Few people are fortunate to wear the lei pua naupaka (Scaveola). Delicate and time consuming, it is a lovely traditional lei. Here, Karen Valentine wears one made for her by Haunani.
The story of the romance of Naupaka is very old, and referenced in a chant for Kualiʻi, a chief of Oʻahu. Over the years, many writers and story tellers have shared innumerable versions. Few today adhere to the original, for Naupaka was the man, and ʻOhikimakaloa was the woman.
“From the Song of Kualiʻi the Chant as Repeated by Kapaʻahulani”
Collected by Fornander:
Hānau ka naupaka kū i ke kahakai
O ʻOhikimakaloa ka wahine
O Hoʻopio o Hulumaniani
Kū i ka ʻena anaia i lalo
O Mehepalaoa
Naupaka was then born, which stands by the seashore.
ʻOhikimakaloa the wife,
Hoʻopio, Hulumaniani
Overcome by jealousy he was struck down
by Mehepalaoa.
Photos by permission of Karen Valentine.
Photo by Leilehua Yuen
The coastline at Kehena. Naupaka, seen in the foreground, is an important coastal plant, helping to reduce erosion and providing protected nesting habitat for honu. It also is used in lei and in dye making.
You can support our ongoing work of documenting traditional Hawaiian lei though the purchase of our e-book, Hua ʻOlelo Lei – A Lei Maker’s Dictionary.
We also earn a little something from the sale of these books, as well:
Reviews:
…As a Sherlockian, the father of five daughters, and a resident of Hawai’i, I am delighted that you, dear reader, have chosen to discover this unique pastiche on Sherlock Holmes. It is always a treat to read The Canon (the original 4 novels and 56 short stories about Sherlock Holmes) and the many pastiches it has inspired. But it is a further joy when young ladies are strong and clever as they come of age in such a story set in the late 19th century. …In the spirit of The Grand Game played by Sherlockians around the globe, I feel a special obligation to recognize the “literary agent and editor” involved with this effort. Her name is D. Leilehua Yuen and she is a fellow member of The Shaka Sherlockians of Hawai’i. Leilehua is a noted Hawaiian historian, educator, artist, and author. This is her first work of fiction—excuse me, her first foray into The Grand Game. As the literary agent Sir Arthur Conan Doyle brought to life the words of Dr. John Watson, so Leilehua Yuen brings to life the words of Miss Fevronia Watkins, chronicler of Miss Lydia Kamakaʻimiʻike Kāwau Holmes. …”The Adventures of Kamaka Holmes” is a timeless series which will be embraced by both young adults and adults. The theme of friendship between cousins Fevronia and Kamaka shines through in much the same way it dominates and threads all the stories of The Canon. Readers will learn about life in late 19th century Monarchial Hawaiʻi, while reinforcing their love of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John H. Watson. …Yes, the game is indeed afoot…but this time in Hawaiʻi!
~Dr. Joseph T. Page Jr., Gasogene – The Shaka Sherlockians of Hawai’i, Author of The Kingdom Queen: A Medieval Novella, November 2020
…“Through the eyes of Kamaka and Fevronia, the enchanting heroines of the story, the reader embarks on a journey to a transitional period in Hawaiian history; the author accurately recounts the social paradigm of the day into a tapestry of spectacular colors interwoven with mystery and a myriad of emotions!”
~ Lucia Tarallo Historian Author of “Daughters of Haumea”