Kamehameha - The Young WarriorWritten by Gayle Olson
As Kamehameha reached manhood events unfolded which would further direct him towards his destiny of greatness. King Alapai died and was succeeded by king's son Keaweaopala. The new ruler was not suited for role. His subjects neither respected nor were loyal to Keaweaopala and they rebelled against him. The rebellion first began in Ka'u, where High Chief Kalaniopuu led opposing forces. Keaweaopala was killed at Kealakekua Bay following a two-day battle. Kalaniopuu was proclaimed king of Ka'u and Kona.Kamehameha was introduced to battle during brief war. At side of Kalaniopuu he made use of wisdom of warfare taught to him by Kekuhaupio. When new king was established with his court in Kona, Kamehameha was named his aide, which is an esteemed position within court. King Kahekili of Maui sent to court at Kailua his younger half-brothers, twins, Kame'eiamoku and Kamanawa, with instructions that they stay by side of Kamehameha, protecting and guiding him. Could this confirm that King Kahekili believed that Kamehameha was indeed his son? It surely suggests so.
| | The Temple on the Hill of the WhaleWritten by Gayle Olson
Pu'ukohola Heiau, located on northwestern coast of Island of Hawaii, represents one of last major sacred structures built in Hawaii before traditional life was forever changed by outside influences. Kamehameha constructed temple in 1790-1791, he had been successful in conquering Maui, Lanai and Molokai. At this time he had not yet claimed full possession to his home island of Hawaii. His cousin Keoua Kuahu'ula remained his chief rival. While Kamehameha was on Molokai he learned that his cousin was invading his territory on Island of Hawaii. His aunt was sent to consult prophet Kapoukahi, for guidance as what could be done to overcome Kamehameha's rival, Kuahu'ula, prophet told her that Kamehameha would conquer all of islands if he built a heiau dedicated to family war god, Kuka'ilimoku atop Pu'ukohola, at Kawaihae. According to prophecy, rigid guidelines in construction of temple needed to be employed to please Ku, war god. Kapoukahi served as royal architect to ensure guidelines were followed to perfection. For nearly a year Kamehameha toiled alongside thousands of men as they worked on huge stone structure. The heiau was to be built of water-worn lava rock, it is believed stones were transported from seaside valley of Pololu. A human chain, of about 20 miles long was formed and rocks were transported hand to hand to top of Pu'ukohola.
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