Note 1 — Introductory material (continued 2)

Lele, otherwise known as Lahaina, in Maui, is the country in which the events of this legend took place and the time was during the reign of Kakaalaneo who was king of the whole island of Maui. Eleio was a very fast runner, faster than the wind, and could make three complete circuits of the island of Maui in one day. Because of his great speed, he was made runner to King Kakaalaneo. It was his duty as runner to bring (awa1) fish from Hana for the king. When a meal was about ready, Eleio would set out for Hana to bring fish and he would always return before the king sat down to eat. Once while he was on his way back, he met on the road Kaahualii,2 a spirit, who asked him for some fish. Eleio answered: “Take the hairs on your behind for the fish and your urine for water.” When Kaahualii heard this, he chased Eleio. Upon coming by Kamaalaea, Eleio’s sister who was residing at this place saw that her brother was out of breath, so she took down her pau and exposed herself to the spirit.3 This action so shamed the spirit that it abandoned Eleio. The name of this sister of Eleio was Pohakuloa. Being chased by this spirit on three different occasions along this same road, Eleio upon his next return trip went around the west side of Hana by way of Kaupo. Upon his arrival at Kaupo one day he found a woman by the name of Kanikaniaula sitting by the roadside, but he passed right along without noticing her. Kanikaniaula at this want of respect on the part of Eleio called out after him: “Say, are you going to pass right along without greetings?” When Eleio heard this call he turned back and greeted her. Kanikaniaula then invited him to the house which invitation was accepted by Eleio.