Liliaceae. 
On the lava fields of Auahi, on the southern slope of Haleakala, the tree is 
most numerous, but differs in many regards from the specimens found in the 
forest of Makawao on the same mountain. The leaves of the Auahi specimens 
are much smaller and more graceful. 
The wood of the Halapepe is white, with reddish streaks, and is extremely 
soft. On account of its softness it was used by the natives for carving their 
idols. Certain gods, however, were carved, each from a particular wood, like 
the goddess Laka, who was represented on the altar by a large block of wood of 
the Lama (Maba sandwicensis) tree. 
The branches of the Halapepe were used by the natives in decorating the 
kuahu or altar of the goddess Laka, which was erected in the halaw or hall in 
which the hula dances were performed, Laka having been the patron of the 
sacred Hula. 
Much of interest in regard to the decoration of the Halaw and Kuahu ean be 
found in Dr. N. B. Emerson’s book, ‘‘ Unwritten Literature of Hawaii.”’ 
