The moʻolelo of Kahalaopuna, the Beauty of Mānoa, is well-known for its rainbows and describing the landscape of the valley. However, it has been sanitized over the years; the first published version is far more sinister. But was there a purpose for that? It was first published in 1882, at a time when the Hawaiian Kingdom was being threatened both from within and from outside forces, and Hawaiians were battling to maintain their authority in their own land. This presentation will discuss some of the features of the moʻolelo of Kahalaopuna, and how the story itself is a critique of the social and political landscape in the 1880s. Additionally, much as the story itself does, this presentation will also discuss some of the physical landscape of Mānoa Valley, and also delve into the social and economic landscapes at the time the story was written.  

Please join us for our next Kahaukani Conversations presentation with J. Uluwehi Hopkins on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 5 pm. This presentation will take place over zoom. Please register below and a link will be emailed to you prior to the presentation.