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(2nd Painting)
*Keave Nui A Umi
(The story of Ruling Brothers)
The sons of Umi A Liloa would inherit the
kingdom of the big island of Hawaii. The younger brother, Keawe
Nui A Nui would govern Hilo
and Ka'u, to the east and south of the big
island, He would prove to be a just and fair ruler.
The elder brother, Keli'i O Kaloa, ruled in
Kona, to the west and governed with disregard
to the welfare of his people.
In this painting the brothers meet in Kona
and attempt to resolve conflicts. Ultimately there would be a war. The
brothers and their armies would converge to battle on the south side
of Mauna Kea for sovereignty and complete
control of the big island. The younger brother, ruler of Hilo,
won and left many heirs to rule in his passing..
(3rd.painting).“Kaumuali`i”
(Last Reigning Chief of the Island Kaua`i)
Kaumuali`i was a handsome man, fair in complexion,
with a nose and general features like a white man’s. It has been
told he was slight in build, and had a good carriage and dressed well.
He was gentle in temper, and spoke English as well. His legacy was that
he would be known as the last ruling chief of Kauai. He was kind and
simple in his ways, and it was renowned that it would be well for the
island nation if there were more chiefs like him.
After seven years of ruling all the islands of Hawai`i, (except
Kaua`i) Kamehameha was to meet
Kaumuali`i face to face at sea. The historic
meeting was at Mamala (between O’ahu
and Kaua`i). As the fleet of canoes drew near,
red and yellow feather cloaks were as radiant as the colors of the rainbow.
When Kamehameha and his chiefs came aboard
in their feather robes, Ka-umuali`i singled
out the (ruling) chief, Kamehameha, and grasped
his hand to declare.
“Here I am; is it face up or face down? This is my gift at our
meeting: the land of Kaua`i, its chiefs, its
men great and small, from mountain to sea, all above and below, and
myself to be yours.”
Kamehameha responded by saying,
“I shall not accept your land, not the least portion of your domain.
Return and rule over it. But if our young chief (Liholiho)
makes you a visit, be pleased to receive him.”
Kaumuali`i answered,
“We have met, and I am now returning.” Kamehameha replied,
“Let us land; we have food and fish and wealth; better come ashore.”
Kaumuali`i and his wife Kekaiha`akulou landed, and all the chiefs and
followers bestowed gifts upon them. Thus Kamehameha
ensured peace to the Hawaiian kingdom.
During the reign of Liholiho, while on the
island of O`ahu, Ka'ahumanu took Kaumuali`i
as her husband and lived together from 1822 to the time of his death
in 1825. According to his request, his body was not to be removed to
Kaua`i but taken to Lahaina,
Maui and buried at the feet of his chiefess Keopuolani,
at the entrance of her tomb.
It was told that after his death, June 21, 1825, there was an eclipse
of the sun that covered the land with darkness.
Story taking from “Ruling Chiefs of Hawaii”, S.M. Kamakau.
Mahalo.
These are the paintings that hang in the Waikaloa Hilton.
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