Leaving Kaikilani entering the bay of Kailua, it will be in order to
briefly refer to the adventures of Lono after his sudden departure from
Kalaupapa. Half-crazed at what had occurred, to divert his thoughts
from his cruelty he seized a paddle, and vigorously used it hour
after hour until he was compelled to cease through exhaustion. The
wind was fair, but, inspired by his example, twenty others plied
the paddle ceaselessly in turns of ten, and in a few hours the royal
canoe was hauled up on the beach of Kailua, on the northwestern coast
of Oahu, where, as before stated, Kakuhihewa, the moi of the island,
had temporarily established his court.
As Lono approached the shore his state attracted attention. A chief
and priest, who had at one time been in the service of Lono's father,
recognized the sail and insignia of the craft, and informed the king
that it must be that some one nearly connected with the royal family
of Hawaii had come to visit him. This secured to Lono a cordial and
royal welcome. Houses were set apart for his accommodation, and food
in abundance was provided for him and his attendants. Although he
scrupulously concealed his name and rank, and in that respect enjoined
the closest secrecy upon his attendants under penalty of death, his
commanding presence and personal equipment rendered it apparent that
he was either one of the sons of Keawenui or a chief of the highest
rank below the throne.
Pleading fatigue, and courteously desiring to be left to himself
until the day following, Lono partook of his evening meal, sent from
the table of the king, alone and in silence, and at an early hour
retired to rest. But the heat was oppressive, and thoughts of Kaikilani
disturbed his slumbers, and near midnight he strolled down to his canoe
on the beach to catch the cool breeze of the sea. While there another
double canoe arrived from Kauai, having on board a high chiefess,
who was on her way to Hawaii and had touched at Kailua for fresh water.
To pass the time Lono engaged in conversation with the fair stranger,
and so interested her that she repeated to him twice a new mele that
had just been composed in honor of her name--Ohaikawiliula--and which
was known only to a few of the highest chiefs of Kauai. Portions of
the celebrated chant are still retained by old Hawaiians.
The mele diverted his mind from bitter thoughts, and when he returned
to his couch he enjoyed a refreshing sleep. At daylight the next
morning the king, without disturbing his royal guest, repaired to
the sea-shore for his customary bath just as the Kauai chiefess
was preparing to depart. Making himself known to her, she recited
to him until he was able to repeat the new mele, and then made sail
for Hawaii. As she had arrived after midnight, and the mele was new,
the king was pleased at the thought of being able to surprise Lono by
reciting it to him; but his amazement was great and his discomfiture
complete when, on meeting his guest after breakfast and bantering him
to repeat the latest Kauaian mele, Lono recited in full the poem he
had so quickly and correctly committed to memory the night before. This
incident is related by tradition in evidence of Lono's mental capacity.
Notwithstanding the mystery which surrounded him at the court of Oahu,
Lono soon became a great favorite there. No one could throw a spear
so far or so accurately, and in all games and exercises of strength
or skill he found no equal. He was generous and fearless, and in
his pastimes reckless of his life. Although he was beset with their
smiles and blandishments, women seemed to have no charm for him, and he
politely but firmly declined to avail himself of that feature of early
Hawaiian hospitality which held a host to be remiss in courtesy if he
failed to provide his guest with female companionship. He preferred
the sturdier contests of men, and introduced to the Oahuans a number
of new games of skill and muscle.
While the most of the chiefs were generous admirers of the
accomplishments of their unknown visitor, a few were jealous
of his popularity, among them the grand counselor of the king,
Lanahuimihaku, who on one occasion sneeringly referred to him as
"a nameless chief." To this taunt Lono, towering above his traducer
with a menace of death in his face, replied that he would flay
him alive if he ever met him beyond the protection of his king;
and then he brought from his canoe the great calabash of bones, and,
exhibiting the trophies of his father's prowess, chanted the names of
the slain. This apprised them all that he was indeed a son of Keawenui,
but which one they did not know.
But Lono's stay in Kailua was drawing to a close, for one day, while
he was playing konane with the king within the enclosure of the palace
grounds, Kaikilani's canoe was being drawn up on the beach below. She
saw, to her great joy, the canoe of her husband, and ascertained where
he might be found. Proceeding alone toward the royal mansion, with a
fluttering heart she approached the enclosure, and through an opening
in the wall discerned the stalwart form of Lono. Stepping aside to
avoid his gaze, she began to chant his mele inoa--the song of his own
name. He was startled at hearing his name mentioned in a place where
he supposed it to be unknown. He raised his head and listened, and,
as the words of the mele floated to him, he recognized the voice of
Kaikilani. Rising to his feet, with dignity he now addressed the king:
"My royal brother, disguise is no longer necessary or fitting. I am
Lonoikamakahiki, son of Keawenui and moi of Hawaii, and the gods have
sent to me Kaikilani, my wife. It is her voice that we now hear."
Then, turning and approaching the wall behind which Kaikilani
was standing, Lono began to chant her name, coupled with words of
tenderness and reconciliation; then, springing over the obstruction,
he clasped his faithful wife in his arms, and the past was forgiven
and forgotten.
The rank of his guests now being known, Kakuhihewa was anxious to
give them a befitting recognition; but, learning of the revolt in
Hawaii and the peril of Pupuakea, Lono embarked for his kingdom at
once. Reaching and passing Kohala, where he learned the rebels were in
force, he landed at Kealakeakua, and immediately despatched a messenger
to Pupuakea, in Kau, with information of his arrival in Puna. The
brother responded promptly, and, leading his forces over a mountain
path to avoid the coast villages, joined Lono at Puuanahulu. Meantime,
Lono's name had brought thousands to his standard, and on the
arrival of Pupuakea he boldly attacked and defeated the insurgents
at Wailea. They were followed and again defeated at Kaunooa.
Reinforcements reaching the rebels from Kohala, two other battles
were fought in rapid succession, both resulting in their defeat. In
these engagements two of Lono's brothers were slain, and the body of
one of them was offered as a sacrifice at the heiau of Puukohola.
The last of the rebels were defeated at Pololu, and the island returned
to its allegiance to Lono and Kaikilani. Kanaloa-kuaana, who originated
the revolt, also submitted, and was forgiven and restored to favor
through the intercession of the queen.
The legends relate many subsequent romantic adventures of Lono; but
he and Kaikilani both lived to good old ages, and when they died were
succeeded in the sovereignty of Hawaii by lineal blood.