Note 1 — Chapter XI · HIIAKA HAS VARIOUS ADVENTURES—THE SHARK MAKAU-KIU

In their journey they came at length to a place, Maka’u-kiu, where the road seemingly ended abruptly in a precipice with the ocean dashing wildly at its base. The alternative open to their choice was, to seek out some round-about inland way, or to take the shorter route and swim the ocean-made gap. The two women, Wahine-oma’o taking the lead, proposed, as a diversion, to swim the ocean and thus avoid a long and wearisome detour. Hiiaka strenuously vetoed the proposition; but the two women, not yet trained to subordinate their will and judgment to the decision of the leader, persisted. Hiiaka, thereupon, took a stem of the ti plant and, peeling off its rusty bark, left it white and easily visible. “I will throw this stick into the water,” said she, “and if it disappears we will not make of this an au-hula-ana;1 but if it remains in sight, then we will swim across this wild piece of water.”