216 pp. December 1998
paper, ISBN 978-0-8248-1943-9, $21.99
|
Keywords: |
Hawaii
culture
language
history
guide |
|
Kauai: Ancient Place-Names and Their Stories
by Frederick B. Wichman
A Latitude 20 Book
"An eye-opening tour of old-time Kauai ... A great resource and a great read." --Honolulu Advertiser
From the green and fertile lands of Kaua`i Kuapapa (ancient Kaua`i) came the most beautiful chiefesses, the bravest heroes, the strongest warriors, and the fiercest giants. It was a land of dauntless raiders who boldly sailed out to sea while others crept cautiously from island to island. Gods and demi-gods participated in the everyday life of the people, and the places where they lived, fought, and loved were remembered and celebrated. Gathered here for the first time are the delightful stories behind the place-names of ancient Kaua`i.Over a period of almost two thousand years, each ridge, mountain, valley, and stream was named, as were unusual rocks, groves of trees - every corner of the island on which people lived and worked. The names tied people to the land and to places where mauli ola, the sacred essence of life, was to be found. Today these names serve as colorful windows on the past, telling of the rich and wondrous heritage of the people of Kaua`i Kuapapa.
Frederick B. Wichman grew up in Wailua, Kaua`i. He is the author of Kaua`i Tales and Polihale and Other Kaua`i Tales. He often lectures on the stories and place-names of his home island. Today he lives in Ha`ena, a land rich in legends.
|
