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Fornander collection of Hawaiian antiquities and folk-lore, Volume 2 (of 3)

Note 18 — PREFACE. (continued 6)

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In this battle Paopele, a great warrior, came out to meet Kapunohu; his war club, Keolewa by name, had six rounds on it. It was so long that when it was stood up its point would be wet with the mist in the heaven, and when laid down it would extend over the whole length of an ahupuaa18 from the sea to the mountain; when held up it would hide the sun and it could also hold back the east wind. It required 4000 men19 to carry it. When this man came out on the battle field at Lamakee fear entered the breast of Kapunohu, for the body of Paopele was very large and powerful; but his god Kanikaa said: “Don’t be afraid of the loud-voiced thunder in the heaven for it has no strength; you thrust him with your spear, Kanikawi, and I will bite him.” Soon after this instruction was given by Kanikaa, he bit the back of Paopele. While Paopele was considering the nature of this thing on his back, Kapunohu threw his spear at Paopele, which hit him squarely, passed through him and killed him instantly. Lamakee from that day to this became famous, for it was here that the great warrior Paopele was killed by Kapunohu. The remnant of the army of Kukuipahu was again routed and they retreated to Kaluawilinau, at Puuepa, and from there they retreated to Upolu, then Puakea, then on to Kamilo and up to the place where the old men planted their flags. Because of this fact the ahupuaa of Kukuipahu is one of the largest in the district of Kohala to this day. The whole of Kohala thus came under the charge of Niulii and he was acknowledged the king of the whole district.

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