Kamehameha Series - His Birth

Aloha mai e ku'u mau hoa aloha! Kamehameha Day is just around the corner so let’s take some time to learn more about this great ali'i. Kamehameha was born on a stormy night in Kokoiki, in the moku of Kohala on the island of Hawai'i. Although the exact date is not known, one of the hō'ailona that appeared was a comet, with a long tail. Scientists know that Halley’s Comet appeared in 1758 and so it is probable that Kamehameha was born in that same year. His mother was the high chiefess Keku'iapoiwa. Kamehameha is what we call a Po'olua child, with two fathers, both Keōua and Kahekili had relationships with his mother. Here on Maui, we claim Kamehameha as the son of our chief, the great Kahekili. Before his birth, chief Alapa'i was warned that a child would be born who would become a great King. The kahuna told of the hō'ailona that accompany this royal birth. Feeling inadequate and fearful of losing his own power, Alapa'i sent warriors to search for this child. Immediately after his birth Kamehameha was taken to 'āwini where he lived with his mother’s cousin, Kaha'ōpulani in secrecy. His early childhood was lived alone, ostracized from his 'ohana and so he was called, Kamehameha, the lonely one. Tune in tomorrow as we learn more about this great chief. Aloha nō, a hui hou. DOWNLOAD OR LISTEN TO THE MORNING MANA'O PODCAST