Keaomelemele: "He Moolelo Kaao No Keaomelemel'/"the Legend of Keaomelemele"

by Mary Kawena Pukui (Translator)

Moses Manu entices readers past and present with this introduction to the legend of Keaomelemele, published in thirty-one installments of Ka Nupepa Kuokoa in 1884–85, translated into English primarily by Hawaiian scholar and teacher Mary Kawena Pukui. Her skill in capturing the nuance in Hawaiian language and charm of this particular tale is unchallenged.

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2002

Reviews

[D. Keali'i MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For people who are thinking of leaning the Hawaiian language, this book is an excellent impetuous. Mary Kawena Pukui did a wonderful translation that captures the fun of the story, itʻs complexity, but made sure to leave in the original comments of the narrator, Moses Manu.

Serialized in the 19th century Hawaiian Language news paper, Kuokoa, this is the story not only of the Goddess Keaomelemele, but her family, lineage, the Gods, and many of the mythic island homes of the Gods. This paints a picture of Hawaiʻi rich with culture and brimming with power - something far outside the world of a shallow entertainment Luau.

Manu brings together the complex stories and genealogies while keeping his audience ready to turn the page. A must for any reader of Native Hawaiian literature.