Opaelolo

A skilled fisher and wrestler from Waikalua, Oahu, sailed out of his fishing grounds to a nearby district on the Koolaupoko coast. His fame in fishing and wrestling traveled with him as he made many stops along the coast. His canoe came to rest at a shoreline, some miles away from his own, and he soon met up with the native fishermen there. This skilled fisherman of Waikalua, began to boast about his skills in catching octopus and wrestling. The encounter between this traveling fisherman from Waikalua and the local fishermen soon turned into a contest. This traveling stranger challenged an older fisherman from this land to a wrestling match on the sandy shore at the water's edge. The older fisherman that was challenged was an old lua master from the uplands. His name was Kawaiola. Here is the outcome of that contest. There are some poetic references (Kaona) in this chant, and it will be better understood by those who are from the area. The names and locations within this chant are known to the lua people of the region. I will not delve deeply into this kaona, as it is intended for those who can unravel its meaning. The location of this match is hidden in the names of these places mentioned below.

Traditonal K.K. Ku'ialuaopuna

E Kawaiokeola

Hopu i ka newa

O Lehoula

Ka Ulili lelele i kou alo

Ke poo opaelolo ao Waikalua aku

E aai ia ana e ke Kalamoho, ka awa o Kaneloa

Lawe i ka maunu i te po

O Haehaekamanu ka ai

Ka ai a ka lae oo

Hoopaa ia ka ikaika ou

I ka aina o Waianu

Pua ka uahi ma Kapuakea

Moe e no o Puukuolani i ka ino Koolau

Palaha akula ka ino ma kai

Ka hee palaha o Waiakalua

Kaulai ka ia ma Puuhuula

Ma ka nuku o Kewa, ka moloalo o ka aina.

Oh Kawaiokeola,

Take hold of the stone

Lehoula is the name

The thin-legged one jumps before you

The shrimp head of Waikalua

To be eaten by the Awa of Kaneloa

Take the bait into the realm of darkness

Haehaekamanu is the food

The stroke of the skilled one

Your strength is made firm

In the lands of Waianu

The smoke climbs at Kapuakea

Puukuolani relaxes in the storm

The storm extends over the shore

The flattened octopus of Waikalua

Puuhuula is where fish are dried

At the mouth of Kewa, the stream