Start of the KauwelaOn the evening of May 2, 2007, we gathered at the water's edge at the site of the heiau Kupalaha, the sibling heiau of Papa`ena`ena (that once graced the base of Leahi) where, from its kuahu (altar), named Opunaha, the setting sun would be observed by the kahuna kilolani, and on a certain day, the sun would set into the bowl of Pu`u o Kapolei, when seen from Opunaha, marking the end of the Ho`oilo and the start of the Kauwela.We chanted the exit of Lono and the entrance of the time of Kū, danced the prowess of warriors and mahi`ai (farmers) who prayed to Kūikeolowalu (Kū of the combined effort). And as the sun set, we shared a chant to the setting sun:Ke aui nei ka lā -- Welo! Welo!Ke mōlehulehu mai nei -- Nakolo! Nakolo!ʻO ka napoʻo ʻana i lalo -- I ka mole o Lehua!Ma ʻālihilani -- E moe! E moe!Aloha e, kūkulu o ka laniAloha e kūkulu o ka honuaAuē! Anuanu o`u mau iwi hilo nei --The sun is lowering -- Setting! Setting!Dusk approaches -- Crawling! Crawling!Sinking below -- at the base of Lehua!On the horizon -- To sleep! To sleep!Aloha to the foundations of the heavensAloha to the foundations of the worldAue! I am chilled to the core --After which the pū was blown to the four corners, and the proclamation made:ʻAe, ua ma'alo 'ia ka Ho'oilo eYes, the Ho'oilo has passedMoe e Lono, i Kahiki-moeLono sleeps at KahikimoeKau ke Kauwela, kukala ke kahunaThe kahuna announces, Kauwela is here'O ka pō kahi ia o ke au a ke akuaThe first night of the season of the akuaO Kū, Kūnuiakeaof Ku, KunuiakeaI ola e na kini e!That the multitude may thrive'Āmama, ua noaCompleted, the pule is releasedEach year we gather at the site, just 'Ewa of the Waikīkī aquarium before sunset, on May 2. Therefore, in the years to come, I invite any of you who are interested to join us, as we celebrate those dates that are truly of our place, from the places at which they were marked in ancient times. It is for us, who live in these times, to continue the celebrations, lest they disappear into obscurity.Aloha nui!See Lynette Cruz's photo album of the event, generously hosted by the Waikiki Aquarium:Kauwela 2007 photo album
Comments