning with King Kamehameha III...
The First Hawaiian National Anthem
The first Hawaiian National Anthem resulted from a song contest.
Hawaiʻi had no original national anthem prior to 1862. On state
occasions when protocol required one...
The Daguerrotype
A daguerrotype was an early type of photograph popular during the
1840s-1870s. The ease and affordability of the process allowed the
mainstream general public to readily obtain...
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses in the State Archives date from 1826-1929, but
the records are incomplete and does not account for all marriage
licenses from those years. All marriage licenses dating from 1826-1895
contain only the names of the bride and groom...
Palapala Mare
Marriage records in the State Archives date
from 1826-1929, but the records are incomplete and do not account
for all marriages from those years. The records are composed
of register books of agents who performed marriages or...
The Royal Monograms
Royal monograms were used by Hawai‘i’s monarchs as identification
marks to personalize items such as stationery paper, envelopes,
clothing accessories like belt buckles, buttons...
The Hawaiian Mint
In 1883, the Hawaiian Government ordered $1,000,000 worth of silver
coins from the United States San Francisco Mint for use as the coinage
of the Kingdom. The denominations minted were ‘umi keneta (dime)...
1890 Census, Hawai‘i, Hilo district
Early census records dated from 1831-1860 for the Hawaiian Islands
were strictly statistical counts to determine size of population.
Census records from the years 1866, 1878, 1890 and 1896 are the
only records in which names of individuals are listed. Additional
information often varied...
The Kaimiloa's Cadet Band
A cadet band was assigned to the Hawaiian naval ship Kaimiloa. The
apprentice seamen of the crew, who were juvenile inmates from the
Reformatory School, served double duty as the band members.
Cannon Fire in Lahaina
Lahaina was an important port during the whaling era. The whaling
industry brought great prosperity as ships purchased needed supplies
and recruited Native Hawaiian men as seamen. The industry also had
negative impacts...
The Execution of Chief Kamanawa
The first murder to be charged under Hawaiʻi’s first criminal laws
occurred in 1840. High Chief Kamanawa (II) was married to Chiefess
Kamokuiki. However, Kamanawa was accustomed to the pre-christian
Hawaiian practice of “moe aku, moe mai” (love affairs).
The Star of Oceania
Royal Orders were awarded to individuals in recognition of merit
or service by the sovereigns of the Hawaiian Kingdom, commencing
with King Kamehameha V. The Orders are in the form of an elaborate
medal...
The Crew of the Kaimiloa, March 28, 1887
Two dozen Hawaiian youths, inmates from the Reformatory School,
were enlisted as apprentice seamen to help crew the Hawaiian Navy’s
ship the Kaimiloa. Early concerns arose as to whether the youths
were of suitable conduct...
The Kaimiloa, March 28, 1887
The Royal Hawaiian Navy was created solely as a result of King Kalākaua
's plan for a confederation of Polynesian nations. The High Commissioner
was a special Hawaiian envoy tasked with traveling to the various
island nations...
Treaty with Samoa, 1887
King Kalākaua was well aware of the
spheres of influence being created by the powers of Great Britain,
Germany and the United States in the Pacific. In response, Kalākaua
envisioned a political confederation of Polynesian nations to counteract...
Boki and Liliha
High Chief Boki and his wife High Chiefess Liliha were among the
ali‘i who accompanied King Kamehameha II and Queen Kamehamalu to
England in 1824. Due to the sudden death of Kamehameha II from the
measles, it was Boki who lead the Hawaiian delegation...
The First Hawaiian Hymn Book, 1823
A foremost priority for the missionaries was establishing a written
form of the Hawaiian language. In 1822 they began translating books
into Hawaiian. However, the selection of letters for the Hawaiian
alphabet was not finalized until 1826.
Letter From Kahuhu to Chief John Adams Kuakini,
Makali'i 12, 1822
The oldest Hawaiian language document in
the Hawai'i State Archives is 181-years-old. The letter was written
by James Kahuhu. Not having yet learned the western calendar, Kahuhu
dates the letter according to the Hawaiian calendar...
Kamehameha II and Queen Kamehamalu, Ka Mahoe
Mua 1824
In November of 1823, King Kamehameha II and Queen Kamehamalu,
accompanied by an entourage of nine other Hawaiian ali‘i, embarked
on a voyage to England to meet with King George IV. The Hawai‘i
State Archives has preserved from the records of the Foreign Office
of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i a letter dated "Ka Mahoe Mua 1824.
It was written by Kamehameha II...
Letter from Captain Metcalf, 1790
The oldest surviving document in the Hawaiian Islands at 213-years
old and preserved in the collection of the Hawai‘i
State Archives is a letter dated March 22, 1790. The ship Eleanora
had anchored off of Kealakekua and its boatswain went ashore but
did not return. Simon Metcalf, the captain, wrote the letter...
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