Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 34, Number 9, 1 September 2017 — Pūkoʻa kani ʻāina: A hard rock of the land (said of a strong fighter) [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Pūkoʻa kani ʻāina: A hard rock of the land (said of a strong fighter)

Loheloa traveled fromWaipi'o on Maui, first to Makapu'u, then to Ke'au'au Point at Lē'ahi. He saw a strange glow ahead, like a fireball. Fishermen identified that light as belonging to the cruel Chief 'Ōlohe, then quickly returned to their fishing. Loheloa called upon Kū and Hina to bring a school of fish. The fishermen were grateful. Loheloa beached his huge eanoe near 'Āpuakēhau, Waiklkl. He ehallenged the chief, betting his bones and eanoe. Chief Ōlohe accepted.

Loheloa suggested that they wrestle in the field that is now Kapi'olani Park. 'Ōlohe punched his opponent, raising a gale that flattened some 'ilima bushes. Undeterred, Loheloa slapped the chief's ear so hard that 'Ōlohe liew into the air. He made a depression in the ground where he fell. That ground is still known as Kalua 'Ōlohe. Loheloa had won. The people shouted with joy over the defeat and death of their cruel chief. Such a feat indicates the great skill, strength and vigor of our warrior ancestors. The characteristic stature of our ancestors was muscular with narrow hips. Their bones reveal the great vigor and hard work required in their daily lives. Today, Kamehameha is still acclaimed as a great battle strategist and warrior. He led many warriors in battle. Twenty thousand men are reported to have fought with Kame-

hameha and Kekūhaupi'o against Keawemauhili in Hilo. Kamehameha led three mano ( 12,000) of warriors on foot. His fleet of two lau (800) of canoes and 8,000 warriors fought under Ke'eaumoku. The army was divided into units of 2,000 that were led by brave ali'i

warriors of Kamehameha's court. Keawemauhili's army was triple the size of Kamehameha's and was further strengthened by Maui warriors under Kahekili. Eighty

thousand warriors clashed on that Hilo battleground. Kamehameha made sure his warriors were healthy and strong by encouraging farming and increasing agriculture to provide adequate provisions for his people and army. This was an essential part of being prepared for life and war. Ali'i were easily distinguishable from maka'āinana due to their superior height and stature. The ali'i physique was far superior to those of our first European visitors, as well. Our ancestors were spared the childhood illnesses that today detract from growth and development. Without question, mueh credit must go to lifestyle practices of the ancestors. Hawaiians ate only fresh food. Most of their diet was from the vegetable category - nothing canned, prepared, preserved, highly salted or sugared. Agriculture was dominated by kalo and

'uala. Banana was the prominent fruit. Reef fish and seafood were major sources of protein and an abundance of limu (seaweed) was also consumed. Undoubtedly, kanaka got a lot of good rest, as there were few nighttime distractions. Sufficient and good quality sleep is crucial for linear growth. In addition, stresses oflife were far different from today, and they were handled promptly, in a very personal way. Today, kānaka heahh status is NOT good. We have stopped most of the healthful practices of our ancestors and engage in practices that detract from heahh. We talk about honoring our ancestors. We'd do well to follow their example by adopting some of their efforts to maintain good heahh practices and common-sense cultural practices. We, too, could live healthier, longer, and vigorously active lives. ■

OLAKINO s Y0UR HEALĪH /

www.oha.org/kwo | kwo@OHA.org NATIVE HAWAIIAN » NEWS | FEATURES | EVENTS

By Claire Ku'uleilani Hughes, Dr. PH„ R.D.

Kalo. - Photo: John Matsuzaki