Maui, the great demi-god of Hawaii, was restless. Time hung heavy on
his hands. Uneventful days of quiet had fallen upon the land.
Adventure seemed to be in hiding, and no exploit invited to service
this active youngster's shining spear or magic club. Idleness grew
more and more unbearable.
Now Laamaomao, god of the winds, dwelt not far above Rainbow Falls in
the beautiful gorge of the Wailuku and to him Maui confided his
discontent. The old fellow admitted that times were dull. Not for a
long time had he been called upon for blasts from his greater windpot,
Ipunui. On the heels of this remark came inspiration, and he suggested
that Maui fashion a large kite. He, Laamaomao, would see to it that a
suitable wind be forthcoming and excitement sufficient to break the
dull monotony of too peaceful days.
So Maui set about the construction of an enormous kite. His mother,
the goddess Hina, made for him a beautiful and strong tapa, and
twisted fibres of the olona into a stout cord. From the rich red wood
of the koa expert and willing hands put together a graceful frame, and
in due time the big plaything was ready. Laamaomao, having fathered
the idea, manifested a keen interest in the proceedings and had his
windpots in readiness for the initial flight.
Calling Ipuiki, smaller of his two windpots, into action, Laamaomao
directed a steady, gentle breeze up the gorge against the breast of
the great kite, cautioning those who held it to be in readiness to let
go at the proper moment and reminding Maui to have a care lest the
olona cord slip through his hands.
Gracefully the birdlike thing rose into the brilliant turquoise
sky--that same sky which today so enchants the malihini--and as it
tugged at the line, dipped, rose again and circled about, the thrill
of it came down the cord to Maui's hands and his delight knew no
bounds.
Often in the quiet days that followed did Maui amuse himself with the
big kite. As he grew more familiar with its handling the impetuous
demi-god would ask Laamaomao for winds from Ipunui and glory in the
tussle his kite gave him when buffeted by these stronger blasts--even
though wise old Laamaomao was careful to moderate their power.
Sometimes Maui would tire of his sport and, drawing its cord through a
round hole in a rock which lay in the center of a small lake near the
wind caves, would leave his kite to its own devices while he slept.
[Illustration: Drawn by Will Herwig. Paradise Eng.