KAMEHAMEHA FIRST, of the Hawaiian Islands, conquered his foes in a great
battle, driving them over the high mountain peak known as Pali—one of the
famous scenic views of the world, and the goal of all visitors in
Honolulu.
The Hula (pronounced _hoola_) was the national muscle and abdominal dance
of Hawaii, and the late King Kalakua was its enthusiastic patron. The
costume of the dancers was composed chiefly of skirts of grass. The Hula
(so attired) is now forbidden by law. The Hula Kui is a modification of
the dance and exceedingly graceful.
Many charming young self-supporting woman in Honolulu trace their
ancestry back to Kamehameha with great pride. The chant is a weird
sing-song which relates the conquests of the race.
It is the custom in Honolulu to present guests at feasts and festivals,
or departing visitors, with long wreaths of natural flowers, and which
are worn by men, as well as women, about the head, hat, and neck. These
wreaths, called lais (pronounced lays), sometimes reach below the waist.
The flower-sellers are one of the national features of Honolulu.
_Scene made to represent grounds at Hawaiian hotel_. _Sort of open café
or pavilion with palms_, _vines_, _and tropic flowers_. RALPH _sitting
alone with a dreamy air_.
_Enter_ ETHEL—_in short travelling suit_—_typical American girl_—_blonde
and petite_.