The Legend of Kila. 



MOIKEHA was the father and Hooipoikamalanai was the mother of Kila, whose 

 birthplace was the laud of Kapaa. There were three children in the family, 

 of which Kila was the youngest. While very young it was their custom to 

 resort to the Wailua River and there learn the art of canoe sailing. In the wrestling 

 matches Kila, though the youngest, always prevailed over his older brothers. One day, 

 in order to determine which one of his sous was the strongest, bravest and most skill- 

 ful in the art of canoe sailing, Moikeha decided to give them a test. After calling his 

 sons to come before him, he said: "I want you all to go to the other side of the river 

 and set your canoes down in the water and let them sail toward me. The one who 

 will be able to so steer his canoe as to hit me in the navel will surely be the most 

 prosperous amongst you." ' 



After arriving at their stations the first-born set his canoe down and steered it 

 to his father, but it missed the mark. The second son then in his turn set his down 

 and steered it for the mark, but it missed also. Kila then in his turn started his, and 

 it sailed directly to Moikeha and hit his navel. Moikeha then addressed his sons, 

 saying: "You two," turning to the oldest, "will never amount to much. This your 

 youngest brother will be the most prosperous of you all." 



As Kila grew up into manhood he also grew in beaiitj^ and manliness, so much 

 so that he was recognized as the most handsome man in all of Kauai, he having no 

 equal. He also grew up to be a very strong and brave man. 



Moikeha originally came from Tahiti, through grief and depression of spirit 

 over Lnukia. Because of his great grief he left his home Moaulanuiakea, the chiefs, 

 the people and the demi-gods of the deep. On his way to Kauai he met Kakakauhanui 

 off the Kalaau point, Molokai, fishing. This man had very long legs; his body 

 while in the water could stead}' his canoe with his legs. He could stay under water 

 without breathing for a very long time. Upon meeting this man, Moikeha took him 

 as an adopted son and brought him along to Kauai. Moikeha was a high chief, 

 and his wife Hooipoikamalanai was a chiefess of very high rank throughout the whole 

 island of Kauai. 



After the lapse of some time, Moikeha fitted out a double canoe for his son Kila 

 and instructed him to go to Tahiti and slay his old enemies. After ever3'thing per- 

 taining to the voyage was ready, the paddlers, the bailers, immediate attendants, uncles 

 and Kakakauhanui boarded the canoe together with Kila, who sat in the covered plat- 

 form, and they set sail for Tahiti. Before Kila boarded the canoe, however, Moikeha 

 addressed him saying: "You are on your way. Don't fail to recognize your uncle 

 Makalii, or you will kill him." After all the islands had disappeared and all that 

 could be seen was the top of Maunakea, they were met by Keaumiki and Keauka," two 



'The two tides, rising and ebbing, are here ingeniously likened to two powerful demi-gods of the ocean. 



(i6o) 



