Rice — Ha'iVaiian Legends 69 



PAAKAA AND HIS SON KU-A-PAAKAA 



Kua-anuanu, Cold-Back, was the head steward of Keawe-nui-a-unii, 

 the Great-One-in-Umi"s-Presence, son of Umi, king of Hawaii, and god of 

 all the winds, which he kept in a huge calabash. The king loved his stew- 

 ard greatly and placed great confidence in everything he did. 



One day the desire to visit the other islands of the group came to Kua- 

 anuanu, and so as he waited on his king he said to him, "My Lord the 

 King, if you have any love in your heart for me you will allow me to visit 

 the other islands. You will not miss me, for you have many servants. If 

 you need me at any time send a messenger and I shall gladly return." 



When the king had heard these words he was very sad at heart for his 

 steward was very skilled in serving him. Nevertheless, he gave his permis- 

 sion and bade his servant farewell, with these words, "Aloha. May the 

 spirits of our ancestors keep you until we meet again." 



Kua-anuanu prepared his tapa and fnalo for the journey. Then getting 

 into his canoe, he paddled well and soon came to Lahaina, where he went 

 ashore under the breadfruit trees. Being a chief, he was entertained by the 

 chiefs in a manner befitting his station. He entered into all the sports of 

 the Maui chiefs. 



One day when the sea was smooth, Kua-anuanu went surfing with the 

 other chiefs at Uo, the celebrated surfing place. There he showed his 

 wonderful skill. He could gracefully ride the surf board, standing or 

 kneeling, and come to land without the spray even touching his body. 

 Naturally his fame spread to all the islands. 



After having spent two months on Maui, Kua-anuanu went to Oahu and 

 landed at Waikiki, where the high chiefs lived. When it was known that 

 the head servant of the king of Hawaii had come, the king of Oahu enter- 

 tained him in royal fashion. He also ordered his people to bring clothing, 

 mats, and food for the distinguished guest. 



When Kua-anuanu had visited here for several weeks and had partaken 

 of the kindness of the king, he decided to travel on to Kauai, where he 

 landed at Kapaa. 



Near the sea he built himself a home and there men, women, and 

 children flocked to see the stranger. In the midst of the crowd Kua-anuanu 

 saw a very beautiful woman, who was called Laamaomao, and whom he at 

 once longed to make his wife. Laamaomao consented and after twenty 

 days they were married. 



This marriage angered the parents of Laamaomao greatly, for, though 

 they held a high social position through their relationship to the kahuna, 

 nevertheless, they were very poor, and had hoped to marry their beautiful 



