Kele'a, sister of the high chief, Kawao, lived near the beach on Maui. She loved to surf. Crowds would gather on the shore at Hamakua-poko to watch their princess.
One day when she swam out to catch a wave, she saw a strange canoe approaching. One of the paddlers called out for her to ride the wave in their canoe. "They look friendly, and it might be fun," she thought, so Kele'a rode the wave to shore while the water carried the craft. She liked the speed and found it exciting. After several rides, she readied to leave and the men held her back, heading for open sea. The princess cried out, and the people on the beach heard her. But there was no canoe available to give chase. The princess disappeared out to sea.
Afraid, Kele'a asked her captors their plans. Looking kind, they explained they were on a mission to find the king of Oahu a wife. They had searched Molokai and Lanai unsuccessfully. Near Hana, they were told that Kele'a was the loveliest woman on Maui.
Kele'a wept, and in defiance she thought out a plan. She vowed never to marry Lo Lale, the king of Oahu, and tried to figure a way to get word to her brother.
Landing at Waialua, Kele'a was presented to the king. Even though she was taken with his strength, good looks and manners, she told him she'd never be happy living on Oahu. "On Maui," she stressed, "surfing is my life. Please send me home." Kele'a soon realized that Lo Lale would respect her rank and wishes. He bowed to her and ordered a canoe to safely take her home. Lo Lale accompanied the princess to the beach where they waited for the craft. He asked her to surf for him. Kele'a, eager to try the new waves, plunged in and swam to the cresting surf. Lo Lale swam next to the princess, and together they rode several waves. Back on the beach, the king added, "Oahu too has fine surf. Stay with me, and you may come here every day." He also promised to take her to visit her old home on Maui.
Elated, Kele'a hid her happiness with dignity. "I will stay for awhile and then decide." Satisfied, Lo Lale had an idea her stay would last a lifetime.
Courtesy: This Week Publications 808-526-1702
Grab Our Telefinder Software Page!
Back to Reading Room Home page